What are the symptoms of diarrhea in cats?
Your cat is vomiting, lethargic, depressed, in pain, or has any other worrisome symptoms. The diarrhea is profuse, watery, explosive, or very frequent. The diarrhea contains blood or is dark and tarry. Once you’ve determined that your cat is a candidate for home treatment, you have to choose which type of treatment you want to try.
What kind of medicine can I give my Cat for diarrhea?
Metronidazole is often used for cats with diarrhea and other intestinal problems. The brand name for metronidazole for cats is Flagyl. This medicine can be administered orally.
Is it OK to withhold food from cats with diarrhea?
There is no need to withhold food from cats who have diarrhea. In fact, doing so can hinder the intestinal tract’s ability to heal itself and put cats at risk for a potentially fatal type of liver disease called hepatic lipidosis. It is best to simplify your cat’s diet, however.
Is it bad to give Imodium to cats with diarrhea?
It’s a bad idea to give Imodium to cats. Diarrhea is a way of eliminating toxins from the system. Giving something that shuts the gut down means the cat retains the bacteria or toxins within the intestine that are better gotten rid of.
Diarrhea may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as your cat not eating or vomiting bile. Dehydration and depression can also accompany cat diarrhea. Here’s some information about the causes and treatment of feline diarrhea.
Where can I take my Cat for vomiting?
Cats are routinely brought to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, he notes, with frequent bouts of vomiting as their owners’ primary concern. “We see these cats all the time,” says Dr. Goldstein. “They can be young or old and of any breed.”
Are there any natural treatments for mucoid diarrhea in cats?
In addition to its antibacterial properties, tylosin appears to have some immunomodulatory effects, making it a possible adjunctive treatment for IBD. Campylobacter species have been associated with mucoid diarrhea in young cats.
Is it normal for a cat to vomit on a rug?
Even the healthiest cat is apt to vomit now and then. In many cases, there’s nothing to be concerned about—except the cost and effort required to clean up the resulting stain on, say, a brand-new oriental rug.
What does it mean when a cat has a heart murmur?
A louder murmur indicates more turbulence, and the loudest is audible in multiple places on the cat. A softer murmur may only be detectable in one place. It’s important to know, however, that the grade of the heart murmur does not indicate the severity of the condition.
When to seek veterinary care for a cat with diarrhea?
If the diarrhea persists for longer than a day or two and the cat is also showing systemic signs, such as poor appetite, lethargy, or vomiting, you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Cats are routinely brought to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, he notes, with frequent bouts of vomiting as their owners’ primary concern. “We see these cats all the time,” says Dr. Goldstein. “They can be young or old and of any breed.”
What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure in cats?
Too often, HCM and congestive heart failure are in the late stages by the time our feline friends finally start showing the clinical signs. The two most significant symptoms of heart problems in cats are troubled breathing and difficulty walking, particularly weakness or paralysis of the hind legs.
Along with having unhealthy-looking stools (usually loose or watery in appearance), cats with diarrhea may have the following symptoms: Mucus or blood in the stool Worms in the stool
What to do if your kitten has diarrhea but not vomiting?
So when your kitten has diarrhea but acts normal, check him for parasites. Changing food habits: If you try to introduce the new food in your cat’s diet too quickly, it may lead to diarrhea. Moreover, this fast new food introduction may not only cause cat soft stool but also may have additional signs like vomiting and loss of appetite.
Is it normal for a cat to have loose stool?
However, such a sensitive issue can have more severe consequences for cats than for humans. So, when you’re cleaning your feline’s litter box and suddenly notice that your cat has loose stool, of course, there’s no reason to panic, but there’s a serious reason to keep a close eye on your favorite.
Can A Lactose Intolerant Cat have diarrhea?
Mild dietary indiscretion can also cause cat diarrhea. As a child I owned a cat who was lactose-intolerant; on the few occasions I tried to create a Norman Rockwell-esque scene by offering her a saucer of milk (you should never give cow’s milk to a cat! ), she created a very non-Rockwell-esque scene in the litter box.
Along with having unhealthy-looking stools (usually loose or watery in appearance), cats with diarrhea may have the following symptoms: Mucus or blood in the stool Worms in the stool
So when your kitten has diarrhea but acts normal, check him for parasites. Changing food habits: If you try to introduce the new food in your cat’s diet too quickly, it may lead to diarrhea. Moreover, this fast new food introduction may not only cause cat soft stool but also may have additional signs like vomiting and loss of appetite.
