Diarrhoea in cats can range from a minor upset stomach to a symptom of more serious underlying conditions. When your cat experiences diarrhoea, it’s important to understand the cause behind it. Whether it’s a temporary digestive issue or a sign of a deeper health problem, knowing how to approach diarrhoea is key to keeping your cat healthy.
Diarrhoea is defined as increased frequency or volume of bowel movements with more water content than usual, resulting in loose or watery stool. Some cases are isolated incidents, but others can last for days or weeks. The causes of diarrhoea vary based on your cat’s age, environment, and medical history.
Common Causes of Diarrhoea in Cats
For kittens or young cats, diarrhoea is often linked to diet changes, infections, or parasites. Older cats might experience diarrhoea due to inflammation, metabolic disorders, or even cancer, although cancer is rare in younger cats. Some common causes include:
- Dietary Changes: Introducing new food or treats, especially too quickly, can upset your cat’s digestive system.
- Infections and Parasites: Raw fed cats or those that hunt may contract parasites or bacteria like Salmonella.
- Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, may cause digestive upset.
- Underlying Conditions: Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may lead to long-term diarrhoea.
How We Diagnose the Cause of Diarrhoea
Diagnosing the cause of diarrhoea in cats involves a methodical process. Here’s how we typically approach the issue:
1. Clinical History: The first step is gathering detailed information about your cat’s background. This includes their age, diet, vaccination status, and any recent changes, such as new food, treats, or exposure to potential toxins. Has your cat been hunting or exploring outside?
2. Physical Examination: We will assess your cat’s overall health, checking for dehydration, weight loss, or fever. We may also examine your cat’s abdomen to identify pain, masses, or foreign objects.
3. Faecal Testing: A stool sample helps detect parasites, bacteria, or other abnormalities, which is especially important in younger or outdoor cats where infections are more common.
4. Blood and Urine Tests: These tests help determine if the diarrhoea is caused by a digestive issue or if it’s secondary to another condition, like a thyroid disorder.
5. Imaging: In some cases, X-rays or ultrasounds are used to check for internal abnormalities, such as thickened intestines, blockages, or tumours.
6. Biopsies: For chronic or severe diarrhoea, tissue samples may be needed to make a definitive diagnosis, especially in cases of inflammatory diseases or suspected cancer.
Acute vs. Chronic Diarrhoea: What’s the Difference?
- Acute Diarrhoea: This type of diarrhoea starts suddenly and is usually short-lived. It might be caused by something simple, like eating new food. Most cases resolve on their own, but if your cat shows signs of dehydration or lethargy, or refuses to eat, a vet visit is essential.
- Chronic Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea lasting more than three weeks is considered chronic and requires a thorough diagnostic workup. Chronic diarrhoea can be linked to long-term conditions such as IBD, food allergies, or metabolic disorders.
Small Bowel vs. Large Bowel Diarrhoea
A key part of diagnosing diarrhoea is determining whether it’s coming from the small or large intestine, as this affects the type of treatment needed.
- Small Bowel Diarrhoea: This type tends to produce larger volumes of stool, often watery. Cats with small bowel diarrhoea may experience weight loss, flatulence, or vomiting.
- Large Bowel Diarrhoea: Large bowel issues result in smaller, more frequent stools. Mucus or fresh blood may appear in the stool, and cats may strain while defecating.
What to Do If Your Cat Has Diarrhoea
If your cat has mild diarrhoea but otherwise seems healthy, you can try feeding them a bland diet—such as plain, cooked chicken—for a few days to see if the symptoms resolve. Ensure your cat stays hydrated by providing fresh water. However, if the diarrhoea persists, your cat is showing other signs of illness (such as vomiting, weight loss or lethargy), or you have a very young kitten or an elderly cat, it's important to consult a vet.
In some cases, we may recommend deworming your cat, even if no parasites are found in the initial faecal exam, as parasitic infections can sometimes be missed.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Contact us if:
- The diarrhoea lasts more than a day or two
- Your cat shows signs of dehydration (e.g., sunken eyes, dry gums)
- There’s blood in the stool
- Your cat is vomiting or refusing to eat
- You notice weight loss or fever
Pay attention to your cat’s behaviour and report any unusual symptoms. Diarrhoea can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
Conclusion
Diarrhoea in cats can range from a minor inconvenience to a sign of a more serious condition. While many cases of diarrhoea resolve on their own, chronic or severe cases require a more in-depth approach. If in doubt, always make an appointment, we can help determine the underlying cause and get your cat back to feeling their best.