When switching from one kind of cat food to another, it's best to transition slowly over a week, gradually mixing in more of the new food and less of the old food. If diarrhea is not self-resolving within a 24-hour period, especially in these populations, you should seek out veterinary care. How may you be able to help stop cat diarrhea? Causes of Diarrhea in Cats. An abrupt change in diet, for example, may cause a cat to experience diarrhea for a few days. When it comes to defecation, consistency, color, and frequency are factors that you should pay close attention to—even if it feels slightly awkward to bring up, your veterinarian wants to hear about your pet’s poop! Likewise, a stressful situation—a long automobile trip or a weekend stay at a veterinary clinic—may produce a brief episode of loose bowels. Dr. Benson says these causes include food intolerances or allergies, internal parasites, metabolic disease or primary GI … And if your cat has diarrhea, you should definitely take notice. Attaching and effacing bacteria in the intestines of calves and cats with diarrhea. Food intolerances or allergies to specific ingredients of a diet can also be responsible for diarrhea. As explained above, diarrhea in cats can be due to various causes. The most frequently seen causes of acute diarrhea in cats include dietary intolerance, viral infections, and intestinal parasites. What Causes Cat Diarrhea and What to Do About It. Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea in Cats. Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT. So can dairy products because, contrary to popular opinion, many cats are lactose intolerant. There are many potential causes of diarrhea, some more common than others. Food intolerance: Occurs when the body has a reaction to eating a particular food or drink such as milk. In addition, cats are very fastidious about grooming so the tell-tale (or tell-tail) signs of diarrhea may be missed—especially in the early stages. As a cat parent, you need to pay attention to your cat’s circadian rhythms, energy levels, eating and drinking interest, and urination and defecation habits. When should you worry and consult your veterinarian? On the other hand, large bowel diarrheas involve the lower bowel or colon so that you more typically see a cat straining and uncomfortable, but passing only small amounts of soft/mucoid/sometimes bloody stool. The causes range from harmless to deadly. very young, very old, or already battling some other medical problem). Any alteration in the feeding of the cat can cause an upset stomach and that this causes the appearance of diarrhea and discomfort in the feline. You can ask your veterinarian about the frequency and dosing of canned pumpkin or fiber supplements, and there are some feline-specific over-the-counter fiber products that you can get to increase dietary fiber as well. Blood in the stool (either dark, blackish stool or visible, frank, red blood), Or if your cat is more likely to be quickly compromised by ongoing diarrhea (i.e. Dietary causes are among the most common reasons for diarrhea. Your cat might have eaten something that did not agree with him. Vomiting in conjunction with diarrhea is always an emergency that must be addressed by a veterinarian. If fiber or probiotic formulations are not enough to return your cat’s stool to its normal consistency after one to two days, consult your veterinarian. Long-lasting diarrhea that is resistant to treatment can often be multifactorial, with multiple treatments needed for complete resolution. Your veterinarian may run fecal tests that include fecal flotation, antigen testing, cytology, and culturing to screen for infectious or inflammatory disease. Benign Causes of Diarrhea in Cats. Intestinal exudation describes a slow oozing of blood fluids through ulcers or other breaks in the intesti… Most of the time, it is a symptom of a more serious condition such as: Inflammatory bowel disease —this pertains to a group of feline disorders leading to long-term diarrhea or vomiting in cats. The most well-known bacteria that causes cat vomiting and diarrhea is Salmonella, which is found in infected meats and food. In those cases what might your veterinarian advise you can you do at home? Acute diarrhea has four general reasons for occurring: osmotic imbalances, over secretion, intestinal exudation or motility disorders. I’ll discuss these answers here. Stool consistency suggests the degree of severity to your veterinarian. When the yeast infection affects the intestines, your cat will have watery stools and may vomit as well. But be aware that there are some aspects of diarrhea that are more alarming and some consequences that can be quite concerning.To start with, one way to classify diarrhea is as either small bowel or large bowel diarrhea. Remember that your veterinarian is there to advise you. