One of the messiest and most distressing symptoms that cat parents must deal with is a cat's diarrhea. Our Oak Grove vets discuss what to do if your cat has diarrhea in today's post.
If your cat has diarrhea you are bound to want to know why and how to stop it fast. Below are some reasons why cats suffer from diarrhea and when it's time to head to the vet.
Cats & Diarrhea
Mild bouts of diarrhea are common in both our canine and feline companions. They can be caused by mild intestinal distress caused by your cat eating a small amount of something that doesn't agree with them, such as table scraps, or simply by switching to a new brand or flavor of food.
That said, there are also a number of more serious health issues that could lead to your cat suffering from diarrhea.
What causes diarrhea in cats?
Below are some of the most common reasons for cat or diarrhea:
- Stress or anxiety
- Change in diet or treats
- Eating garbage or spoiled food
- Ingestion of foreign objects such as toys, bones, and fabric
- Ingesting toxins or poisons
- Viral infection
- Parasites
- Bacterial infections
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colitis
- Liver or kidney disease
- Intestinal cancer
- Medications such as antibiotics
But how do you know whether your cat's diarrhea requires a visit to the vet?
When to contact your vet about diarrhea in cats?
If your cat has a single episode of diarrhea and is otherwise acting normal, it is likely not a cause for concern. Monitor your cat's bowel movements to see if things clear up. More than 2 episodes could indicate a problem, so it's a good idea to contact your vet if your animal companion has two or more bouts of diarrhea.
If your cat appears to be straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, it 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.
Repeated bouts of diarrhea over a short period of time could indicate a serious health problem, especially if your cat is elderly, young, or has a weakened immune system. A variety of infections can be extremely dangerous, contagious, or even fatal. If your cat has diarrhea on a regular basis, see your veterinarian right away.
s and cats that are showing other symptoms, as well as diarrhea, should also be seen by a vet as soon as possible. If your cat has any of the following symptoms contact your vet right away to make an appointment:
- Blood in stool
- Unusual drooling
- Vomiting
- Lack of Appetite
- Weakness
- Signs of dehydration (Sunken dry-looking eyes, dry nose, or dry, sticky gums)
If your cat is displaying any symptoms that cause you concern, contact your veterinarian. Your vet will let you know whether your cat's symptoms indicate that an examination is necessary.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding cats. For an accurate diagnosis of your cat's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.