Cats & Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be a symptom of multiple illnesses or conditions and may not be cause for alarm. Cats that are suffering from stomach problems should be watched carefully for any worsening symptoms or serious changes in health.

  1. Causes

    • Diarrhea can be caused by a change in diet, parasites, infections, coccidia or more serious diseases such as cancer, liver disease or feline immunodeficiency virus. Other symptoms and information, including testing, must be given to your veterinarian in order to make a correct diagnosis.

    Symptoms

    • If your cat has diarrhea, call you vet's office and describe any other symptoms your cat is experiencing. Problem symptoms to watch for include black or tarry stool, feces with blood or mucus, fever, lethargic behavior, vomiting, dehydration, pale gums, painful bowel movements, rapid weight loss or abdominal swelling.

    At-Home Treatment

    • For mild cases of diarrhea, your vet may recommend withholding food for 12 to 24 hours before introducing a bland diet of wet food or chicken and rice, while keeping plenty of water available for your cat. Also, keep your cat indoors to monitor his diet and health.

    Medications

    • More serious cases of diarrhea may require a trip to the vet and/or medications. Dewormers are helpful for parasites while antibiotics can be used for bacterial infections or damaged intestines. Seriously dehydrated cats may require intravenous fluids.

    Prevention

    • If changing your cat's diet, do so gradually to prevent stomach upsets. Vaccinations are available to prevent many diseases that can be potentially fatal in cats, including feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Keep sick cats isolated from other pets in case contagious bacteria or parasites have caused the symptoms.