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. https://www.vin.com/Members/Associate/Associate.plx?DiseaseId=5999. Lethargy is defined in the dictionary as ‘a lack of energy and enthusiasm’. Cat diarrhea that lasts for 24 to 48 hours probably won’t cause a problem unless you have an old cat or a kitten. In that case, your veterinarian can administer medications to ease the discomfort and to make your cat feel better more quickly. Abdominal ultrasound, radiology, and endoscopy can be used to check for foreign body ingestion or cancer as causes of cat diarrhea. Epidemiology and Infection, 107, 659-665 Even if the ultimate cause of the diarrhea is not anything serious, getting that diagnosis and beginning therapy are important steps. Causes of Cat Diarrhea. It is important to make sure that the products that you feed to your cat are carefully inspected and introduced slowly. Vomiting and diarrhea occur when the stomach and/or intestines become irritated or inflamed. Disease can often cause diarrhea in cats, especially viral, fungal, or bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea is, itself, a symptom of other issues. Some of the red flags that should make you more concerned are: In these cases, you should consult with your veterinarian. Diarrhea causes fluid loss, and the electrolytes in those fluids are essential to help control important physiologic functions. Causes of Diarrhea in Cats. If no improvement is seen in your cat’s diarrhea within two to three days of initiating therapy, you should contact your veterinarian to check for potential complicating factors. Control underlying diseases such as pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hyperthyroidism, or food allergies with appropriate medications and prescription diets, as recommended by your veterinarian. Some common causes of cat diarrhea include: Diarrhea is typically caused by some infectious, chemical or physical irritation of the intestinal mucosa (the sensitive tissue lining the gastrointestinal tract). Large volumes of diarrhea will usually be produced several times a day. https://www.vin.com/doc/?id=9547705&pid=25043. But it can also happen as a result of your cat eating non-food items such as tinsel, rubber bands, and bits of toys. When is it time to worry about cat diarrhea?First of all, you know your cat best. © 2021 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Finally there are diseases caused by parasites, viruses like feline leukemia virus and bacteria that among other symptoms cause diarrhea in cats. Cats with lethargy may be quieter than usual or sleep more than normal, among other signs. Acute diarrhea (ends quickly). Many owners will observe ’dry heaving’ or gagging after their cat eats or drinks. Water is drawn into the intestine by the excess molecules, causing diarrhea. Our feline friends hide disease and injury incredibly well, so cat parents should be aware of subtle signs of illness. Last updated on 1/7/2020. The most frequently seen causes of acute diarrhea in cats include dietary intolerance, viral infections, and intestinal parasites. They can then diagnose the cause and start the related treatment for that cause. Bright red coloration within the feces or coating the feces is a sign of lower intestinal tract bleeding. What Causes Diarrhea In Cats? Bloodwork evaluates for metabolic or systemic causes of diarrhea and assesses the consequences of cat diarrhea, such as dehydration or anemia. Chronic diarrhea is characterized as lasting for two to three weeks or longer. Cats may develop diarrhea due to eating table scraps or unfamiliar food. Acute diarrhea is often an indicator of bacterial overload in a cat's small intestine. In cases with chronic diarrhea, the symptoms mentioned above are often seen in combination with: Lethargy (tiredness) Abdominal pain ; Weight Loss; It is also common for cats suffering from diarrhea … “Managing Toxicoses in Exotic Animals”. Symptoms of Diarrhea in Cats Cats that are suffering from diarrhea may exhibit symptoms like: Often it occurs when a cat eats something unusual or when their meal plan changes abruptly. Causes of Diarrhea in Cats . For this reason, routine veterinary visits are important. Depending on your cat’s lifestyle, you may or may not be readily aware of the details of her bathroom habits. Here’s what you need to know about diarrhea in cats. You should also call your vet if you have a kitten, senior cat, a cat with a chronic disease, or a pregnant cat that has diarrhea for vet treatment. With or without diarrhea, vomiting suggests potentially life-threatening disorders such as: Do not try to use Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, or any other human medications to treat your cat’s diarrhea, because they can severely harm pets. Diarrhoea can often present as a result of a number of underlying causes in cats. Over secretion occurs when the intestine secretes too much fluid after being exposed to bacteria or toxins. What is lethargy in cats? Most cats with gastroenteritis will have intermittent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. Kittens, senior cats, cats with chronic disease, and pregnant cats are all at increased risk of death-related to complications from untreated diarrhea. In my experience, food allergy and inflammatory bowel disease are two of the more common causes if an adult cat has diarrhea that’s persistent. There are six main categories when