As a cat parent, dealing with diarrhea in your feline friend can be messy and distressing. Our veterinarians in Franklin provide valuable insights into the common causes of diarrhea in cats and when to recognize if the condition is severe.
If your cat is experiencing diarrhea, it's natural to want to determine the cause and help them recover from this unpleasant symptom as soon as possible. Here are some of the most typical reasons why your cat might have diarrhea, and when it's necessary to take them to the vet.
Diarrhea in Cats
It's not uncommon for cats to experience mild cases of diarrhea, which can be caused by various factors such as eating table scraps or switching to a new brand of food. However, there are also more severe health issues that could be causing your cat's diarrhea.
What causes diarrhea in pets?
Here are several typical causes of diarrhea in cats:
- 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 experiences a single episode of diarrhea but is acting normally, it is usually not a cause for concern. However, it is important to keep an eye on your pet's bowel movements to see if the issue resolves. If your cat has two or more episodes of diarrhea in quick succession, it could be a sign of an underlying problem and it's best to seek advice from a veterinarian.
If your pet is straining to pass a stool and only producing small amounts of watery diarrhea, it could be a sign of a serious blockage caused by ingesting a foreign object like a toy. This requires immediate veterinary attention, so it's important to contact your vet or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital.
Recurring diarrhea over a short period of time is concerning, especially for older pets, young animals, or those with a weakened immune system. Some infections can be severe or even life-threatening, so it's crucial to contact your vet promptly if your pet is experiencing repeated bouts of diarrhea.
If your cat is displaying additional symptoms alongside diarrhea, it's important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Contact your vet immediately if your pet has any of the following symptoms 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.