Why Is My Cat Pooping Diarrhea: Causes & Solutions

by

When your cat is pooping diarrhea, it’s a sign something isn’t right. Diarrhea in cats, also known as loose stools or watery poop, can stem from various issues ranging from dietary indiscretions to serious underlying health problems. Identifying the cause is crucial for providing the correct treatment and ensuring your feline friend’s comfort and well-being.

Common Reasons for Cat Diarrhea

Many factors can lead to diarrhea in cats. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent culprits:

Dietary Factors

What goes into your cat’s body directly impacts its digestive system. Changes in diet, even seemingly small ones, can trigger digestive upset.

Sudden Food Changes

Switching your cat’s food abruptly can shock their system. Their digestive tract needs time to adjust to new ingredients and nutrient profiles. This is a very common cause of cat loose stools, especially in younger cats.

  • How it happens: When you introduce a new food, it might contain ingredients your cat isn’t used to. This can lead to a rapid transit of food through the intestines, resulting in watery poop.
  • Solution: Transition to new foods gradually over a week to ten days. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old, slowly increasing the new food and decreasing the old.

Food Intolerances and Allergies

Like humans, cats can develop sensitivities or allergies to certain food components, most commonly proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. This can manifest as cat diarrhea and vomiting.

  • Symptoms: Besides diarrhea, look for skin issues like itching, hair loss, or ear infections.
  • Diagnosis: A veterinary elimination diet is the best way to diagnose food allergies. This involves feeding a novel protein or hydrolyzed protein diet for several weeks to see if symptoms improve.

Ingesting Non-Food Items

Cats are curious creatures and may sometimes eat things they shouldn’t, such as string, plants, or small toys. These foreign objects can irritate the intestinal lining or even cause blockages, leading to cat intestinal issues and diarrhea.

  • Risks: Ingested string or linear foreign material can be particularly dangerous as it can cause “plicating” of the intestines, leading to severe damage.
  • What to watch for: Vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal pain often accompany the diarrhea in these cases.

Spoiled Food

Eating old or spoiled food is a direct route to bacterial or fungal infections, which can cause acute diarrhea and stomach upset.

  • Prevention: Always store cat food properly and discard any food that has been left out for too long, especially in warm weather. Check expiration dates on canned food.

Infections and Parasites

The gastrointestinal tract is a common site for infections and parasitic infestations that can cause significant digestive disturbances.

Bacterial Infections

Certain bacteria can overgrow in the intestines or be ingested from contaminated sources, leading to inflammation and diarrhea.

  • Common culprits: Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium are examples of bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
  • Symptoms: Foul-smelling diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and sometimes fever.

Viral Infections

Viruses can directly attack the intestinal lining, impairing nutrient absorption and causing diarrhea.

  • Examples: Feline panleukopenia (distemper) is a severe viral disease that can cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and is often fatal in unvaccinated kittens. Feline coronavirus can also cause gastrointestinal upset.
  • Prevention: Vaccination is crucial for preventing many viral diseases.

Parasites

Intestinal parasites are a very common cause of diarrhea, especially in kittens and outdoor cats.

  • Common parasites:
    • Roundworms: Large, white, spaghetti-like worms. Can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and a pot-bellied appearance.
    • Hookworms: Small, thin worms that attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood. Can cause anemia and dark, tarry stools.
    • Tapeworms: Segmented worms that appear as rice-like pieces in feces or around the anus. Usually don’t cause severe diarrhea but can lead to weight loss.
    • Giardia and Coccidia: Microscopic parasites that infect the small intestine and cause watery diarrhea, often with mucus or blood. These are particularly common in young or immunocompromised cats.
  • Diagnosis: Regular fecal examinations by your veterinarian are essential to detect parasitic infections.
  • Treatment: Deworming medication prescribed by your vet is typically very effective.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Other Chronic Conditions

For some cats, diarrhea is not a temporary issue but a symptom of a chronic condition affecting their digestive tract.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is a condition where the gastrointestinal tract becomes chronically inflamed. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s thought to be an immune-mediated response.

  • Manifestations: IBD can cause intermittent or chronic diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and changes in appetite.
  • Diagnosis: Diagnosis often involves ruling out other causes and may require intestinal biopsies.
  • Management: Treatment typically involves dietary changes, medications like steroids or immunosuppressants, and sometimes probiotics.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas can affect digestion and lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

  • Link to IBD: Pancreatitis and IBD often occur together in cats.
  • Treatment: Management focuses on supportive care, pain management, and dietary changes.

Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid gland can speed up the cat’s metabolism, sometimes leading to increased appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea.

  • Other signs: Increased thirst, hyperactivity, and a poor coat can also be present.
  • Diagnosis and Treatment: Blood tests diagnose hyperthyroidism, and treatment options include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.

Kidney Disease and Liver Disease

Chronic organ issues can indirectly affect the digestive system, leading to cat diarrhea and other symptoms.

  • Kidney disease: Can cause nausea and loss of appetite, sometimes leading to diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Liver disease: Can impact nutrient processing and detoxification, potentially causing digestive upset.

Stress and Anxiety

Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment and routine. Stress can manifest physically, including causing digestive upset and diarrhea.

  • Causes of stress: Moving to a new home, the introduction of a new pet or person, changes in the household routine, or even loud noises can stress a cat.
  • Symptoms: Besides diarrhea, look for behavioral changes like hiding, excessive grooming, or vocalization.
  • Management: Creating a stable and predictable environment, providing ample hiding places, using Feliway diffusers, and ensuring adequate playtime can help reduce stress.

Medications and Toxins

Certain medications and ingested toxins can disrupt the feline digestive system.

Antibiotics

While designed to kill harmful bacteria, antibiotics can also disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea.

  • Probiotics: Your vet may recommend giving probiotics alongside antibiotics to help maintain gut flora.

Other Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications can have gastrointestinal side effects.

  • Always consult your vet: Never give your cat human medications without explicit veterinary direction.

Toxins

Accidental ingestion of toxic substances, such as certain plants, household cleaners, or rodenticides, can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea and vomiting.

  • Emergency: If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxin, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

Recognizing Abnormal Cat Stool

The appearance of your cat’s stool can tell you a lot about their digestive health. Here’s what to look for when your cat is pooping diarrhea:

Stool Characteristic Potential Cause Action to Take
Watery Viral infection, severe bacterial infection, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism Seek veterinary attention immediately.
Loose/Soft Dietary change, food intolerance, mild infection, parasites Monitor for improvement; consult vet if persistent.
Mucoid Irritation of the colon, inflammatory bowel disease, stress Consult your veterinarian.
Bloody (Bright Red) Lower intestinal bleeding, irritation, infection, parasites Seek veterinary attention immediately.
Bloody (Dark/Tarry) Upper intestinal bleeding, ulcers, medication side effect Seek veterinary attention immediately (emergency).
Unformed General digestive upset, dietary indiscretion Try a bland diet; consult vet if no improvement.
Containing Worms Intestinal parasites Consult your veterinarian for deworming medication.

What to Do When Your Cat Has Diarrhea

Dealing with cat diarrhea requires a systematic approach. Here’s a guide to helping your feline companion:

1. Observe and Document

Before rushing to the vet, take note of the details:

  • Frequency: How often is your cat having diarrhea?
  • Consistency: Is it watery, soft, or mucoid?
  • Color: What color is the stool? Is there blood or mucus?
  • Other symptoms: Is your cat also vomiting diarrhea, lethargic, or not eating?
  • Recent changes: Any new food, treats, or environmental stressors?

This information will be invaluable to your veterinarian.

2. Contact Your Veterinarian

This is the most crucial step. Diarrhea can be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Your vet can perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

  • Diagnostic Tests:
    • Fecal Examination: To check for parasites, bacteria, and other microscopic organisms.
    • Blood Tests: To assess organ function (kidney, liver), check for infections, and evaluate overall health.
    • X-rays or Ultrasound: To look for foreign objects, tumors, or signs of inflammation in the intestinal tract.
    • Dietary Trials: If food allergies are suspected.

3. Dietary Management at Home (Under Veterinary Guidance)

Once you’ve consulted your vet, they might recommend temporary dietary changes.

Bland Diet

A bland diet is often recommended to soothe an upset stomach and allow the digestive system to rest. This typically consists of easily digestible foods.

  • Common ingredients:
    • Boiled, plain chicken breast (no skin or bones): Shredded finely.
    • Plain cooked white rice: Well-cooked and soft.
  • How to prepare: Mix equal parts boiled chicken and rice.
  • Feeding: Offer small, frequent meals.
  • Duration: Usually for 2-3 days. Once stools normalize, gradually reintroduce your cat’s regular food.

