For pets and owners, diarrhea is a dirty and concerning health problem. In this article, our Middlesex veterinarians will address the topic of diarrhea and what to do if your cat gets it.
People need to know how to prevent diarrhea in their pet cats. Read below to find out why cats suffer from diarrhea and when it's time to head to the vet for a serious or routine health exam.
Cat Diarrhea
If you've ever found yourself wondering why your cat is experiencing diarrhea, know that you're not alone. Diarrhea can stem from switching to a new type of food, either a different brand or flavor. Additionally, diarrhea could result from nibbling on table scraps or anything they've come across while exploring indoors or outdoors.
There are also a number of more serious health issues that could lead to diarrhea in cats.
What Causes Diarrhea In Cats?
Below are some of the most common reasons for a cat to have diarrhea:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colitis
- ngesting toxins or poisons
- Viral infection
- Parasites
- Bacterial infections
- Pancreatitis
- Liver or kidney disease
- Intestinal cancer
- Medications such as antibiotics
- Stress or anxiety
How do you know whether your or your cat's diarrhea requires a visit to the vet?
When To Contact The Vet About Your Cat's Diarrhea
Occasional episodes of diarrhea in a normally healthy pet are generally not worrisome. Yet, if your pet's well-being declines and episodes of diarrhea become more frequent, it becomes a matter of concern. Keep a close watch on your pet's bowel movements to observe if the situation improves. If there are more than two instances of diarrhea, this could signal an underlying issue. In such cases, reaching out to your veterinarian is advisable for proper guidance and care for your animal companion.
If your pet appears to be straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, it may be suffering from a painful obstruction caused by ingesting a toy or other foreign object. As this is a very serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention, contact your veterinarian immediately or go 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 has a compromised immune system. 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, as well as 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:
- Dry nose, or dry, sticky gums
- Sunken dry-looking eyes
- Signs of dehydration
- Unusual drooling
- Lack of Appetite
- Blood in stool
- Weakness
- Vomiting
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.