Felines' bowel movements: A vet's perspective on regularity and abnormalities in cat's diarrhea
Muckin' around with kitty diarrhea ain't no walk in the park. If your furball's been dealing with stink bombs more regularly than a sewer rat, then you're in the right place. Here's the lowdown on dealing with diarrhea in cats.
Finding the best litter for cat poop might make cleanup a bit easier, but frequent diarrhea ain't something you want your feline buddy experiencing. Regularly, diarrhea is just a symptom, not a disease, but it could signal some common cat diseases. To get to the root of the stinky problem, it's crucial to understand what's normal when it comes to kitty poop behaviors.
From parasites and bacterial infections to inflammatory bowel disease and kidney issues, there's a long list of causes for diarrhea in cats. Patching up this mess starts with tests from your vet, like blood work, imaging, and analyzing fecal samples.
So, what's normal for cat poop? Think segmented, firm poops leaving little to no residue (score 2 on the fecal chart from Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets). If your cat's poop scores 4 or higher consistently, it's time to take action.
The length of diarrhea can help your vet diagnose and treat your cat more effectively, so noting down when it started and how long it's been going on is vital. Diarrhea can also be classified as acute (sudden onset) or chronic (lasting more than 2 weeks).
Different types of diarrhea can affect the frequency of defecation, texture of the poop, and even lead to accidents outside the litter box. Understanding the specifics can help your vet make a more accurate diagnosis.
While occasional diarrhea can be caused by things your cat may have eaten, regular episodes warrant a trip to the vet. Over-the-counter meds and home remedies can often do more harm than good, so always consult your veterinarian.
When to visit your vet? Watch out for symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, and changes in behavior. With proper treatment from your vet, cat diarrhea can be managed effectively and your cat can get back to being the terrific tiger it is.
If you've had enough of the clean-up game, check out guides for the best automatic cat litter boxes. You might be wondering if cats really fart or how to handle cat constipation or kitty going number two outside the litter box.
Last updated on February 11, 2025.
Health conditions causing chronic diarrhea in cats:
- Food Allergies
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Colitis
- Infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites
Managing Chronic Cat Diarrhea:
- Diagnostic Tests
- Fecal Analysis
- Blood Tests
- Imaging Studies
- Colonoscopy or Biopsy
- Dietary Changes
- Biologically Appropriate Diet
- Fiber Supplements with Pre- and Probiotics
- Stress Management
- Medications
- Anti-inflammatory Medications
- Antibiotics
- Parasite Control
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups
Veterinary examinations are crucial for identifying potential causes of chronic diarrhea in kittens, such as food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Fecal analysis, blood tests, imaging studies, colonoscopy, or biopsy may be required for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Dietary changes, including transitioning to a biologically appropriate diet and incorporating fiber supplements with pre- and probiotics, can help manage chronic cat diarrhea. Stress management is also essential for maintaining mental health and overall health-and-wellness in cats.
Anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, and parasite control drugs may be prescribed by your veterinarian to address the underlying condition causing chronic diarrhea. Regular veterinary check-ups ensure proper monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans as needed.
In addition to managing diarrhea, it's important to provide proper care and food for your pet cat, ensuring a clean and safe environment conducive to its well-being. Be aware of symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, and changes in behavior, as they could indicate underlying health issues.
For more information, seek advice from a veterinary professional or consult resources on health-and-wellness, mental-health, and pet care. Regularly updating your knowledge on these topics can help ensure the best possible care for your beloved feline companion.
