Why a Cat Has Constant Diarrhea

Constant diarrhea in your pet cat is not an enjoyable experience. As the owner you'll have a lot of cleaning up to do; it is also not healthy for your cat. With their fecal matter moving through them so quickly, your cat won't be able to absorb water and nutrients properly. There are many reasons why your cat may be having constant diarrhea, all of which need to be determined and treated quickly.

  1. What to Watch For

    • Keep an eye out if your cat begins exhibiting symptoms such as loose and watery stools that last longer than three weeks, a change in the color of the stool, blood or mucus in the stool, an increased number of stools or straining to defecate. These symptoms can lead to others like weight loss, lethargy and poor coat hair.

    General Causes

    • Numerous things can lead to constant diarrhea in your cat. These are infections, inflammations, dietary intolerance or allergies, cancers or partial obstruction of the bowel. Other causes include maldigestion--the inability to digest food which leads to that food's stuffing the intestine--and diseases like liver or kidney disease.

    Diagnosis

    • If your cat begins to exhibit chronic diarrhea or any of the other symptoms, you should take it to the veterinarian immediately. The vet will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. In addition, it may be necessary to do multiple fecal studies looking for bacteria or parasites, a complete blood count and a urinalysis to check kidney function and determine if your cat is dehydrated. X-rays may be taken of the abdomen

    Treatment

    • Depending on the cause of the diarrhea, different treatments may be ordered. Your cat may be put on a high-fiber diet, may be dewormed of intestinal parasites or may be given antibacterial drugs. Generally the treatment is either medication, a change of diet or in worst-case scenarios, surgery.

    Caring for Your Cat

    • If you notice your cat is having constant diarrhea, you will want to monitor him closely, even after you seek veterinary help. Pay attention to frequency of defecation and if there is any straining to defecate. You will also want to keep an eye on any changes in your cat's body weight, appetite or activity level. Be sure to follow the directions exactly when administering medication to your cat. Bring your cat back to the vet if her condition doesn't improve, or just for a follow-up to be safe.