When your cat experiences diarrhea, it’s not merely an annoying mess—it may indicate an underlying health issue. Whether it’s a temporary upset or a sign of a deeper issue, diarrhea in cats is a symptom that needs attention. When your cat has diarrhea, it’s not just a bothersome mess; it could be a sign of a health problem.
Acute vs. Chronic Diarrhea
Not all cases of diarrhea in cats are the same. Acute diarrhea occurs suddenly and usually resolves quickly, often caused by mild intestinal distress due to changes in a cat's diet, ingestion of spoiled food, or stress. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, lasts for extended periods and may suggest more serious underlying health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal parasites.
Recurring diarrhea in your feline friend warrants medical attention, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, blood, or unusual drooling. Identifying whether your cat’s diarrhea is acute or chronic is essential for an accurate diagnosis and determining the root cause of your pet’s condition.
19 Reasons Why Cats May Have Diarrhea
Dietary Changes
Sudden changes in a cat's food can disrupt their GI tract, leading to mild or severe diarrhea. Even switching to a high-quality diet can cause loose stools as the cat’s digestive system adjusts. Cats tend to be sensitive to rapid dietary changes, and introducing new food too quickly can result in watery diarrhea or mild intestinal distress.
Food Sensitivities and Allergies
Some feline friends suffer from food allergies to certain proteins like chicken or grains. These intolerances can cause digestive upset and loose stools. It may be a sign of food sensitivities if your cat has recurring diarrhea or other symptoms, such as lack of appetite or vomiting. Monitoring your cat's symptoms and diet is crucial for understanding what might be triggering the kitty's diarrhea.
Ingestion of Foreign Objects
Cats are naturally curious, and their explorations can sometimes result in them ingesting non-food items like string, rubber bands, or small toys. These foreign objects may irritate or obstruct the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea.
Toxic Foods or Substances
Ingesting toxins from household items like certain plants, cleaning agents, or human foods such as chocolate or onions is a common cause of diarrhea in cats. These toxins can severely irritate the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like vomiting, severe diarrhea, and weakness. Pet parents need to be vigilant about keeping such substances out of their feline friend’s reach to avoid more serious health conditions.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and Giardia are common causes of cat diarrhea. These parasites disrupt the digestive tract, leading to mild intestinal distress and cat's diarrhea that might include unusual drooling, a lack of appetite, and other distressing symptoms. It's essential to monitor your cat's litter box and stool for signs of parasites, as they often result in changes to the pet's bowel movements. Parasites, particularly in young kittens or those with a compromised immune system, can cause serious diarrhea and may warrant medical attention. A fecal test is typically needed to confirm the presence of parasites in a cat suffering from this condition.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections in cats, such as Salmonella or E. coli, can disrupt the digestive system, leading to diarrhea. These infections typically occur when a cat ingests contaminated food, water, or comes into contact with infected animals. The bacteria irritate the intestinal lining, causing inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, and loose stools.
Viral Infections
Image by Freepik
Viral infections, including feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus, are serious causes of diarrhea in cats. These viruses can lead to cat's diarrhea and compromise the immune system, especially in young kittens and healthy adult cats under stress. While some viral infections may cause mild digestive upset, others can significantly affect a cat’s overall health, leading to very serious concerns. Monitoring the pet’s condition and consulting a vet if diarrhea persists is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in cats leads to chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, which interferes with normal nutrient absorption and results in diarrhea. The inflamed intestines struggle to process food, resulting in loose or frequent stools. IBD is typically managed with dietary modifications, medication, and, in some cases, steroids to help reduce inflammation.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis in cats occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, disrupting its ability to aid in digestion. This inflammation hinders the digestion of fats and nutrients, resulting in digestive problems like diarrhea. Cats with pancreatitis often experience loose stools, vomiting, and abdominal pain, requiring prompt veterinary care for treatment.
Hyperthyroidism
In cats, hyperthyroidism results in excessive thyroid hormone production, which can speed up metabolism and lead to gastrointestinal issues. This heightened metabolic rate may cause diarrhea, along with other symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite, and hyperactivity. Management typically involves medication, dietary changes, or radioactive iodine treatment to regulate hormone levels.
Diabetes
Diabetes in cats can cause diarrhea as a result of changes in blood sugar levels and complications such as diabetic enteropathy. High glucose levels may disrupt normal gut function, causing loose stools. Additionally, the stress of managing diabetes can also affect gastrointestinal health, necessitating veterinary intervention for effective management and treatment.
Liver Disease
Liver disease in cats can disrupt normal digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to diarrhea. Impaired liver function may result in the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Other symptoms often include vomiting, weight loss, and lethargy, requiring prompt veterinary evaluation and treatment.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in healthy cats can lead to digestive disturbances as the body struggles to filter out toxins, resulting in diarrhea. Young kittens and older cats alike may exhibit symptoms such as sticky gums, lethargy, and changes in cat’s stool. As the kidneys fail, the buildup of toxins in the system can disrupt the digestive tract, causing diarrhea. Kidney disease can also be exacerbated by ingesting toxins or table scraps, which worsen diarrhea in cats, and early intervention is crucial.
GI Cancer
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer in cats can lead to diarrhea by obstructing or inflaming the digestive tract. Tumors may disrupt normal intestinal function, impair nutrient absorption, and cause abnormal bowel movements. Other symptoms often include vomiting, weight loss, and decreased appetite, necessitating prompt veterinary assessment for diagnosis and treatment options.
Colitis
Colitis refers to colon inflammation, often leading to frequent, small amounts of diarrhea that may contain mucus or blood. This condition may arise from infections, allergies, or various other inflammatory issues.
Side Effects of Medications
Certain medications, particularly antibiotics, can disturb the delicate balance of gut bacteria in your cat, resulting in diarrhea. Always monitor your cat for side effects when they start a new medication.
Stress-Induced Diarrhea
Stress in cats can lead to diarrhea by triggering an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which affects gut motility and digestion. Alterations in the environment, daily routine, or the introduction of new pets can increase stress, resulting in gastrointestinal issues. Managing stress through a stable environment and behavioral support can help alleviate symptoms.
Food Poisoning
Just like humans, cats can suffer from food poisoning due to spoiled or contaminated food. Bacterial growth in food, especially if it’s been left out too long, can lead to an upset stomach.
Dietary Intolerances
Dietary intolerances in cats occur when they struggle to digest certain ingredients, leading to gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. Common triggers include particular proteins, grains, or additives. Inadequate nutrient absorption and inflammation in the gut may result. To achieve resolution, it is crucial to identify and remove the problematic food through dietary changes.