it comes to the cause of acute diarrhea in cats: Infectious (parasitic, protozoal, bacterial, fungal, or viral) Inflammatory (such as food allergies) Metabolic or endocrine (such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism) Dark red or black discoloration of feces indicates upper GI bleeding and blood digestion. Frequent watery stools often with a strong smell or colour change may be seen. Infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, coccidia, and intestinal worms, or non-infectious irritants, such as chemical toxins or poisonous plants are some of the more common causes of inflammation. Diarrhea in cats can be caused by an extremely wide variety of health conditions, and can be acute or chronic in origin. But if it lasts longer, your cat can get dehydrated, which can be dangerous. Osmotic diarrhea occurs when something causes the intestinal tract to absorb too much water into feces. Diarrhea in cats is a condition that is hallmarked by loose or liquid stools. Swallowing of hairballs, foreign object or poisonous substance: When your cat swallows hairballs and some foreign material, it may block his intestinal … Treats or sudden diet changes can also cause diarrhea in cats. Acute means that the diarrhea just happened suddenly or doesn’t go on for long period of time. If the diarrhea appears to be the large volume, small bowel type, your cat will likely benefit from at least some supplemental fluid and electrolyte administration and probably other anti-diarrheal medications. Soft, formed stool is generally less severe but should still be assessed by a veterinarian. Cat Diarrhea: When is it Serious and How Do I Stop It? An abrupt diet change can easily give a kitty the runs. Osmotic imbalances occur when the concentration of food molecules in the intestine is too high. For example, grass or green-colored material may cause green discoloration, which is not always a medical concern, although some animals with green feces have gallbladder disease. However, a cat's age will affect the underlying reason. Diarrhea is a common symptom and usually, it does not mean cancer simply because there are so many other causes. Infections – Viral or bacterial infections can also cause diarrhea and also occur more frequently in younger cats. Acute diarrhea has been occurring for less than two weeks, whereas chronically existing diarrhea has been present for at least 2-4 weeks. If your cat’s diarrhea is yellow, bloody, chronic, coated in mucus, or accompanied by vomiting, contact your vet right away for treatment. There is a gamut of reasons why your cat may be having a bout of diarrhea. Causes of diarrhea in cats. One of the most common problems we see in veterinary medicine is gastrointestinal (GI) upset/diarrhea. Having a virus or disease triggers diarrhea or intestinal inflammation. Diarrhea is caused by an osmotic problem, a gastrointestinal motility problem, a permeability problem, or a secretory problem. In medical terms, lethargy is a state of inactivity or sleepiness brought on by illness, pain or disease. Lethargy is a symptom rather than a disease. “Enterocolitis, Acute”. Cats also frequently get yeast infections, caused by fungi. Changes in routine: Cats are creatures of habit, so if you've moved house or have brought a new animal into your home, they may have been stressed. Liquid diarrhea is concerning because it dehydrates and malnourishes an animal quickly. The vomit may contain foamy, yellowish bile, especially after the stomach has been emptied. Gradual transition of your cat to an over-the-counter diet targeting gastrointestinal health may provide some benefit, but prescription diets are recommended if diarrhea persists. Diarrhea in cats isn’t exactly a disease. Most cats defecate once a day. Although it can occur in cats of any age, kittens are more prone to infectious diarrhea. Dietary indiscretion or diet change– Cats tend to be more careful about what they eat than dogs are, but sometimes they do eat inappropriate things like grass, string, etc. Certain health conditions such as hyperthyroidism in cats or toxins can cause diarrhoea. When is it time to worry about cat diarrhea? Pedialyte is an over-the-counter electrolyte beverage designed for infants and children and can be added to your cat’s water in a ratio of anywhere from 10 to 50 percent Pedialyte to water. With large bowel diarrhea, your cat may be supremely uncomfortable and the continued straining will only make the irritation worse. If you do notice your cat has diarrhea between visits, what could be the cause? Veterinary Pathology, 24, 330-334 Riley, T., Adams, J., O'Neill, G. and Bowman, R. 1991 Gastrointestinal carriage of Clostridium difficile in cats and dogs attending veterinary clinics. Mike has more than 35 years of experience in companion animal veterinary practice and is a valued member of IDEXX’s Pet Health Network team since 2013. Contributors: Kari Rothrock DVM https://www.vin.com/Members/Associate/Associate.plx?DiseaseId=5999. Feeding Kittens 101: What to Feed, How Much, and How Often. Cat diarrhea can be acute or chronic, and there are different sets of possible causes for