There is no need to withhold food from cats who have diarrhea. In fact, doing so can hinder the intestinal tract’s ability to heal itself and put cats at risk for a potentially fatal type of liver disease called hepatic lipidosis. It is best to simplify your cat’s diet, however.
However, such a sensitive issue can have more severe consequences for cats than for humans. So, when you’re cleaning your feline’s litter box and suddenly notice that your cat has loose stool, of course, there’s no reason to panic, but there’s a serious reason to keep a close eye on your favorite.
What should I do if my kitten is dewormed?
Give treatments to kittens at their young ages. Don’t let your cat to go outside without your supervision. Provide your monthly cat worm preventive medication as consulted with the vet. Keep an eye on your cat so that you can identify the symptoms and deworm your cat in a timely manner. Clean your cat’s litter box daily.
What are the symptoms of worm infestation in cats?
Depending on the severity of the infestation, blood may sometimes be passed with the stool. Other common symptoms include appetite changes, weight loss, dry coat, vomiting (sometimes with worms in the vomit), and malaise. Not all parasite infestations cause these symptoms.
Give treatments to kittens at their young ages. Don’t let your cat to go outside without your supervision. Provide your monthly cat worm preventive medication as consulted with the vet. Keep an eye on your cat so that you can identify the symptoms and deworm your cat in a timely manner. Clean your cat’s litter box daily.
Why does my cat get diarrhea from milk?
Cats don’t have the enzymes necessary to break down the milk sugars found in cow’s milk. Feeding cats the milk of other animals puts them at a high risk of developing secondary GI issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
Cats don’t have the enzymes necessary to break down the milk sugars found in cow’s milk. Feeding cats the milk of other animals puts them at a high risk of developing secondary GI issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
Why does my cat throw up all the time?
Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common concerns that cause a cat owner to seek veterinary advice. Causes for your cat’s illness may be as simple as a hairball or an upset stomach from something she ate. These cases of vomiting and diarrhea may easily resolve at home with supportive treatments.
What’s the best medicine for diarrhea in cats?
Metronidazole (brand name Flagyl®) and tylosin (brand name Tylan®) are commonly prescribed anti-diarrheal agents that decrease the intestinal inflammation that often leads to diarrhea. Dewormers commonly used include Profender®, Panacur®, and Drontal®.
Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common concerns that cause a cat owner to seek veterinary advice. Causes for your cat’s illness may be as simple as a hairball or an upset stomach from something she ate. These cases of vomiting and diarrhea may easily resolve at home with supportive treatments.
Metronidazole (brand name Flagyl®) and tylosin (brand name Tylan®) are commonly prescribed anti-diarrheal agents that decrease the intestinal inflammation that often leads to diarrhea. Dewormers commonly used include Profender®, Panacur®, and Drontal®.
Why does my cat have mucus in her stool?
What Causes Mucus in Stool? You should not be very concerned if you see a small amount of mucus in your pet’s stool. Cat stool normally contains some mucus — a slime-like substance made by the intestines to keep the lining of the colon lubricated and moist.
Why does my cat have blood in her stool?
This blood will often appear as dark flecks, specks, or coffee grounds. It’s important to note that both constipation and diarrhea can cause blood in the stool of cats. Bright red blood without either diarrhea or hard, dry stools generally indicates the problem is closer to the rectum and anus. What about mucus in poop? Slimy. Slippery. Yucky.
Why does my cat constantly have diarrhea?
General Causes. Numerous things can lead to constant diarrhea in your cat. These are infections, inflammations, dietary intolerance or allergies, cancers or partial obstruction of the bowel.
What should you give a cat with diarrhea?
What to feed a cat with diarrhea Shredded boneless boiled chicken , cooked without salt or other seasoning. Boiled rice and rice water, cooked without salt. In the market there are special commercial food for cats with diarrhea which is also a good solution if you do not want the cat to try another type of
What causes diarrhea in cat?
Common Causes of Cat Diarrhea. There are many things that can cause diarrhea in cats. The most common causes include the following[1]: Food intolerance. A change in diet. An allergic reaction. Parasites (e.g. roundworm) Cancer of the digestive tract.
Why do cats get bloody diarrhea?
Possible Causes of Blood Diarrhea in Cats. Many diseases, conditions, infections or situations can lead to blood diarrhea in cats. Some of the possible causes include: Parasites. Bacteria. Food allergy or intolerance.
