Why Has My Cat Got Diarrhoea: Common Causes and When to Worry

A cat’s digestive system is sensitive. When your feline friend experiences diarrhoea, it’s a clear sign of a cat stomach upset. This can manifest as cat loose stools or even cat watery poop. But why is this happening, and when should you be concerned? This article dives into the common cat diarrhea causes and helps you decide when a trip to the vet is essential.

Why Has My Cat Got Diarrhoea
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Fathoming the Fundamentals of Cat Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea in cats is not a disease itself but a symptom indicating an underlying issue. It’s a change in the normal consistency of your cat’s faeces, often accompanied by increased frequency and urgency. While occasional mild diarrhoea might resolve on its own, persistent or severe cases warrant professional attention. If you observe cat vomiting and diarrhea together, this is a more serious indicator.

Common Contributors to Cat Diarrhoea

Numerous factors can trigger diarrhoea in cats. Pinpointing the exact cause can sometimes be tricky, but here are the most frequent culprits:

H3: Dietary Indiscretions and Changes

Cats are creatures of habit, and sudden changes to their diet are a prime suspect for cat diet change diarrhea. This includes:

Sudden Food Switch: Introducing new cat food too quickly can overwhelm their digestive system. It’s best to transition gradually over 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old.
Dietary Overload: Feeding too much food at once, or giving your cat human food scraps they aren’t accustomed to, can lead to digestive upset. Many human foods are difficult for cats to digest and can even be toxic.
Spoiled Food: While cats have robust digestive systems, consuming spoiled or contaminated food can cause acute diarrhoea. Always check expiration dates and ensure food is stored properly.

H3: Food Intolerances and Allergies

A cat food intolerance diarrhea can occur when a cat’s digestive system reacts negatively to a specific ingredient in their food. This is different from an allergy, which involves an immune system response.

Common Intolerances: Cats can develop intolerances to proteins (like chicken or fish), grains, or even certain additives. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, vomiting, and skin issues.
Allergies: While less common than intolerances, true food allergies can trigger severe reactions. These often present with gastrointestinal signs alongside dermatological issues like itching. Diagnosing these typically involves an elimination diet under veterinary guidance.

H3: Internal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are a significant cause of diarrhoea in cats, particularly in kittens. These tiny organisms live in the digestive tract and can cause significant irritation.

Common Parasites:
- Roundworms: Often contracted from ingesting infected soil or prey.
- Hookworms: Can be passed from the mother to kittens or ingested from contaminated environments.
- Tapeworms: Usually caused by ingesting infected fleas during grooming.
- Giardia and Coccidia: These are single-celled protozoa that can cause severe watery diarrhoea, especially in young or immunocompromised cats. They are often spread through contaminated faeces.

A cat parasite diarrhea can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, lethargy, and a dull coat. Regular deworming is crucial for prevention.

H3: Bacterial Infections

Just like humans, cats can suffer from bacterial infections in their gut. These can cause inflammation and diarrhoea.

Salmonella and E. coli: These bacteria can be ingested through contaminated food or water.
Clostridium: A common inhabitant of the intestinal tract, an overgrowth can lead to diarrhoea.
Campylobacter: Often found in raw meat, this bacteria can cause significant gastrointestinal distress.

A cat bacterial infection diarrhea often requires veterinary treatment, sometimes including antibiotics.

H3: Viral Infections

Certain viruses can also wreak havoc on a cat’s digestive system.

Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper): A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and lethargy, particularly in unvaccinated kittens.
Feline Coronavirus: While most strains are mild and cause no symptoms, some cats can develop Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) if the virus mutates. Mild gastrointestinal signs can be seen with milder strains.

Vaccination is key to protecting cats against preventable viral illnesses.

H3: Stress and Anxiety

Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment. New pets, moving house, loud noises, or even changes in their owner’s routine can induce stress, leading to a cat stomach upset and diarrhoea. This is often referred to as stress colitis.

H3: Medications and Toxins

Antibiotics: While used to treat infections, antibiotics can sometimes disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, leading to diarrhoea.
Other Medications: Various other medications can have diarrhoea as a side effect. Always discuss potential side effects with your veterinarian.
Toxin Ingestion: Accidental ingestion of household cleaners, certain plants, or human medications can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhoea.

H3: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is a chronic condition where the intestinal tract becomes inflamed, impairing nutrient absorption and leading to persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, and weight loss. It is thought to be an immune-mediated disease.

H3: Other Medical Conditions

Several other health issues can manifest as diarrhoea:

Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can speed up metabolism, sometimes causing diarrhoea.
Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can affect the digestive system.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea.
Cancer: Tumours in the digestive tract can cause various gastrointestinal signs.

