Cat Diarrhea But Acting Normal: What’s Going On?

A seemingly healthy cat experiencing diarrhea can be perplexing and concerning for any pet owner. It’s crucial to understand the potential reasons behind this scenario, even when your feline friend appears otherwise fine. While a vet visit is always recommended for persistent or severe cases, let’s explore some common causes of diarrhea in cats with good energy levels, and how to approach each situation.

Dietary Indiscretions and Sensitivities

One of the most frequent culprits behind diarrhea in cats that are otherwise energetic is related to their diet. Cats are known for their curious palates, and sometimes that curiosity leads them to ingest things they shouldn’t.

Spoiled or Inappropriate Food: Has your cat managed to sneak a bite of something that’s expired, spoiled, or simply not meant for them? This can include human food, especially those high in fat or dairy, which can cause digestive upset. Similarly, access to garbage cans could expose them to bacteria and toxins.

Sudden Dietary Changes: A rapid switch in cat food can wreak havoc on their digestive system. Cats need time to adjust to new ingredients. Always transition gradually, mixing the new food with the old over a period of 7-10 days.

Food Allergies or Intolerances: Like humans, cats can develop allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food. Common allergens include beef, chicken, fish, dairy, and grains.

What to do:

Withhold Food (but not water): Give your cat’s digestive system a break by withholding food for 12-24 hours. Ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration.

Introduce a Bland Diet: After the fasting period, offer a bland, easily digestible diet like plain boiled chicken or white fish (boneless, skinless) mixed with cooked white rice.

Probiotics: Consider adding a pet-specific probiotic to their food. Probiotics help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.

Slow Reintroduction of Regular Food: Gradually reintroduce their regular food over a few days, monitoring their stool for any changes.

Consider a Food Elimination Trial: If the diarrhea persists, talk to your vet about a food elimination trial to identify potential allergens.

Stress and Environmental Changes

Cats are creatures of habit, and even minor changes in their environment can trigger stress responses.

New Home or Roommates: Moving to a new house, introducing a new pet or family member, or even rearranging furniture can cause anxiety in cats, leading to stress-related diarrhea.

Loud Noises or Disruptions: Construction, thunderstorms, or parties can also upset a cat’s delicate equilibrium.

Vet Visits or Grooming: Even a trip to the vet for a routine check-up or grooming session can be stressful for some cats.

What to do:

Provide a Safe and Secure Environment: Make sure your cat has a safe and quiet space where they can retreat when feeling stressed. This could be a cozy bed, a cat tree, or a covered carrier.

Use Pheromone Diffusers or Sprays: Feliway is a synthetic feline pheromone that can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats. Diffusers and sprays are available.

Minimize Changes: Try to keep your cat’s routine as consistent as possible, especially during times of change.

Positive Reinforcement: Offer plenty of positive reinforcement like petting, playtime, and treats when your cat is exhibiting calm behavior.

Parasites

Internal parasites are a common cause of diarrhea in cats, especially in kittens and outdoor cats.

Roundworms, Hookworms, and Whipworms: These parasites live in the intestines and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance.

Giardia and Coccidia: These microscopic parasites can cause watery diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal discomfort.

What to do:

Fecal Examination: A fecal examination by your veterinarian is the best way to diagnose parasitic infections.

Deworming Medication: Your vet will prescribe the appropriate deworming medication to eliminate the parasites.

Preventative Measures: Regularly deworm your cat according to your veterinarian’s recommendations. Use monthly flea and tick preventatives that also protect against certain internal parasites.

Hygiene: Practice good hygiene by cleaning the litter box daily and washing your hands thoroughly after handling your cat.

Mild Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. While severe cases can cause lethargy and vomiting, mild cases may only present as diarrhea with a normal appetite and energy level.

Bacterial or Viral Infections: Mild bacterial or viral infections can cause temporary digestive upset.

Indigestion: Sometimes, simply eating too much or too quickly can lead to indigestion and diarrhea.

What to do:

Monitor Closely: Observe your cat for any other symptoms, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy.

Bland Diet and Probiotics: As with dietary indiscretions, a bland diet and probiotics can help soothe the digestive system.

Veterinary Consultation: If the diarrhea persists for more than 24-48 hours, or if you notice any other symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

When to Worry and Seek Veterinary Care

While diarrhea in cats with good energy levels can often be managed at home, it’s essential to know when to seek professional help. Consult your veterinarian immediately if:

The diarrhea is severe or bloody.

Your cat is also vomiting.

Your cat is lethargic or weak.

Your cat has a fever.

Your cat is dehydrated (signs include sunken eyes, dry gums, and skin tenting).

The diarrhea persists for more than 24-48 hours.

Your cat is a kitten or senior cat, as they are more vulnerable to complications from diarrhea.

A veterinarian can perform a thorough examination, run diagnostic tests, and determine the underlying cause of the diarrhea. They can then recommend the appropriate treatment plan, which may include medication, fluids, or dietary changes.

Remember, being proactive and observant of your cat’s health is key to ensuring their well-being. While diarrhea with a seemingly normal energy level might not always be a cause for immediate alarm, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns. They are the best resource for providing personalized advice and ensuring your feline friend gets the care they need.