Why does milk cause diarrhea in kittens?
Cow’s milk is a prime cause of kitten diarrhea because kittens can’t digest it. “Milk is probably the most common thing that people give to kittens that causes diarrhea. Everyone thinks that’s what they need, but it’s not. It will affect them very quickly,” says Dr. Mears. So nix the milk!
You can find many references to administering kaopectate or Peptobismal® and even Imodium® to your cat for diarrhea. Peptobismal is NOT recommended for use in cats, and determining dosages for the other products can be tricky. So ask what your veterinarian recommends. [Editor’s Note: Never assume human medications are safe for cats.]
Why is my kitten getting diarrhea?
Causes of Kitten Diarrhea. A kitten can develop diarrhea for several reasons. Diarrhea can be a side effect of a medication or inoculation. Intestinal parasites and various illnesses can also cause abnormal bowel movements.
What should I give a kitten with diarrhea?
Keep your cat comfortable, with access to a clean litter box and fresh water. If his diarrhea is mild, or you know he’s eaten something that prompted it (including “people food”), you can offer him a bland diet, such as white rice with plain boiled chicken or boiled hamburger meat (no salt or pepper on his food, please).
What is the best home remedy for diarrhea in kittens?
A kitten with diarrhea should be fed bland foods like plain yogurt or rice with cooked ground beef. Grapefruit seed extract (a few drops in the food) or a bit of fiber supplements can also help a kitten overcome his stomach problems.
Can a cat with hyperthyroidism have diarrhea?
A cat that is afflicted with hyperthyroidism can present with small intestinal diarrhea. If you notice your cat showing discomfort in the litter pan, always take a moment to determine whether urine or feces are still being produced. A urinary blockage can be life-threatening in male cats.
Why does my cat have diarrhea?
Practically speaking, there are a number of causes of cat diarrhea. Sometimes, cat diarrhea may be a relatively minor problem such as a mild reaction to a diet change. Mild dietary indiscretion can also cause cat diarrhea.
How do you treat a kitten with diarrhea?
What causes kitten diarrhea?
Do you have to give a cat antibiotics for diarrhoea?
It is very rare for a cat with diarrhoea to need antibiotics. Only a few specific conditions require them. Antibiotics can even make the problem worse by wiping out “friendly” gut bacteria. Instead, your vet may suggest other treatment options such as probiotics.
When to take your cat to the vet for diarrhea?
As the stools return to normal, the cat’s regular diet can gradually be reintroduced, mixed initially with the veterinary recommended diet. If there is little or no improvement over two or three days, if the cat is not drinking any water, or if the cat’s health worsens, then your veterinarian should be notified at once.
Why does my kitten have so much diarrhea?
Significant numbers of parasites that cause diarrhea are more common in younger kittens Infections – Viral or bacterial infections can also cause diarrhea and also occur more frequently in younger cats
Can you give aspirin to a cat with diarrhea?
Products containing acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®) or acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol®) are extremely toxic in cats. My cat has chronic diarrhea. Will it get better?
Is it safe to give peptobismal to cats?
Peptobismal is NOT recommended for use in cats, and determining dosages for the other products can be tricky. So ask what your veterinarian recommends. [Editor’s Note: Never assume human medications are safe for cats.] When is it time to worry about cat diarrhea? First of all, you know your cat best.
Why does my cat have soft stool outside the box?
Cat diarrhea is a common cause of this behavior, so if your cat has an abnormally soft stool outside of the box, then what you really need to focus on is the diarrhea. Conversely, constipation also can cause cats to defecate in inappropriate places.
What kind of stool does a cat have?
Abnormally soft stools can range from incompletely formed to “soft serve” to “cow patty” to liquid to hemorrhagic. Cat diarrhea, like human diarrhea, occurs when residual undigestible portions of food pass through the intestines abnormally fast, or when excess fluid is added to the stool by the large intestines.
When to worry about your cat’s bowel movement?
Generally, if your cat had one somewhat soft stool but is still happy, playful and eating normally, you can probably safely wait to see what the next bowel movement looks like before taking any major steps. Some of the red flags that should make you more concerned are:
What causes chronic diarrhea in cats?
Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Diarrhea in Cats. Intestinal irritation or abnormalities of the intestinal lining can lead to chronic diarrhea. Here are some of the many causes of feline chronic diarrhea: Infection by bacteria, parasites, fungus, protozoa or viruses.
