An Owner's Guide to Diarrhea in Cats

If your cat has diarrhea, he will pass loose, watery stools.  Diarrhea in cats isn't a disease, but may be a symptom of various other diseases.  If severe enough, it can cause excessive loss of nutrients and fluids and become life-threatening.  So, what exactly causes it?

Causes

This condition can occur naturally or be caused by various other diseases.  Parasites and viruses that affect the intestinal tract are a common cause.  Viruses that affect the stomach can also lead to this condition.

Cats that eat things they're not supposed to can also develop diarrhea.  There are also more serious causes.  They include fungal infections, bacterial infections, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, and damage to the pancreas.

Symptoms

Diarrhea in cats usually only causes loose stool.  However, your cat may experience other symptoms if the condition is caused by a more serious disease.  Some of these other signs include loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, lethargy, and abdominal pain.  Sometimes, there will be blood in the vomit or stool.

Diagnosis

As you know by now, diarrhea can be caused by various condition.  Therefore, it may be difficult to find the underlying cause.  The veterinarian may start out by doing a physical exam and taking an x-ray.  Your cat's stool should also be checked for parasites.  A multitude of other tests may also be conducted to check for major diseases.

Treatment

Treatment for diarrhea in cats is determined by the underlying cause.  If the cause is a minor one, your cat may get better after a few days on a special diet.  Medications can also be given to relieve inflammation of the intestinal tract.  Medications can also help the stool become firmer.

It's more difficult to treat cases with a major underlying cause.  The underlying disease will need to be treated as quickly as possible.  To help prevent dehydration, your cat will probably need intravenous fluids.  Since secondary infections are commonly a problem, antibiotics may also be given.