Cat Diarrhea: What Are the Symptoms?

Diarrhea in cats is characterized by loose to liquid stools. If your cat has diarrhea, you might observe blood, mucus, parasites, or foreign objects in their feces. This article delves into the symptoms of diarrhea in cats, expanding on common causes, treatments, and preventative measures.

Recognizing the Signs of Feline Diarrhea

While a single instance of soft stool might not be cause for alarm, persistent or severe diarrhea warrants closer attention. Here’s a comprehensive look at the symptoms:

Increased Frequency of Bowel Movements: Healthy cats typically defecate once or twice a day. A cat with diarrhea may have bowel movements three or more times a day. This increased frequency is often accompanied by urgency, with the cat rushing to the litter box or even having accidents outside of it.

Changes in Stool Consistency: This is the hallmark of diarrhea. Stool may range from soft and mushy to completely liquid and watery. In severe cases, it can even be projectile.

Increased Stool Volume: A cat with diarrhea will often produce a larger volume of stool than usual. This is because the digestive system isn’t properly absorbing fluids and nutrients, leading to increased waste.

Presence of Blood or Mucus: Observing blood (fresh or digested) or mucus in your cat’s stool is a significant warning sign. Blood can indicate inflammation, irritation, or even ulceration in the digestive tract. Mucus suggests an inflammatory response in the colon. Black, tarry stools is a sign of digested blood which indicates a problem higher up in the digestive system.

Changes in Stool Color: While stool color can vary depending on diet, certain colors can signal potential issues. Bright red blood indicates bleeding in the lower digestive tract (colon or rectum). Dark, tarry stools suggest digested blood, indicating bleeding in the upper digestive tract (stomach or small intestine). Yellow or greenish stools might indicate problems with the liver or gallbladder.

Straining During Defecation: If your cat is straining to pass stool, even if it’s loose, it could be a sign of colitis (inflammation of the colon) or other lower bowel issues.

Accidents Outside the Litter Box: Cats are typically meticulous about their litter box habits. Diarrhea can cause a loss of bowel control, leading to accidents outside the litter box.

Abdominal Discomfort: Diarrhea can be painful. Your cat might exhibit signs of abdominal discomfort such as:

Arched back

Guarding the abdomen (not wanting to be touched)

Vocalization (meowing or groaning) when touched near the abdomen

Restlessness

Loss of appetite

Vomiting: Diarrhea is sometimes accompanied by vomiting, especially if the underlying cause is an infection, toxin, or dietary indiscretion.

Dehydration: Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include:

Sunken eyes

Dry or sticky gums

Skin tenting (gently pinch the skin on the back of the neck; if it doesn’t snap back quickly, the cat is likely dehydrated)

Lethargy

Lethargy and Weakness: Dehydration and nutrient loss can cause lethargy and weakness. Your cat might be less active, sleep more, and show a general lack of energy.

Loss of Appetite: Many cats with diarrhea experience a decreased appetite or even anorexia. This can be due to nausea, abdominal discomfort, or the underlying cause of the diarrhea.

Weight Loss: Chronic diarrhea can lead to weight loss as the body struggles to absorb nutrients.

Fever: In some cases, diarrhea can be accompanied by a fever, especially if it’s caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention

While some cases of mild diarrhea resolve on their own, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention under the following circumstances:

Diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours.

Your cat is very young (kitten) or old.

Your cat has underlying health conditions.

Your cat exhibits signs of lethargy, depression, or pain.

Your cat is vomiting.

The diarrhea is watery, explosive, or persistent.

There is blood in the diarrhea, or the stool is very dark.

Your cat is showing signs of dehydration.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Cats

Diarrhea in cats can stem from various factors, ranging from minor dietary indiscretions to serious underlying medical conditions. Understanding the potential causes can help you work with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

Dietary Indiscretion: This is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in cats. It can include:

Eating spoiled food

Consuming garbage or non-food items (pica)

Sudden changes in diet

Food intolerances or allergies (e.g., lactose intolerance)

Eating excessively fatty foods

Parasites: Various intestinal parasites can cause diarrhea in cats, including:

Roundworms

Hookworms

Whipworms

Giardia

Coccidia

Toxoplasma gondii

Infections: Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can all lead to diarrhea. Common culprits include:

Salmonella

E. coli

Clostridium perfringens

Feline panleukopenia (feline distemper)

Feline coronavirus (which can cause feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Colitis: Colitis, or inflammation of the colon, can lead to diarrhea, straining to defecate, and the presence of mucus or blood in the stool.

Stress: Stress can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea. Common stressors for cats include:

Moving to a new home

Changes in routine

The addition of a new pet or family member

Loud noises or stressful environments

Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the gut flora and cause diarrhea.

Toxins: Ingesting toxins can irritate the digestive tract and cause diarrhea.

Hyperthyroidism: This endocrine disorder, common in older cats, can sometimes cause diarrhea.

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can disrupt digestion and lead to diarrhea.

Kidney Disease: Advanced kidney disease can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea.

Liver Disease: Similar to kidney disease, liver disease can also affect digestion and contribute to diarrhea.

Cancer: In rare cases, tumors in the digestive tract can cause diarrhea.

Treatment Options for Cat Diarrhea

The treatment for cat diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian may recommend the following:

Fecal Examination: To check for parasites.

Blood Tests: To assess overall health and rule out underlying medical conditions.

Dietary Changes: Switching to a bland, easily digestible diet can help rest the digestive tract. Common options include boiled chicken and rice or commercially available prescription diets formulated for gastrointestinal issues. Probiotics can help restore a healthy gut flora.

Medications:

Deworming medications: To eliminate parasites.

Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infections.

Anti-diarrheal medications: To reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea.

Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

Fluid therapy: To rehydrate the cat. In severe cases, this may require intravenous fluids.

Hospitalization: In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intensive care and monitoring.

Prevention is Key

While it’s impossible to prevent all cases of diarrhea, there are steps you can take to reduce your cat’s risk:

Feed a high-quality, balanced diet.

Avoid sudden changes in diet.

Keep garbage and other potential toxins out of reach.

Regularly deworm your cat.

Minimize stress in your cat’s environment.

Ensure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Schedule regular veterinary checkups.

By being vigilant and proactive, you can help keep your cat’s digestive system healthy and prevent episodes of diarrhea. Remember, early detection and prompt veterinary care are crucial for ensuring a positive outcome.