Why does my cat have liquid poop?
Liquid poop, diarrhea in cats or soft stools may also be caused by intestinal parasites in cats. This is more common in younger cats. For more, we recommend taking look at our article where we discuss intestinal parasites in cats. Sudden changes in feeding or inadequate food can also disrupt a cat’s digestive function.
Can a senior cat have constipation and diarrhea?
The signs of diarrhea can be quite diverse in any age cat. Frequent, urgent pooping of loose, watery stools are the classic signs that your senior cat has diarrhea. And a cat who has a bout of watery poop and then continues to strain is not suffering from constipation; it truly is diarrhea.
What should I do if my senior cat has diarrhea?
If your senior cat has a bout of diarrhea but is acting normal and seems otherwise healthy, ask your veterinarian if you should withhold food (but not water) for 12 hours. After 12 hours of withholding food only, offer your cat a bland food that is fat-free.
What causes a cat to have diarrhea all the time?
Overactive thyroid, food allergies, kidney failure, cancer, poisoning (from houseplants, rat poison, human medications, parasites and infectious disease, among other things), can all result in diarrhea. Obtain veterinary assistance if the cause isn’t apparent or it is an ongoing problem.
Cat diarrhea is a common cause of this behavior, so if your cat has an abnormally soft stool outside of the box, then what you really need to focus on is the diarrhea. Conversely, constipation also can cause cats to defecate in inappropriate places.
What to do if your cat has Turkey diarrhea?
Mix together equal parts turkey and pumpkin and give your cat smaller portions frequently throughout the day until the diarrhea resolves. If the diarrhea does not resolve in the first two to three days on a bland diet, consult your veterinarian if you haven’t already.
What should you do if your kitten has diarrhea?
Why does my kitten have diarrhea?
Diarrhea in a kitten is typically characterized by the sign of watery stools. It is caused by a source, which can be as simple as a change in diet or a more grave illness or an infection.
What causes chronic diarrhea in kittens?
Intestinal irritation or abnormalities of the intestinal lining can lead to chronic diarrhea. Here are some of the many causes of feline chronic diarrhea: Infection by bacteria, parasites, fungus, protozoa or viruses.
What is the treatment for diarrhea in kittens?
Fiber can be included in your kitten’s diet in case of diarrhea. You can use some unadulterated pumpkin fiber to their diet. Pumpkin fiber is a favorable treatment for treating your kitten’s diarrhea, which also assists in addressing their constipation.
The cat does not have difficulty with bowel movements. This is often accompanied by vomiting, weight loss, gas and black looking blood. Large Intestine Cat Diarrhea Symptoms: Bowel movements tend to be smaller and occur 5 or more times every day.
What foods can cause a cat to have diarrhea?
Some cats are lactose intolerant and react to milk products with a case of diarrhea. Foods that can trigger diarrhea include beef, chicken, pork, horse meat, eggs, fish, spices, soy, corn and wheat. Stress: Not that my cat has anything to worry about, but they do.
When to take your cat to the vet for smelly stools?
In most cases smelly stools of a few days duration in an otherwise healthy cat are not serious, but if diarrhea and foul odors persist or are accompanied by listlessness, blood in stools, vomiting or diarrhea, it could be an emergency. Consult your veterinarian at once. Do not try to treat without a veterinarian’s supervision.
Is it normal for a kitten to have diarrhea?
Diarrhea in cats is a common symptom of many diseases, and it is never normal. The causes range from harmless to deadly. Kittens, senior cats, cats with chronic disease, and pregnant cats are all at increased risk of death-related to complications from untreated diarrhea.
What causes acute and chronic diarrhea in cats?
Acute Versus Chronic Diarrhea in Cats. The most frequently seen causes of acute diarrhea in cats include dietary intolerance, viral infections, and intestinal parasites. An abrupt diet change can easily give a kitty the runs. So can dairy products because, contrary to popular opinion, many cats are lactose intolerant.
What kind of food should I Feed my Cat with diarrhea?
Look for a human-grade cat food that has the AAFCO label that verifies that the food meets minimal nutritional requirements for cats. Additionally, many holistic vets recommend feeding a raw food diet when possible. Talk to your vet and make sure that you are feeding your cat the best food you can that meets your cat’s nutritional needs.
Is it normal for a dog to not have diarrhea?