Probiotics

Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut, helping to restore balance, especially after antibiotic use or during periods of digestive upset.

  • Veterinary-approved options: Ask your vet for a recommendation. Human probiotics may not be suitable for cats.

4. Hydration is Key

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially if vomiting is also present. Ensure your cat has constant access to fresh, clean water.

  • Encouraging water intake:
    • Use multiple water bowls.
    • Try a pet drinking fountain, as many cats prefer moving water.
    • Add a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth (ensure no onion or garlic) to their water.

5. Medications and Treatments

Your veterinarian may prescribe various treatments based on the diagnosis:

  • Dewormers: If parasites are identified.
  • Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.
  • Anti-inflammatories or Immunosuppressants: For IBD or other inflammatory conditions.
  • Prokinetics: To help regulate gut motility.
  • Antidiarrheal medications: Used cautiously and only under veterinary supervision, as they can sometimes mask symptoms or be harmful in certain conditions.

Kitten Diarrhea: Special Considerations

Kittens are particularly vulnerable to diarrhea. Their developing immune systems and less robust digestive tracts mean they can become seriously ill very quickly.

  • Common causes in kittens:
    • Parasites: Very prevalent.
    • Viral infections: Panleukopenia, Feline Coronavirus.
    • Dietary indiscretion: Young kittens are curious explorers.
    • Weaning stress: Transitioning from mother’s milk can be difficult.
    • Bacterial infections.
  • Urgency: Any kitten experiencing diarrhea, especially if accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, or lack of appetite, requires immediate veterinary attention. Dehydration can be fatal for kittens within 24-48 hours.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

Don’t delay seeking professional help. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:

  • Severe diarrhea: Watery, frequent stools.
  • Blood in the stool: Either bright red or dark and tarry.
  • Vomiting diarrhea: A combination of vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Lethargy or weakness: Your cat is unusually tired or unresponsive.
  • Loss of appetite: Your cat refuses to eat.
  • Signs of pain: Hunching, crying out, or reluctance to be touched.
  • Dehydration: Sunken eyes, dry gums, or a visible “tenting” of the skin when gently pulled up.
  • Kittens or elderly cats: They are more susceptible to complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I give my cat human anti-diarrhea medicine?

No, never give your cat human anti-diarrhea medication without explicit veterinary direction. Many human medications are toxic to cats, and even those that aren’t can cause serious side effects or mask underlying problems.

How long does cat diarrhea usually last?

The duration of diarrhea varies greatly depending on the cause. Mild, diet-related diarrhea might resolve within 24-48 hours with a bland diet. However, diarrhea caused by infections, parasites, or chronic conditions can persist for days, weeks, or recur if not properly treated.

Is cat diarrhea contagious?

Some causes of cat diarrhea, particularly parasitic and bacterial infections, are contagious to other cats. Certain viral infections can also be spread. It’s important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands after handling your cat or their litter box, and to isolate sick cats from healthy ones.

Can stress cause my cat to have diarrhea?

Yes, stress and anxiety are well-known triggers for digestive upset in cats, often leading to diarrhea. Changes in environment, routine, or social dynamics can all contribute to stress.

What is the best food for a cat with diarrhea?

A veterinary-recommended bland diet, typically consisting of easily digestible protein like boiled chicken and a carbohydrate like white rice, is often the first line of dietary management. Your veterinarian will advise on the best long-term diet based on the diagnosis.

My cat has diarrhea and is also vomiting. Should I be worried?

Yes, the combination of vomiting and diarrhea is a serious concern. It can indicate a more severe gastrointestinal issue, potential dehydration, or even an obstruction. You should contact your veterinarian immediately.

What are the signs of cat intestinal issues besides diarrhea?

Other signs of cat intestinal issues can include vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain or bloating, straining to defecate, lethargy, and changes in grooming habits.

How can I prevent diarrhea in my cat?

  • Gradual diet changes: Transition new foods slowly.
  • High-quality diet: Feed a balanced, age-appropriate food.
  • Parasite prevention: Keep up with regular deworming and flea/tick treatments.
  • Vaccinations: Ensure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations.
  • Avoid toxins: Keep household cleaners, toxic plants, and medications out of reach.
  • Stress reduction: Provide a stable and enriching environment.
  • Regular vet check-ups: Early detection of problems.

When you notice your cat has diarrhea, remember that prompt veterinary consultation is the most effective way to diagnose the cause and restore your feline friend to good health.