One of the messiest and most upsetting symptoms that pet parents must deal with is a pet's diarrhea. Our Edgewater veterinarians address the topic of what to do if your cat has diarrhea in today's post.
You are bound to want to know why and how to stop and treat chronic diarrhea in cats fast. Below are some reasons why s and cats suffer from diarrhea and when it's time to head to the vet.
Cats & Diarrhea
Both our canine and feline friends commonly experience mild bouts of diarrhea, which can occur due to switching to a new brand or flavor of food, consuming a small amount of something that doesn't agree with them, such as table scraps, or experiencing mild intestinal distress.
That said, there are also a number of more serious health issues that could lead to your pet suffering from diarrhea.
What causes diarrhea in cats?
Below are some of the most common reasons for cat or diarrhea:
- Stress or anxiety
- Change in diet or treats
- Eating garbage or spoiled food
- Ingestion of foreign objects such as toys, bones, and fabric
- Ingesting toxins or poisons
- Viral infection
- Parasites
- Bacterial infections
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colitis
- Liver or kidney disease
- Intestinal cancer
- Medications such as antibiotics
But how do you know whether your or cat's diarrhea requires a visit to the vet?
When should I contact a vet about my cat's diarrhea?
If your pet has a single episode of diarrhea and is otherwise acting normal, it is likely not a cause for concern. Monitor your pet's bowel movements to see if things clear up. More than 2 episodes could indicate a problem, so it's a good idea to contact your vet if your animal companion has two or more bouts of diarrhea.
If your pet appears to strain while passing a stool but only passes small amounts of watery diarrhea, it may be suffering from a painful obstruction caused by ingesting a toy or other foreign object. You should contact your veterinarian right away or go to the closest emergency animal hospital for care as this issue requires immediate veterinary attention.
Recurring bouts of diarrhea over a short period of time could be a sign of a very serious health issue, particularly if your pet is very old, very young, or has a compromised immune system. A number of infections can be very serious, contagious, or even life-threatening. Contact your vet right away if your pet is experiencing repeated episodes of diarrhea.
s and cats that are showing other symptoms, as well as diarrhea, should also be seen by a vet as soon as possible. If your pet has any of the following symptoms contact your vet right away to make an appointment:
- Blood in stool
- Unusual drooling
- Vomiting
- Lack of Appetite
- Weakness
- Signs of dehydration (Sunken dry-looking eyes, dry nose, or dry, sticky gums)
If your cat is displaying any symptoms that cause you concern, contact your veterinarian. Your vet will let you know whether your pet's symptoms indicate that an examination is necessary.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.