Diarrhoea in cats is characterized by an increase in the frequency, volume, or liquid content of their bowel movements, resulting in unformed or loose stools. The consistency of cat diarrhoea can range from soft but formed to watery, and the colour may vary from darker or lighter than normal to green, red, or yellow.

If you suspect your cat has diarrhoea, don’t panic. Most cases are temporary and not serious, often resolving quickly with a change in diet or appropriate veterinary treatment. The severity and duration of the condition depend on its underlying cause, which can range from common issues like food allergies or inflammatory bowel disease to more serious health issues like chronic diarrhoea or foreign body ingestion.

Diarrhoea in cats can be classified as:

• Acute (sudden onset and short-lived) or chronic (lasting more than 2-3 weeks)
• Persistent (constant) or intermittent (coming and going)

Chronic and persistent diarrhoea are the most serious types and may require diagnostic tests such as blood tests or other evaluations to determine the underlying cause. If your cat experiences fresh blood in their stool, watery colour, or other concerning symptoms, it's crucial to seek veterinary help right away. The right treatment from a vet can address a wide variety of potential causes, from mild issues to life threatening conditions.

By diagnosing the cause, whether it’s a food allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, or another health issue, your vet can provide the appropriate treatment to help your cat recover and maintain their digestive system health.

Diarrhoea in cats can arise from numerous causes. Some potential reasons include:

• Ingestion of toxic substances or dangerous plants.
• Stress or anxiety affecting the digestive system.
• A sudden change in nutrition or the introduction of a new food without a gradual transition.
• Food allergies or intolerances to specific ingredients, learn what can cats eat?
• Infectious agents such as viruses, parasites (cat fleas), or bacteria.
• Inflammatory bowel disease, which involves chronic inflammation of the intestines, check for blood in poo.
• Side effects of medications, causing cat vomiting.
• Aging, which can lead to conditions like cat dementia affecting digestion and bowel function

Episodes of cat diarrhea are often mild, short lived, and resolve on their own within a few days. However, if your cat’s diarrhea persists for more than a few days, you should:

• Ensure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water.
• Give your cat’s digestive system a break by withholding food (but not water) for 24 hours. After this period, gradually reintroduce a highly digestible diet in small meals. Avoid depriving your cat of food for more than 24 hours, as this can be harmful.
• Consult your vet for a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of the diarrhea and appropriate treatment.

To assist your vet, provide the following details:

• The severity and frequency of the diarrhea episodes
• Duration of the cat diarrhea
• Any weight loss
• Changes in appetite
• Presence of fresh blood or mucus in the stool
• Color, consistency, and volume of the stool
• Any straining during defecation
• Additional symptoms (e.g., vomiting, hyperactivity)
• Frequency and type of worming treatments administered

Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests such as stool, blood, and urine samples, and possibly more advanced diagnostics like ultrasound, X rays, endoscopy, or biopsies if the condition is chronic or life threatening. Identifying the underlying cause of the cat diarrhea, whether it’s a food allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, or another health issue, is crucial for effective treatment.

Once the episode of cat diarrhea has resolved, it’s important to keep a close watch on the quality of your cat’s stool in the litter tray. Regular monitoring will help you detect any future changes in stool quality, frequency, or volume early on. This can be especially useful in identifying potential causes of chronic diarrhea or assessing how a change in diet may affect your cat’s digestive health. Tracking these changes will aid in ruling out or pinpointing possible underlying diseases and help address any issues promptly if they arise.

If your cat is experiencing mild cat diarrhea or enteritis, they will benefit from a diet with the following attributes:

• High quality, easily digestible ingredients to reduce the strain on the gut and improve food tolerance, which can be crucial for managing both short term and long term cat diarrhea.
• Limited protein sources to minimize the risk of allergic reactions or adverse gastrointestinal responses, addressing common causes of cat diarrhea and helping rule out possible food allergies.
• Prebiotics to support a healthy balance of gut microbes and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can help with chronic cat diarrhea and overall digestive health.

If your vet suspects that a food allergy is the underlying cause of your cat’s diarrhea, they might recommend a hypoallergenic diet formulated with hydrolysed proteins. These proteins are broken down into very small pieces to prevent or reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Consult your vet to determine the best diet for your cat’s needs.

To keep your cat healthy, regular health checks are recommended to monitor their body condition. Discover more in our article on maintaining your cat’s health.