Deciphering the Signs: What to Look For

Beyond cat loose stools, several other signs can accompany diarrhoea, providing clues about its severity and cause.

Vomiting: The presence of cat vomiting and diarrhea is a strong indicator that your cat is feeling significantly unwell.
Lethargy: A lack of energy or unusual sleepiness can accompany gastrointestinal distress.
Loss of Appetite: Your cat may refuse food or eat significantly less than usual.
Weight Loss: Especially if the diarrhoea is chronic, you might notice your cat losing weight.
Blood in Stool: Bright red blood (haematochezia) can indicate irritation in the lower intestinal tract, while dark, tarry stools (melena) suggest bleeding higher up. Both are serious and require immediate veterinary attention.
Mucus in Stool: An increased amount of clear or white mucus can be a sign of inflammation in the intestines.
Dehydration: Diarrhoea can lead to significant fluid loss. Signs include sunken eyes, dry gums, and reduced skin elasticity.
Abdominal Pain: Your cat may cry out when their belly is touched or adopt a hunched posture.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

While mild, short-lived diarrhoea can sometimes be managed at home, there are clear indicators that you need to consult your veterinarian.

H4: Urgent Veterinary Care Required If:

Your cat is a kitten: Kittens have immature immune systems and can dehydrate very quickly, making diarrhoea particularly dangerous.
Your cat is elderly or has underlying health conditions: Older cats or those with pre-existing illnesses are more vulnerable to complications from diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea is severe or persistent: If diarrhoea lasts for more than 24-48 hours, or if stools are watery and frequent.
There is blood in the stool: Any amount of blood in your cat’s faeces warrants immediate veterinary attention.
Your cat is vomiting: The combination of cat vomiting and diarrhea is a serious symptom.
Your cat shows signs of dehydration: Check for dry gums, lethargic behaviour, or sunken eyes.
Your cat is lethargic or depressed: A significant change in behaviour is a red flag.
You suspect your cat has ingested a toxin: Contact your vet or a pet poison control centre immediately.
Your cat has a known chronic illness: Such as IBD or kidney disease, and their diarrhoea is a flare-up.

H4: When to Consider a Vet Visit (Non-Urgent)

Diarrhoea persists for more than 24 hours.
You notice a change in your cat’s appetite or behaviour.
You have recently made a diet change.
You suspect a mild intolerance.

Diagnosing the Cause: What Your Vet Might Do

When you bring your cat to the veterinarian, they will conduct a thorough examination and may recommend several diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of the diarrhoea:

H5: Physical Examination

The veterinarian will assess your cat’s overall health, check for signs of dehydration, palpate the abdomen for pain or abnormalities, and listen to the heart and lungs.

H5: Faecal Analysis

This is a crucial step in diagnosing cat parasite diarrhea. A sample of your cat’s faeces will be examined under a microscope for the presence of intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia, and coccidia.

H5: Blood Tests

Blood work can reveal information about your cat’s organ function, detect signs of infection or inflammation, and screen for conditions like hyperthyroidism or kidney disease.

H5: Urinalysis

A urine sample can provide additional insights into kidney function and hydration status.

H5: X-rays and Ultrasound

These imaging techniques can help visualise the gastrointestinal tract, identify foreign objects, foreign bodies, tumours, or signs of inflammation.

H5: Dietary Trials

If cat food intolerance diarrhea is suspected, your vet may recommend a strict elimination diet. This involves feeding a novel protein or a hydrolysed protein diet for several weeks to see if symptoms improve.

H5: Bacterial or Viral Testing

In some cases, specific tests may be performed to detect bacterial or viral infections.

Managing and Treating Cat Diarrhoea

The treatment plan will depend entirely on the underlying cause.

H5: Dietary Management

Diet Change: If a cat diet change diarrhea or cat food intolerance diarrhea is identified, your vet will recommend a specific therapeutic diet. These are often highly digestible and formulated to be hypoallergenic.
Bland Diet: For temporary stomach upset, your vet might suggest a bland diet of boiled chicken or turkey (plain, no seasoning) mixed with cooked white rice, or a commercially available veterinary bland diet.

H5: Parasite Treatment

If parasites are detected, your vet will prescribe appropriate deworming medications. It’s vital to administer the full course of treatment as directed.

H5: Antibiotics and Other Medications

For bacterial infections, antibiotics are often prescribed. Probiotics can also be beneficial in restoring the natural balance of gut bacteria. Medications to help firm up stools or reduce inflammation may also be used.

