Reasons for Cat Diarrhea

Diarrhea in cats can be a serious health issue. Prolonged or severe diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which become life threatening to a cat. It may be a symptom of a more serious condition or a simple reaction to a change in food. Monitor your cat's behavior and the frequency of diarrhea to help your veterinarian determine the cause.

  1. Small Intestine Problems

    • According to Washington State University, there are different conditions in the cat's small intestine that can lead to diarrhea. A sudden onset of diarrhea from the small intestine can be an indication of a virus. Feline panleukopenia and feline coronavirus are examples of such viruses. High amounts of bacteria in the small intestine, like salmonella or clostridia, can lead to diarrhea. Fungal infections of the small intestines account for diarrhea in cats in certain parts of the country.

    Large Intestine Problems

    • Diarrhea that comes from the large intestine can be caused by polyps or colon cancer. The cancer can occur as a solid mass or it could be multiple tumors along the intestines. Stress is also a common cause of diarrhea that develops in the large intestine. Even dietary changes can cause stress to a cat. Diarrhea could also be caused by the formation of ulcers in the colon.

    Organ Disease

    • Illnesses in particular organs can sometimes cause diarrhea in cats. The most common are kidney or pancreatic disease, hyperthyroidism and liver failure.

    Parasites

    • Parasites can be harbored just about anywhere in the cat's body. Worms in the gastrointestinal tract, whether in the stomach or the large or small intestines, can cause diarrhea. Common parasites include whipworms, stomachworms, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, giardia, toxoplasmosis and isospora. According to the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, chronic diarrhea in cats has been linked to a protozoa that is responsible for causing spontaneous abortions in cattle. Tritochomona foetus can be difficult to recognize under the microscope, as it looks similar to giardia. In fact, it is so close in size and shape to giardia that researchers must compare its DNA to giardia's to distinguish the two.

    Foreign Matter

    • Foreign objects that the cat has swallowed can become trapped at some point in the intestinal tract, causing diarrhea. Even when a foreign object does not become stuck, it may still damage or scrape the inner lining of the intestines and cause irritation, inflammation and diarrhea. Foreign matter can cause an obstruction of the intestinal tract and can become a life-threatening situation.

    Inflammatory Bowel Disease

    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has become increasingly common in cats. Any cat can be afflicted by this disease, and there are many types of IBD, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It can occur in the stomach or the small or large intestines. Colitis is the most common form and occurs only in the large intestine.