First of all, don’t panic. It is actually quite common for a dog or cat to not produce feces for a few days after having significant diarrhea. The first couple days you might not notice – you’re just relieved to not be cleaning it up any more!
Is it normal for a dog to not poop for 3 days?
“We treated my dog’s diarrhea, and she hasn’t pooped in 3 days. When do I worry?” These are common questions that I get asked a lot. What’s going on? First of all, don’t panic. It is actually quite common for a dog or cat to not produce feces for a few days after having significant diarrhea.
Why does my cat have watery poop?
Diarrhea typically consists of watery stool that may contain blood or mucus, depending on its cause. There may be several causes of diarrhea in cats, including irritable bowel syndrome; viral, bacterial or fungal infection; or dietary problems.
Why do cats have constant diarrhea?
Why does my elderly cat have diarrhea?
Diarrhea in older cats is usually caused due to a serious underlying condition. Cats, when older, are more prone to developing kidney diseases, hyperthyroidism, cancer, tumors, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. All of these have diarrhea as a symptom.
Why does my cat have runny stool all the time?
Food changes, infections, or prescribed antibiotics are common causes of runny feline stool. The good news: most cases of cat diarrhea are mild and self-limiting.
What to do if your kitten has blood in his stool?
If your kitten is passing blood in his stools or if you notice any weakness or other signs of debilitation in addition to diarrhea, call your vet right away and have your kitten viewed as quickly as possible. Red blood in the poop generally suggests a problem with the lower intestine/colon or rectum.
When to take a cat with bloody diarrhea to the vet?
Take the cat to the vet. Blood in your cat’s stool may be due to a variety of conditions, so you need to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. Bloody diarrhea can lead the cat to become dehydrated. Bloody diarrhea may be due to minor problems, like food intolerance, or serious conditions, like cancer.
Is it normal for a cat to have constant diarrhea?
Cats with constant diarrhea can lose weight as their body doesn’t absorb nutrients. When it comes to large intestine diarrhea, the volume is normal to decreased. Bloody poop with mucus is quite common. The normal frequency can be more than 5 times.
Blood in your cat’s stool may be due to a variety of conditions, so you need to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. Bloody diarrhea can lead the cat to become dehydrated. Bloody diarrhea may be due to minor problems, like food intolerance, or serious conditions, like cancer.
Look for a human-grade cat food that has the AAFCO label that verifies that the food meets minimal nutritional requirements for cats. Additionally, many holistic vets recommend feeding a raw food diet when possible. Talk to your vet and make sure that you are feeding your cat the best food you can that meets your cat’s nutritional needs.
What does it mean when you have diarrhea for 2 days?
If your diarrhea is still terrible after at least two days, it could be a sign that you have an infection that’s sticking around, Dr. Farhadi says. While a viral infection will just have to run its course (sorry, pal), you may need antibiotics to clear up a bacterial or parasitic infection, the Mayo Clinic says.
How long can diarrhea last on a kitten?
Diarrhea that lasts for 24 to 48 hours probably won’t cause a problem unless you have an older cat or a kitten. But if it lasts longer, your cat can get dehydrated, which can be dangerous. Some common causes of cat diarrhea include:
Some common causes of cat diarrhea include: 1 Changes to their diet or food allergies or intolerances 2 Inflammatory bowel disease 3 Colitis 4 Worms (intestinal parasites) 5 Pancreatic disease 6 Cancer 7 Hyperthyroidism More
How often should a cat poop in a day?
Most cats will poop at least once a day. If they’re healthy, their poop should: Diarrhea is not uncommon for cats, and there are many reasons why your cat might have it. Sometimes, it comes and goes quickly. Other times, it can last for days, weeks, or months, or come back on a regular basis.
What to do if your cat is vomiting and has diarrhea?
If your cat is bright and happy, and there is no blood in the diarrhea or vomit, then you can often start by providing supportive treatment at home. If your cat is vomiting, withhold food for 12-24 hours. Very small cats and kittens should NOT be fasted at all due to a high risk of developing severely low blood sugar levels.
What can I give my Cat for diarrhea?
You can find many references to administering kaopectate or Peptobismal® and even Imodium® to your cat for diarrhea. Peptobismal is NOT recommended for use in cats, and determining dosages for the other products can be tricky.
