Believe it or not, you won’t even come to know that your cat has diarrhea. This is because your cat will hide in pain, or even completely disappear. You will only come to know about it when you take the litter can of your cat, and find weird feces.

When it comes to feces, the color of your cat’s feces depends on the consistency of diet, defecation, and overall health. With just the color of their feces, you will be able to tell whether your cat has diarrhea or not.

If you want to know:

• Why do cats get diarrhea?

• Types of diarrhea

• Causes of diarrhea

• Treatment

• When to hospitalize if your cat has diarrhea

Then read on. You’re going to learn a ton, to help your cat’s diarrhea and their overall wellbeing.

But first things first, we need to know why diarrhea happens.

Diarrhea is a symptom of many diseases. This is never a normal occurrence, and it can range from being harmless to being deadly.

That’s why, when you come to know if your cat has diarrhea, you should tread lightly. If it is untreated it can raise the risk of death in cats, kittens, and many senior cats too.

If your cat has diarrhea, then wait for 24-48 hours. This time limit is necessary as in this situation your cat’s immune system will wage a war against the bacteria or disease that is causing them the diarrhea.

If the immune system wins, your cat wins. It means they don’t have diarrhea. But if after 24 hours their diarrhea doesn’t seem to disappear, then consider seeking veterinary care immediately.

You won’t need to wait anymore as when this peaks, it can cause dehydration and malnutrition. This can also happen with vomiting, which is often an emergency case.

Below are the common signs of diarrhea your cat may show:

• Struggling to defecate : This is common as diarrhea can empty the intestines, and frequent use of the toilet will cause a strain on the body.

• Blood or mucus in the stool : If you find any fresh feces in the stool of your cat, then it is probably from any GI tract infection or any bladder problems which has resulted in diarrhea.

• Increased or decreased stools : if you find your cat using the litter box or than often or less often, it is because of the discomfort they’re facing due to diarrhea.

• The urgency to defecate : if your cat is showing urgency and in a certain way that it exposes their risk of having an accident outside the litter box, then it may be because of diarrhea.

Your cat may vomit with or without diarrhea. If it is with diarrhea then it is a concern as it can be due to any life-threatening disorders like:

• Food allergies : Your cat has eaten something they’re allergic to that’s why the diarrhea + vomiting.

• Infection : There’s an infection in their GI tract, or the lining of their stomach that is causing them to have diarrhea along with vomiting.

• Kidney Disease : If your cat has a kidney issue, then they might show signs of diarrhea and vomiting.

Other than this, there are other factors like ingesting toxins, pancreatitis, diabetic ketoacidosis, or even Addisonian crisis.

If your cat is vomiting while having diarrhea, then it is advised that you visit your vet for immediate analysis of the root cause of the problem. Timely precaution can save or cat. 

Let us now uncover the types of diarrhea in cats:

This is a type where the cat has diarrhea because of bleeding in the upper GI, or blood digestion. The color of their fecal matter is usually dark red.

If the colour of their stool is bright red it could be a sign of lower intestinal tract bleeding from the colon or the rectum.

But if the feces is coated with mucus, then it can be from inflammation in the digestive system.

If the color of your cat’s stool is green, then there is no need to concern. It can be due to something they ate like any green food or veggies they were not able to digest.

However, some animals with green feces have gallbladder disease. That’s why it is advised to check that out with the vet.

But if their feces are yellow it can be due to:

• Liver disease

• Liver failure

• Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

• Overgrowth of certain bacterial pathogens

• Zinc poisoning

Yellow feces in your cat along with signs of diarrhea is a medical emergency.

But then there are also two other types of diarrhea, which are:

• Acute Diarrhea : This is when your cat has diarrhea for less than 14 days, or resolves within 24-48 hours. When your cat has acute diarrhea, it is advised that you give them cat diarrhea medicine in the form of probiotics, supplements, and healthy meals.

• Chronic Dairrhea : This is the form of dairrhea that lasts for more than 3 weeks. Chronic diarrhea needs a long-term treatment plan and a medical diagnosis. 

Acute diarrhea in cats can be caused by various factors, categorized into six main groups:

1. Infectious : Includes parasitic, protozoal, bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

   • Common culprits:

     • Viral: Feline panleukopenia virus, feline coronavirus.

     • Bacterial: Salmonella, Campylobacter.

     • Parasitic: Giardia, roundworms.

2. Inflammatory : Involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

   • Causes include:

     • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

     • Food allergies or sensitivities.

     • Bacterial overgrowth in the intestines.

3. Metabolic or Endocrine : Conditions such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism.

4. Cancerous : GI tract cancers or tumors.

5. Obstructive : Physical blockages in the intestines due to foreign objects, hairballs, or other obstructions.

6. Poisonous/Toxic : Exposure to toxic substances, plants, or foods harmful to cats.

• Sudden Changes in Diet : Abrupt dietary changes can upset the digestive system. Gradually shift to new foods over several days to minimize disturbance.

