What Causes Cat Diarrhea and How to Treat It Safely And Quickly

Laura Evans |
July 29, 2024

37,741

One of the most common things that cat owners worry about is diarrhea. Diarrhea can be caused by various things, from dietary indiscretions to infections, and it can sometimes be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your cat.

What causes diarrhea in cats? What if your cat has had diarrhea for days? And most importantly, how to treat diarrhea in cats at home safely and quickly. That’s what you will learn in this article.

Different stages of diarrhea in cats: The consistency and color of your cat’s stool can give clues about what might be happening inside their digestive system and help you determine whether or not they need help.

Causes of Cat Diarrhea

Several different things can cause diarrhea in cats. Some of the most common causes include:

Dietary indiscretion: Cats are notorious for getting into things they shouldn’t, which sometimes includes eating things that can cause diarrhea. If your cat has gotten into the garbage, eaten something off the ground, or otherwise ingested something that doesn’t agree with them, they will likely have diarrhea.

Dietary changes: Cats can be picky eaters, and sometimes even a small change in their diet can cause diarrhea. If you’ve recently changed your cat’s food or treats, that could cause loose stools.

Infections: Both bacterial and viral infections can cause diarrhea in cats. If your cat has been exposed to another sick animal, it’s possible they could have contracted a disease.

Parasites: Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, commonly cause diarrhea in cats. These parasites can be contracted in several ways, including contacting contaminated soil or water or eating infected prey.

Stress: Cats can experience stress for various reasons, sometimes as diarrhea. If your cat is undergoing a change in its routine, such as moving to a new home or adding a new pet to the family, that could be the cause of their diarrhea.

Poisonous substances or plants

What Poop Says About Your Cat’s Health

Examining the characteristics of your cat’s diarrhea can provide insights into their health status:

Consistency and Color: Watery or loose stools might suggest small intestinal issues, whereas soft, poorly formed stools are often linked to large intestinal problems. Colors like black or red can indicate internal bleeding, and unusual colors might reflect dietary causes or health issues.
Frequency and Urgency: Increased frequency and urgency, especially with small volumes each time, often point towards large intestinal or colonic issues.
Presence of Blood or Mucus: Blood in diarrhea, either bright red or dark, can indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Mucus might be a sign of colonic irritation.
Odor: Unusually foul-smelling diarrhea can be a sign of infections or malabsorption.

These observations, while not diagnostic on their own, are valuable for understanding the potential causes and seriousness of diarrhea in cats. They can guide decisions on whether home remedies are appropriate or veterinary care is needed.

Home Remedies for Cat Diarrhea

A great many cases are mild and, with your vet’s advice, may be treated without a trip to the office (Note that if your vet is not open, some online services provide live chat and video options to connect you with a vet.)

You can do several things at home to help your cat feel better. Some home remedies for cat diarrhea include:

Fasting: for 12 to 24 hours can clear the cause of the upset and allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle. It’s important to speak with your veterinarian first because some cats (particularly small breeds or those with prior health conditions) cannot tolerate fasting.

Give them plenty of fluids: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so giving your cat plenty of fluids is essential. Offer them small amounts of water or clear broth frequently throughout the day. You can also provide them with ice cubes to lick or frozen vegetables to chew on.

Offer small, frequent meals: After the fasting period, offer them small, regular meals. This will help to avoid further upset to their stomach and intestines.

Canned Pumpkin: When fighting indigestion and diarrhea, 100% canned pumpkin is a favorite of many holistic veterinarians. It has a low glycemic index, so it slowly absorbs, which helps with upset stomach and digestion. Smaller cats (approximately 5 pounds) can be fed one-half teaspoon of canned pumpkin, while larger cats (approximately 75 pounds) can be fed 1 tablespoon.
Rice water: Boil high-quality rice in a lot of water, remove the grains, and serve the cat the creamy white soup that’s left. You can add a little broth to make it more appetizing.

Add probiotics to their diet: Probiotics can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in your cat’s gut. You can find probiotics for cats in some yogurts, as well as in supplement form both in powder and liquid form, which can be added to your cat’s food or water.

Over-the-counter medications for humans may also be effective for cat diarrhea but should be given with caution, and you should always consult with your vet before using them.

Methods that work for one cat may not help another, so you might need to do a little experimentation to find the right formula. Speak to your vet or a pet helpline, they may recommend the best option for your cat, and at the same time put your mind at ease.

When Should You Call the Vet About Cat Diarrhea?

In most cases, diarrhea is not a serious health concern and will resolve on its own. However, there are some cases where you should call the vet about your cat’s diarrhea. If your cat is experiencing any of the following, you should consult with your vet:

Diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours
Blood in their stool
Fever
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Vomiting

If your cat has any of these signs or if you have any doubt, contact your vet immediately or out of hours, a 24/7 pet helpline.

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Conclusion

If you are concerned about your cat’s diarrhea, it’s always best to consult with your vet or as a cheaper alternative, a 24/7 pet helpline. They can determine the cause of your cat’s diarrhea and recommend the best course of treatment. In most cases, diarrhea is not a serious health concern and will resolve on its own. Ensure that you are offering your cat plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Call your vet if you have any concerns or if diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours.

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