Discovering diarrhea in your cat can be both messy and worrying for any pet owner. In this blog, our Jackson vets discuss the common causes of diarrhea in cats and when to know when this condition becomes serious.
If your cat has diarrhea, you'll want to find out why and help them get better as soon as possible. Here are some common reasons for cat diarrhea and when to take them to the vet.
Diarrhea in Cats
If your cat has diarrhea, you'll want to find out why and help them get better as soon as possible. Here are some common reasons for cat diarrhea and when to take them to the vet.
With that being said, there are also a number of more serious health conditions that may be contributing to your cat suffering from diarrhea.
What causes diarrhea in pets?
Below are some of the most common reasons for cat diarrhea:
- Colitis
- Parasites
- Viral infection
- Stress or anxiety
- Intestinal cancer
- Change in diet or treats
- Eating garbage or spoiled food
- Ingesting toxins or poisons
- Liver or kidney disease
- Bacterial infections
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Medications such as antibiotics
- Ingestion of foreign objects such as toys and fabric
However, how do you know whether or not your cat's diarrhea will require a visit to your veterinarian? When is it serious enough to warrant medical attention?
When to contact your vet about diarrhea in cats?
If your pet has occasional diarrhea but is acting normally, it's probably not a big concern. Just keep an eye on their poop to make sure it gets better. However, if your cat has more than two episodes of diarrhea in a short time, it's a good idea to get in touch with your vet.
If your pet appears to be straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, they could be experiencing a painful blockage due to the ingestion of a foreign object such as a toy. This is a very serious concern and needs urgent veterinary attention. Contact your vet right away or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital for care.
Recurring diarrhea over a short period of time is likely a cause for concern and may even be a sign of a much more serious underlying health issue. This is particularly true if your pet is very old, very young, or has a compromised immune system. A number of these infections can be quite serious, contagious, or even life-threatening. Contact your vet right away if your pet is experiencing repeated bouts of diarrhea.
Also, if your cat shows other symptoms along with diarrhea, reach out to your vet as soon as possible to schedule an appointment:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Blood in stool
- Unusual drooling
- Lack of Appetite
- Signs of dehydration (Sunken, dry-looking eyes, dry nose, or dry, sticky gums)
If your cat is showing symptoms that are causing you concern, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will let you know whether or not your cat's symptoms indicate that examination and treatment are necessary.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.