One of the messiest and most upsetting symptoms that pet parents must deal with is a pet's diarrhea. Our Sharpsburg veterinarians address the topic of what to do if your cat has diarrhea in today's post.
You are bound to want to know why and how to stop and treat chronic diarrhea in cats fast. Below are some reasons why s and cats suffer from diarrhea and when it's time to head to the vet.
Cats & Diarrhea
Mild diarrhea is common in both our canine and feline companions, and it can be caused by switching to a new brand or flavor of food, eating a small amount of something that doesn't agree with them, such as table scraps, or by mild intestinal distress.
That said, there are also a number of more serious health issues that could lead to your pet suffering from diarrhea.
What causes diarrhea in cats?
Below are some of the most common reasons for a cat to have diarrhea:
- Stress or anxiety
- Change in diet or treats
- Eating garbage or spoiled food
- Ingestion of foreign objects such as toys, bones, and fabric
- Ingesting toxins or poisons
- Viral infection
- Parasites
- Bacterial infections
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colitis
- Liver or kidney disease
- Intestinal cancer
- Medications such as antibiotics
But how do you know whether your or your cat's diarrhea requires a visit to the vet?
When to contact your vet about diarrhea in cats
If your pet has a single episode of diarrhea and is otherwise acting normal, it is likely not a cause for concern. Monitor your pet's bowel movements to see if things clear up. More than 2 episodes could indicate a problem, so it's a good idea to contact your vet if your animal companion has two or more bouts of diarrhea.
If your pet appears to be straining to pass a stool but only passing small amounts of watery diarrhea, they 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.
s and 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:
- Blood in stool
- Unusual drooling
- Vomiting
- Lack of Appetite
- Weakness
- Signs of dehydration (Sunken dry-looking eyes, dry nose, or dry, sticky gums)
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.