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Diarrhea is no fun for anyone, including our cats. The most common cause of diarrhea in cats is infections in your cat’s gastrointestinal (GI) system from viruses, bacteria, or parasites. But that’s not the only factor that determines your cat’s poop situation.
Sometimes, healthy cats with no major health issues or lifestyle changes, like a new diet or environment, can develop diarrhea, says Dr. Jana Bryant, DVM, Lead Veterinarian and Managing Partner at CityVet Coppell.
If your cat has diarrhea but seems fine, they could be experiencing acute diarrhea. It should clear within a day or two without needing medical care. But if the diarrhea persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, call or visit your vet.
We’ve got expert insights that break down the causes of cat diarrhea, what to feed them, and vet-prescribed medicines and home remedies for diarrhea to get your kitty back on track.
When Should I Call the Vet About My Cat’s Diarrhea?
Normal cat poop “is small, infrequent (a few times per week), very dry (often crumbly), and virtually odorless,” says Margaret Gates, Director of the Feline Nutrition Foundation.
A cat with diarrhea will pass stinky, liquid-like poop for a day or two or in recurring patterns that can last as long as 14 days or more. This is chronic diarrhea.
Luckily, Dr. Bryant says that short-term (acute) diarrhea doesn’t always need medical attention from your vet. If your cat has diarrhea but seems fine, they’re likely experiencing acute cat diarrhea, and you should expect it to go away on its own once your cat passes what upset their stomach.
However, if your cat has diarrhea for more than three days, or if it includes fresh blood or mucus, is tar-like, or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, fever, or lethargy, call your vet. If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to:
- Life-threatening dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Poor nutrition
- Shock
An appointment with your vet can determine the cause of your cat’s diarrhea and get them the life-saving treatment they need.
How Is Cat Diarrhea Treated?
Cat diarrhea is not a disease; it’s a symptom of an underlying disease, gut imbalance, or condition. A vet can help diagnose the root cause of your kitty’s diarrhea and develop a treatment plan that might include medications and other remedies.
Vet-prescribed treatment for cat diarrhea often starts with an IV drip. Dehydration is common in cats with diarrhea because of the sudden and rapid loss of bodily fluids.
Beyond that immediate treatment, depending on the underlying cause of your cat’s diarrhea other vet-prescribed cat diarrhea treatments include:
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Prescription diet
- Deworming medicine
- Antibiotics
- Surgery (if GI obstruction is the cause)
- Long-term treatment plan
Can CBD help cats with diarrhea?
“CBD is more useful for long-term GI tract health rather than treating GI upset or diarrhea,” says Dr. Gary Richter, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition.
He explains that CBD activates certain receptors in the gut to promote better nutrient absorption. This may decrease the onset of chronic GI conditions like IBD.
Lastly, CBD for pets can improve GI health and reduce the chances of diarrhea when given in the correct dosage, but it doesn’t cure existing diarrhea.
What Can I Feed a Cat With Diarrhea?
Before treating cat diarrhea with diet changes, talk with your vet. If they identify a poor diet as the cause of your cat’s diarrhea, ask if these changes could help:
- Increasing fiber with plain pumpkin puree, psyllium husk supplements, or a high-fiber cat food
- Decreasing fiber intake
- Adding GI-boosting probiotics to meals
- Feeding a low-carb, high-protein diet
Dr. Bryant says that no matter what you give your cat for diarrhea, remember to feed them the right food.
Are the treatments the same for chronic diarrhea?
Your vet may begin treatment and diagnosis for chronic diarrhea with a dietary trial and elimination diet, narrowing down a potential food culprit. If physical exams and blood tests point to a viral, bacterial, thyroid, or cancer condition, your vet will discuss the right medication or treatment for the underlying cause.
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Can Indoor Cats Get Diarrhea?
Yes, indoor and outdoor cats can get diarrhea. Indoor-only cats may be less likely to experience diarrhea caused by parasites and gastrointestinal infections but aren’t immune.
They also can develop food intolerances or allergies. Overall, all cats, including indoor-only ones, should see their vet for a preventative fecal test at least once yearly.
What about kittens?
“Kittens have very immature digestive systems,” says Dr. Sarah Machell, DVM, Medical Director of Vetster. Since they’re curious and prone to exploration, their young systems are susceptible to many nasty infections and parasites.
Additionally, she says diarrhea in kittens should always be discussed with a vet. Kittens put all their resources into growing, so they don’t have extra nutrition or hydration to spare after experiencing diarrhea like adult cats. This puts kittens at risk of rapid decline in health when tummy troubles and GI issues like diarrhea arise.
What Causes Cat Diarrhea?
Cat diarrhea has many causes, ranging from various illnesses to environmental changes. Below, we’ve broken down all the different causes:
- Antibiotic side effects
- Motion sickness
- Bacterial infections
- Exposure to or ingestion of toxins
- Hyperthyroidism
- Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and giardia
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
- Irritable bowel disease (IBD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
- Feline coronavirus infection (FCoV)
- Cancer
- Stress or anxiety
- Overeating or overfeeding
- Sudden changes in diet
- Poor diet
- Ingesting foreign objects
- Food allergies
Can certain foods give cats diarrhea?
The saying “too much of anything is a bad thing” is also true for cats. Here are the most common foods to cause diarrhea in cats:
- Rich or fatty foods
- High-carb foods, including some commercial kibble
- Dietary allergies
- High-fiber foods, like too much plain pumpkin puree
- Toxic foods
- Dairy products, including milk and cheese
How Can I Prevent Diarrhea?
The first step in preventing cat diarrhea is seeing your vet for routine visits. Your vet will recommend preventative vaccines, fecal tests, and answer questions about your cat’s diet. Then, ask your vet if one or a combination of these anti-diarrhea tricks is right for your cat:
- Support a healthy gut microbiome. Dr. Machell says fiber supplements with pre- and probiotics are the most effective means to enhance gut health. She recommends FortiFlora®, made by Purina.
- Feed a biologically appropriate diet. Cats are obligate carnivores. Avoid filler vegetables, grains, and carbs in commercial foods; that means fewer table scraps.
- Reduce stress. Stress and anxiety can manifest in many ways, including an upset tummy and diarrhea. Give your cat plenty of stimulation, and try to stick to a routine.
Lastly, pet insurance is a great option if you’re worried about the cost of preventative care for your cat. Many plans cover routine vet visits and other benefits to keep your kitty healthy.
