Cat diarrhea, or cat loose motion, is a common health issue that can affect cats of all ages and breeds. It is characterized by frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. While occasional diarrhea is not typically a cause for concern, persistent or chronic diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, lethargy, or weight loss can be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. 

It is a common health issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary indiscretion, parasites, infections, and inflammatory bowel disease. If your cat is experiencing diarrhea, it is important to take prompt action. It can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening, especially in young kittens or senior cats.

So, in this blog we want to help you out in managing your cat’s diarrhea in the right way and help them make a speedy recovery.

Let's dive into it!

Diarrhea is a common condition in cats, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes include:

• Dietary changes: A sudden change in diet can upset your cat's stomach and lead to diarrhea.

  
  

• Intestinal parasites: Parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia can irritate the intestines and cause diarrhea.

  
  

• Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections such as salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis can also cause diarrhea in cats.

  
  

• Viral infections: Viral infections such as feline panleukopenia and feline coronavirus can also cause diarrhea.

  
  

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the intestines.

  
  
• Food intolerances or allergies: Cats can develop allergies to certain foods, which can cause diarrhea.

• Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics and laxatives, can cause diarrhea as a side effect.

The most obvious sign of diarrhea is loose, watery stool. However, there are other signs that your cat may have diarrhea, such as:

• Increased frequency of bowel movements: If your cat is using the litter box more often than usual, it may have diarrhea.

  
  

• Straining to defecate: If your cat is straining to defecate or seems to be in pain, it may have diarrhea.

  
  
• Blood or mucus in the stool: If your cat's stool contains blood or mucus, it is a sign of a serious problem and you should seek veterinary attention immediately.

Cat diarrhea can be a common occurrence, but it's essential to know when it's time to seek professional help. Here are some severity indicators:

• Diarrhea lasting for more than 24 hours
• Bloody or mucoid diarrhea
• Diarrhea accompanied by vomiting
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums and sunken eyes

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take your cat to the vet right away. Diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as a viral infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or pancreatitis.

Here are some home remedies and treatments that professionals suggest for cat diarrhea:

• Hydration is key: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it's important to make sure your cat is drinking plenty of fluids. Offer your cat fresh water frequently, and you may also want to try giving them electrolytic supplements like Ordelyte, Venlyte, Redospet, and E Motion.

  
  

• Dietary adjustments: If your cat's diarrhea is mild, you may be able to manage it by making some dietary changes. Start by feeding your cat a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice. You can also try giving your cat a probiotic supplement to help restore the balance of bacteria in their gut.

  
  

• Antibiotic medications: There are a number of antibiotic medications that can be used to treat cat diarrhea.Some of the popular choices among them are Diarest O2 suspension and Oflokind M pet. However, it's important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your cat any medication. 

  
  
• Over-the-counter medications: There are various OTC medications that you can get, in order to control your cat’s diarrhea. Some of the popular choices among them are Vetricare Digestive, Zymopet, E zyme, Carminal, Diarest M and Diarest cool. But, it is always better to consult a vet before giving any medication to your pet to ensure their safety and well being.

If your cat's diarrhea is severe or doesn't improve after a few days of home care, it's important to see a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can rule out any underlying medical conditions and recommend the best course of treatment for your cat.

Here are some additional tips for managing cat diarrhea at home:

• Withhold food: If your cat has diarrhea and is vomiting, you may need to withhold food for 12-24 hours. This will give their stomach a chance to rest and recover.

  
  

• Gradually reintroduce food: Once your cat's vomiting and diarrhea have stopped, you can gradually reintroduce food. Start by feeding them small, frequent meals of a bland diet.

  
  

• Clean up accidents promptly: Diarrhea can be messy, so it's important to clean up accidents promptly. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs.

  
  
• Keep your cat's litter box clean: If your cat has diarrhea, it's important to keep their litter box clean. This will help to prevent them from re-infecting themselves or other pets in your household.

If your cat has diarrhea, there are a few things you can look for in a food that may help:

• High in protein: Protein helps to solidify stool.
• Low in fat: Fat can irritate the digestive tract and make diarrhea worse.
• Digestible: Choose a food that is easily digestible for your cat.

Among some specific brands of food that are often recommended for cats with diarhhea is: 

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastro Intestinal Adult Cat Wet Food

If your cat's diarrhea is severe or doesn't improve within a few days, it's important to see a veterinarian. Your vet can help to identify the underlying cause of the diarrhea and recommend appropriate treatment.

If your cat has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, or lethargy, it is important to see a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, so it is important to see a veterinarian if your cat has diarrhea for more than a day or two.

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your cat from getting diarrhea:

• Feed your cat a high-quality diet and avoid sudden changes to their food.
• Make sure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
• Keep your cat's litter box clean and scoop it out at least once a day.
• Regularly deworm and deflea your cat. 
• Consult a vet for your cat on a regular, periodic basis.