• Food Allergies and Sensitivities : Cats can develop allergies or sensitivities to specific ingredients. These can occur at any age and worsen over time.

• Over-the-counter Medications and Treats : If the product or treats are contaminated, then it can cause diarrhea. If you have introduced new foods or treats, to your cat then it may be another reason.

Chronic diarrhea, which continues or is resistant to treatment, can be from:

1. Resistant Infections : Infections that do not respond well to conventional treatments.

2. Chronic Inflammatory Disease : Long-term inflammation in the GI tract due to IBD or other conditions.

3. Poorly Managed Metabolic or Endocrine Diseases : Conditions like diabetes or hyperthyroidism that are not controlled.

4. Congenital Diseases : Birth defects or viruses present from birth.

5. Cancer : GI cancers or other systemic cancers affecting digestion.

Multiple underlying factors may cause diarrhea that lasts for an extended period and is resistant to treatment. Such cases require diagnostics and a combination of treatments for effective management.

If you’re thinking of treating your cat with diarrhea, then you can bring a stool sample to your vet.

The vet then checks the stool sample for any intestinal parasites or infections present in it. Your vet may also run some fecal tests like:

• Antigen testing

• Culturing to screen for infections or inflammatory disease

• Fecal flotation

• Cytology

Additionally, the vet also carries out blood tests to find out the root causes of diarrhea. Additionally, tests like below are also done to check for cancer or foreign body ingestion:

• Ultrasound

• Endoscopy

• Radiology

Hospitalization is recommended if:

• Dehydration : If your cat isn’t drinking water, or if they seems lethargic and weak, it’s a clear red flag. Diarrhea can cause dehydration fast, and this is especially dangerous for kittens and senior cats.

• Loss of Appetite : Cats are naturally picky eaters, but it's time to worry when they completely refuse to eat. Not eating can lead to weight loss and malnutrition which makes recovery even harder.

• Vomiting or Lethargy : If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting or your cat is lying around like they’ve given up on life, don’t take chances. This combination can signal a more severe underlying condition.

Preventing diarrhea in cats is much easier than treating it. Cats are sensitive creatures, and even small changes can upset their delicate digestive systems.

Here’s how you can keep your feline friend’s tummy happy and healthy:

• Gradual Diet Changes: If you’re planning to switch your cat’s food, do it gradually over 7-10 days. Sudden changes in diet can shock their system and lead to diarrhea.

• High-Quality Food: Choose high-quality cat food that suits your cat’s age, size, and health needs. Look for ingredients that are easy to digest and avoid fillers or artificial additives that could cause sensitivities.

• Clean Water: Fresh, clean water is important. Make sure your cat’s water bowl is cleaned daily and always filled. Dehydration from diarrhea can happen quickly, especially in kittens and senior cats.

• Avoid Toxic Foods and Substances: Some human foods, like onions, garlic, chocolate, and dairy, are toxic to cats and can cause diarrhea. Keep these out of reach.

• Regular Vet Checkups: Routine vet visits can catch potential issues before they become serious. Your vet can also recommend supplements or probiotics to support your cat’s gut health.

Believe it or not, diarrhea in cats can be tricky to handle, but with the right knowledge and quick actions, you can make a world of difference. From understanding the causes to spotting the signs early, every step you take can help your cat feel better faster.

Whether it’s a sudden change in diet, stress, or an underlying health issue, never ignore diarrhea in cats. Your cat relies on you to notice when something’s wrong. Follow the tips above, and don’t hesitate to consult your vet when in doubt. 

When it comes to treating your cat’s diarrhea, less is more. Start by withholding food for 12-24 hours, but make sure fresh water is always available to avoid dehydration. After that, offer easily digestible foods like boiled chicken and rice in small portions. Probiotics and supplements designed for cats can also help restore gut health. Always avoid over-the-counter medications unless prescribed by your vet, as some can be toxic to cats. If diarrhea continues for more than 24-48 hours, consult your vet immediately.

Sometimes, yes. If your cat’s diarrhea is mild and they’re otherwise acting normal, their immune system might fight off the issue within 24-48 hours. However, keep a close eye on their behavior and hydration levels. If the diarrhea continues, worsens, or is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or blood in the stool, it’s time to visit the vet.

It’s not uncommon for a cat to have diarrhea while appearing perfectly normal otherwise. This could be due to minor issues like a sudden diet change, mild food intolerance, or stress. Even though they seem fine, keep monitoring their stool and behavior. If the diarrhea lasts more than a day or two, or if you notice signs like mucus or blood in the stool, it’s best to get a professional opinion.

Yes. If the dry food is contaminated, suddenly introduced, or contains ingredients your cat is allergic to, it could trigger diarrhea. Cats with sensitive stomachs might also struggle to digest certain types of kibble. To prevent this, always introduce new foods gradually over several days and make sure the food you’re offering is high-quality and suitable for your cat’s needs.