each. If you see the following signs, it’s best to at least give your veterinarian a call and possibly schedule an appointment, especially if the symptoms become intense and concerning. There are many causes of diarrhea. March 8, 2020 (published). Yellow feces can be an emergency related to liver disease or failure, zinc poisoning, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or an overgrowth of certain bacterial pathogens. However, diarrhea in cats can vary in intensity, and cats may also show other symptoms. So, milk, cheese, ice-cream or cream may lead to diarrhea. What can you do at home? Diarrhea that lasts for 24 to 48 hours probably won’t cause a problem unless you have an older cat or a kitten. Do not make sudden diet changes or give your cat human foods or rich or novel treats to avoid cases of acute diarrhea. With small bowel diarrhea you are more likely to see large volumes or watery diarrhea which can quickly lead to significant dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. The most common causes of food allergies are fish, beef, chicken, eggs, and wheat. In cats of up to 6 years of age, diarrhea due to inflammatory bowel disease or an adverse reaction to a particular food are more common. Bloody diarrhea is always concerning and should be addressed by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This can cause diarrhea. The definition of Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea lasting for three weeks or longer. But while diarrhea in cats will likely be easy to detect, the causes of it can vary from a simple change in their diet to much more serious diseases. Or, a change in diet might have brought on diarrhea. Otherwise, you can increase fiber consumption to treat soft stool at home. Cat Nutrition: What Makes a Nutritional Cat Food? This transition allows the pet's digestive system to adjust and lowers the chance of diarrhea. Dysentery in cats can be difficult to detect. Types of Diarrhea in Cats Types of Diarrhea: There are two types of cat diarrhea: 1. Treats or new foods (canned or dry) can cause diarrhea if they are contaminated, are suddenly introduced, contain ingredients that are toxic to cats, or contain ingredients that cats are allergic to. There are six main categories when it comes to the cause of acute diarrhea in cats: Infectious (parasitic, protozoal, bacterial, fungal, or viral), Metabolic or endocrine (such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism). https://www.vin.com/doc/?id=9547705&pid=25043. What are the causes of cat diarrhea?This would be an exhaustively long list if we went into everything that can cause your cat to have loose stools, but here are some of the general categories: How may you be able to help stop cat diarrhea?Because there are so many potential causes of diarrhea in cats, you should check with your veterinarian if your cat is having it regularly. In this sense the veterinarian has sufficient means to determine what type of inflammatory bowel infection is treated. Your veterinarian is your best resource for treating this complicated and potentially deadly issue. Discolored feces can sometimes be related to something your cat has recently ingested. Obviously some of these causes need specific therapy, but some of the others may resolve on their own with simple, supportive care. 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. Bacterial and viral infections of the GI tract can cause your cat to experience severe diarrhea and vomiting, both of which can lead to extreme weight loss and dehydration. Diarrhea in cats is a common symptom of many diseases, and it is never normal. Kittens may be at elevated risk as their digestive systems adjust to the introduction of solid food. It may be caused by something as mild as a dietary change or something as serious as cancer or a parasitical infection. Poorly managed metabolic or endocrine disease. Keep in mind, most cats are lactose intolerant. Chronic diarrhea is of particular concern because it can cause life-threatening complications. Even so, according to a cat’s lifestyle, it’s possible for owners to be unaware of their pet’s bathroom habits. Causes and Symptoms of Diarrhea in Cats If your cat starts experiencing diarrhea it can be concerning, and even inconvenient and time-consuming, if you need to continuously clean up after your cat. If you are concerned, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Some of the most common problems in cats are diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Feline-specific probiotics can also benefit some cats with diarrhea. First off, diarrhea is the condition where the cat’s poop is anywhere from very soft and runny masses to just liquid. Your cat may be an avid hunter and scavenge or susceptible to stress. It takes roughly eight hours for food to pass through the small intestine and into the colon. Below are some common causes of diarrhea in cats: Dietary changes: Diarrhea signals a problem with digestion, so diet and nutrition can play a role. Mucus-coated feces indicates possible dehydration or parasitic infection.

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