As a cat parent, dealing with diarrhea in your feline friend can be a messy and distressing experience. Our veterinary in North Providence are here to provide insight into the common causes of this condition in cats and when it warrants serious attention.
If your cat is experiencing diarrhea, it is important to identify the cause and assist them in recovering as soon as possible. Here are some common reasons why cats develop diarrhea, and when it is necessary to seek veterinary attention.
Diarrhea in Cats
It's not uncommon for cats to experience mild diarrhea due to various reasons such as consuming table scraps or switching to a different brand of food. However, it's important to note that there are also several severe health conditions that might be causing your cat's discomfort.
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 experiences a single episode of diarrhea but is otherwise behaving normally, it's probably not a cause for concern. However, it's important to keep an eye on their bowel movements to see if the problem clears up. If your cat has more than two episodes of diarrhea in a short period of time, it could be an indication of an issue, so it's generally a good idea to contact your veterinarian if this happens.
If your pet appears to be struggling to pass stool and is only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, it could be a sign of a painful blockage caused by the ingestion of a foreign object, such as a toy. This is a serious concern and requires urgent veterinary attention. You should contact your vet immediately or go to the nearest emergency animal hospital for care.
Recurring diarrhea over a short period of time is usually a cause for concern and might even be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue. This is especially true if your pet is very young, very old, or has a compromised immune system. Some of these infections can be quite severe, contagious, or even life-threatening. If your pet is experiencing repeated bouts of diarrhea, you should contact your vet right away.
Cats showing other symptoms in addition to diarrhea should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. If your pet has any of the following symptoms, you should contact your vet right away 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 neccesary.
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.