A pet's diarrhea is one of the messiest and most worrying symptoms that pet parents need to deal with. In today's post, our White House vets discuss what to do if your cat has diarrhea.
If your pet 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.
Diarrhea In Cats
Mild bouts of diarrhea are fairly common in our feline companions and could be caused by mild intestinal distress due to your pet eating a small amount of something that doesn't agree with them, such as table scraps, or just from the simple act of 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 pet suffering from diarrhea.
What Causes Diarrhea In Cats?
Below are some of the most common reasons for diarrhea in felines:
- 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 pet's diarrhea requires a visit to the vet?
When Should A Cat Be Taken To The Vet?
If your pet has a single episode of diarrhea and is otherwise acting normal, it is likely not a cause for concern. Monitor your pet'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 pet appears to be straining to pass stool but can only pass small amounts of watery diarrhea, they 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, so contact your vet right away or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital for care.
Recurring bouts of diarrhea over a short period of time could be a sign of a very serious health issue, particularly if your pet is very old, very young, or is immunocompromised. A number of infections can be very serious, contagious, or even life-threatening. Contact your vet right away if your pet is experiencing repeated episodes of diarrhea.
Cats that are showing other symptoms in addition to diarrhea should also be seen by a vet as soon as possible. If your pet 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
- Dehydration (e.g. 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 pet'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 pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.