Colitis is an inflammatory intestinal condition that causes a variety of symptoms in cats. It can be caused by allergies, bacterial or viral infections, parasites, injury, ingestion of a toxic substance or colon cancer. An occasional episode of colitis is usually not a cause for concern--simple dietary changes and a regular deworming program may be all that is needed to keep your cat's condition under control. If, however, the condition appears chronic, consult your veterinarian for advice.
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Changes in Stool
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The most obvious symptom of colitis in cats is mucous and blood in the feces. If your cat seems to be heading to the litter box more often and her stool appears loose or mucous-covered, it could be a sign of colitis. Depending upon the type of litter you use, you may not notice any flecks of blood, but if she is straining to defecate or if she uses the litter box several times in a short period, it could point to colitis.
Straining in Litterbox
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Certain bladder conditions cause frequent or difficult urination. Your cat may strain to urinate if he has a urinary tract infection or bladder stones. If you are seeing normal amounts of feces but numerous, small quantities of urine, it could be a UTI. If, however, her urine output seems normal, she could be suffering from an intestinal or bowel condition such as colitis.
Weight Loss
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Chronic, ongoing colitis can cause overall poor health and weight loss. Loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea can deplete your cat of the necessary nutrients required for healthy weight. Properly managed, the effects of chronic colitis can be minimized and your cat's appetite and food tolerance will improve. Your veterinarian can advise you on a nutrient-dense, healthy diet for cats with intestinal and bowel problems such as colitis.
Abdominal Pain
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Unlike dogs, your stoic cat may not show obvious signs of pain, but colitis can cause severe abdominal pain. If your cat flinches or struggles when you pick him up, he may have abdominal pain. Other signs of pain include lethargy, glazed eyes, shallow breathing and a rapid heartbeat. UTIs and injuries can cause abdominal pain, too. Watch your cat closely for the sometimes subtle signs of cat pain--contact your veterinarian if you notice any behavior abnormalities that may indicate discomfort.
Constipation
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Colitis can be painful and the pain may cause your cat to withhold feces, causing constipation. Most cats defecate once a day. Constipation is not uncommon in cats, but if it is an ongoing problem, the underlying cause may be colitis. Add a teaspoon of plain, canned pumpkin to your cat's food twice a day. This is a gentle laxative that may help get things moving. Hairball paste, available in most pet and grocery stores, has a laxative effect as well.
Diagnosis
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Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical evaluation of your cat. Fecal tests may be ordered to determine if there are parasites present. Blood tests can determine if there are any other infectious conditions that may be causing your cat's symptoms. In some cases, your veterinarian may order X-rays, ultrasounds or a colonoscopy to get the most complete picture of your cat's condition.
Treatment
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After a diagnosis of colitis, your veterinarian may recommend a special diet for your cat. Often, this hypoallergenic diet is all that is needed to prevent another episode. A fiber supplement may be included to prevent constipation. If the colitis is bacterial in nature, your veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic. A regular program of deworming is also important--parasites are often a source of intestinal irritation and colitis in cats. Your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate course of action to control worms and parasites in your cat.
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