Generally, if your cat had one somewhat soft stool but is still happy, playful and eating normally, you can probably safely wait to see what the next bowel movement looks like before taking any major steps. Some of the red flags that should make you more concerned are:
What kind of cat food is good for diarrhea?
Fortiflora is an excellent source of live, active probiotic cultures. Unflavored canned pumpkin, which is full of fiber, is a great way to firm up stools and has a taste that many cats like. One to two level tablespoons per 5.5 oz. can of cat food is a good starting dose.
Why does my cat have loose stool and smelly poop?
And since I have a small home, it literally stinks up the whole joint. Her poop isn’t real super loose, but loose enough to occasionally have trouble scooping it out of her littler (old-fashioned clay litter). So, it’s far from diarrhea, but also not well-formed turds. It’s consistently the same. It never varies from it’s soft state.
In most cases smelly stools of a few days duration in an otherwise healthy cat are not serious, but if diarrhea and foul odors persist or are accompanied by listlessness, blood in stools, vomiting or diarrhea, it could be an emergency. Consult your veterinarian at once. Do not try to treat without a veterinarian’s supervision.
Fortiflora is an excellent source of live, active probiotic cultures. Unflavored canned pumpkin, which is full of fiber, is a great way to firm up stools and has a taste that many cats like. One to two level tablespoons per 5.5 oz. can of cat food is a good starting dose.
What kind of cat has loose stools and smelly poop?
She’s a 4-year old spayed female. She’s a mostly gray calico affectionately known as the Gray Menace. And trust me when I say it’s a well-earned nickname. I’ve had her since she was about 1-year old and she has always had loose stools and poop that smells to high heaven.
What causes an older cat to have constipation?
Constipation– Constipation may seem counterintuitive, but I mention it because older cats are prone to developing motility problems in their colons leading to constipation. In these cases, the cats often manage to only pass small amount of more liquid stools around the obstruction.
Why does my cat have a lot of watery stool?
If enough water isn’t reabsorbed (say because the intestines send the material through too quickly), however, the stool won’t be the right consistency. The result is watery stool. This can happen for a number of reasons, including a change in diet, toxins or foreign objects ingested.
Why is my cat stool not the right consistency?
Normally, water is reabsorbed in your cat’s colon and the feces become the right consistency before being expelled from the body. If enough water isn’t reabsorbed (say because the intestines send the material through too quickly), however, the stool won’t be the right consistency.
Why does my cat have runny poop all the time?
If your cat has runny, loose or liquid poop, there could be a number of reasons for this. And before starting cat diarrhea treatment, it’s necessary to find its cause.
Why does my cat always have loose stools?
Answer Wiki. There are many reasons as to why animals in general cat get loose stools. Common causes include gastritis, food indigestion, worms, gastroenteritis, stress diarrhoea.
Is cat poop healthy?
Healthy Stool Form in Cats. Cat poop is a window to your cat’s health. Cats are generally tight-lipped about their overall health and tend to keep any aches, pains or upset tummy troubles stubbornly to themselves. But you can tell a lot about a cat’s health by the deposits in his litter box.
What should your cat’s poop look like?
Cat poop should not be runny; it should be formed and firm but not hard. Normal cat poop looks like a Tootsie Roll — dark brown, tubular and a couple of inches long. That is what you want to see in your cat’s litter box every day.
Why do kittens have soft stools?
The list of potential reasons for soft stools in dogs and cats is even longer, as this condition can be tied to a number of different causes, such as: Infection. Intestinal parasites. Certain medications. Change in food.
Is it normal for a cat to have diarrhea?
However, if the cat is still using the litter box and covering up its feces or defecates outdoors, you may not initially notice diarrhea. Staining and soiling of the fur around the back end in longhaired breeds is often associated with diarrhea. It is important to remember that some variation in the consistency of stools occurs in normal cats.
Abnormally soft stools can range from incompletely formed to “soft serve” to “cow patty” to liquid to hemorrhagic. Cat diarrhea, like human diarrhea, occurs when residual undigestible portions of food pass through the intestines abnormally fast, or when excess fluid is added to the stool by the large intestines.
Food changes, infections, or prescribed antibiotics are common causes of runny feline stool. The good news: most cases of cat diarrhea are mild and self-limiting.
If enough water isn’t reabsorbed (say because the intestines send the material through too quickly), however, the stool won’t be the right consistency. The result is watery stool. This can happen for a number of reasons, including a change in diet, toxins or foreign objects ingested.