H5: Fluid Therapy

For cats suffering from dehydration due to severe diarrhoea, intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids may be necessary to rehydrate them.

H5: Stress Reduction

If stress is a contributing factor, creating a calm and predictable environment for your cat, providing safe spaces, and using pheromone diffusers might help.

H5: Surgery

In rare cases, such as a foreign body obstruction or severe tumours, surgery may be required.

Home Care Tips for Mild Diarrhoea

For very mild, occasional diarrhoea in an otherwise healthy cat, you might try some home care measures after consulting your veterinarian or if symptoms are very mild and you are monitoring closely.

Withhold Food (Briefly): For 12-24 hours, you can withhold food but never water. This allows the digestive system to rest. This is generally not recommended for kittens or cats with underlying health issues.
Introduce a Bland Diet: After the fasting period, offer small, frequent meals of a bland diet (as described above).
Ensure Plenty of Fresh Water: Dehydration is a major concern. Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water. Consider a pet fountain if your cat prefers running water.
Monitor Closely: Watch for any changes in behaviour, appetite, or stool consistency. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve within 24-48 hours, contact your vet.
Probiotics: Over-the-counter probiotics formulated for cats can sometimes help restore gut health, but discuss this with your vet first.

Table 1: Home Care Monitoring Checklist

Symptom	What to Observe	Action
Stool Consistency	Is it becoming firmer? What is the frequency?	Continue bland diet, monitor closely. If no improvement, call vet.
Appetite	Is your cat eating the bland diet? Showing interest in food?	Offer small, frequent meals. If appetite is low, contact vet.
Energy Levels	Is your cat more playful or still lethargic?	Normal activity is good. Lethargy or extreme weakness warrants vet.
Hydration	Are gums moist? Is skin elasticity normal?	Ensure fresh water is available. Signs of dehydration need vet care.
Vomiting	Has vomiting stopped?	If vomiting persists, contact vet immediately.

Prevention is Key

Preventing diarrhoea is always better than treating it. Here are some ways to keep your cat’s digestive system happy:

Gradual Diet Changes: Always transition to new food slowly over a week to 10 days.
High-Quality Diet: Feed a balanced, high-quality cat food appropriate for your cat’s age and health status.
Regular Deworming: Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for parasite prevention.
Vaccinations: Ensure your cat is up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations.
Minimize Stress: Provide a stable environment and routines for your cat.
Avoid Human Foods: Do not feed your cat table scraps or foods that are known to be toxic to felines.
Secure Garbage: Keep garbage cans securely lidded to prevent your cat from accessing spoiled food or other potentially harmful items.
Pest Control: Prevent your cat from catching and eating rodents, which can carry parasites and diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I give my cat human medicine for diarrhoea?
A: Absolutely not. Many human medications, including anti-diarrhoea drugs like Imodium, can be toxic or even fatal to cats. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any medication.

Q2: My cat has diarrhoea but is still eating and drinking. Is it okay?
A: While it’s good that your cat is still consuming food and water, persistent diarrhoea should still be monitored. Even if they seem otherwise okay, prolonged diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and nutrient imbalances. If it lasts more than 24-48 hours, contact your vet for advice.

Q3: What is cat watery poop?
A: Cat watery poop is another way to describe diarrhoea where the faeces are very loose and liquidy. This indicates a significant issue within the digestive tract, such as infection, inflammation, or severe malabsorption, and warrants prompt veterinary attention.

Q4: How long does cat diet change diarrhea typically last?
A: If the diarrhoea is solely due to a cat diet change diarrhea and the change is managed properly (slow transition), it should resolve within a day or two of returning to the old food or completing the transition. If it persists, another cause should be investigated.

Q5: Is there a difference between cat loose stools and cat watery poop?
A: Yes, while both are forms of diarrhoea, cat loose stools can range from slightly softer faeces to more formed but still mushy stools. Cat watery poop is at the more severe end of the spectrum, indicating very little water absorption in the colon, resulting in a liquid consistency.

Q6: My cat has diarrhoea and is also vomiting. What should I do?
A: The combination of cat vomiting and diarrhea is a serious symptom. It indicates significant gastrointestinal distress and a high risk of dehydration. You should contact your veterinarian immediately for an emergency appointment.

Q7: Can stress cause cat diarrhoea?
A: Yes, stress and anxiety are known to cause cat stomach upset, including diarrhoea. This is often referred to as stress colitis. Changes in environment, routine, or social dynamics can trigger it.

By paying attention to your cat’s behaviour and stool consistency, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can effectively manage and treat diarrhoea, ensuring your feline companion remains healthy and happy.