Every cat owner knows their furry friend can be a little sensitive to their food choices. But what happens when your cat starts showing signs of discomfort, like diarrhea? You might find yourself worried, wondering what’s going on and how to help.
Diarrhea: A Common Cat Concern
Diarrhea, also known as loose stools or diarrhoea, is a common problem in cats. It’s a sign that something is not right with your cat’s digestive system.
Why is Diarrhea a Concern?
Diarrhea can make cats uncomfortable and even lead to dehydration, especially if it’s severe or lasts for a long time. It can also be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition.
Causes of Diarrhea in Cats
Diarrhea in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Dietary Changes: Sudden changes in diet can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in some cats.
- Dietary Indiscretion: Eating something they shouldn’t, such as scraps of food, plants, or even non-food items, can trigger diarrhea.
- Stress: Stress can also cause diarrhea in cats. Stress can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as:
- Moving to a New Home: Relocating can be stressful for cats.
- Introducing a New Pet: Adding a new pet to the household can be stressful for existing cats.
- Veterinary Visits: Many cats feel anxious during veterinary visits.
- Loud Noises: Loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms, can be stressful for cats.
- Infections: Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause diarrhea. Some common infections include:
- Campylobacter: A bacteria that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- E. coli: A bacteria that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Salmonella: A bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever, and lethargy.
- Giardia: A protozoan parasite that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
- Coccidia: A protozoan parasite that can cause diarrhea and dehydration.
- Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestines, often caused by an abnormal immune response. It can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Diarrhea can also be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as:
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems.
- Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can cause a buildup of toxins in the body, leading to digestive problems, including diarrhea.
- Liver Disease: Liver disease can impair the liver’s ability to filter toxins, leading to digestive problems, including diarrhea.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
What Causes Mucus Diarrhea in Cats?
Mucus diarrhea, characterized by stools containing excess mucus, is a common symptom of colitis in cats. The increased mucus production is the body’s way of trying to protect the inflamed intestinal lining.
- Infections: Bacterial or parasitic infections can cause inflammation in the intestines, leading to mucus in the stool.
- Dietary Indiscretion: Eating something irritating, like a piece of string or a rubber band, can trigger inflammation and mucus production.
- Stress: Stress can also cause inflammation in the intestines, leading to mucus in the stool.
A Case Study: Whiskers’ Digestive Distress
Whiskers, a 5-year-old Maine Coon, had been experiencing bouts of diarrhea. His owner, David, noticed that Whiskers was having frequent, loose stools, and he seemed to be straining to defecate. He also started eating less and losing weight.
“Whiskers was usually so playful and energetic,” David says. “But he’s become lethargic, and he’s not interested in playing with his toys. It was worrying to see him feeling so unwell.”
David took Whiskers to the vet. The veterinarian performed a physical exam and ran blood tests. The veterinarian suspected that Whiskers had colitis, possibly triggered by stress from a recent move. “The veterinarian recommended a bland diet and medication to help soothe Whiskers’ digestive system,” David says.
Diagnosing Diarrhea in Cats
Diagnosing the cause of diarrhea in cats requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian. They will perform a physical exam, ask about your cat’s history, and often recommend some additional testing.
- Physical Examination: The veterinarian will assess your cat’s overall health, including their weight, body condition, and any signs of illness. They will check your cat’s temperature, pulse, and respiration, and they will examine their eyes, ears, nose, teeth, and gums. They will also feel your cat’s abdomen and lymph nodes for any abnormalities.
- Bloodwork: Blood tests can help rule out a variety of medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, or anemia.
- Urinalysis: A urinalysis can help to assess kidney function, which can be affected by a number of medical conditions.
- Fecal Examination: A fecal examination can detect intestinal parasites.
- Radiographs (X-rays): X-rays can help to identify any abnormalities in the internal organs, which could indicate a medical condition.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound can provide a more detailed view of the internal organs, helping to identify any abnormalities.
- Endoscopy: In some cases, your veterinarian might recommend an endoscopy, a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus, stomach, or intestines to examine the lining for signs of inflammation or other problems.
- Biopsy: If your veterinarian suspects IBD or other inflammatory conditions, they may recommend a biopsy to examine the tissue for signs of inflammation.
Treating Diarrhea in Cats
Treatment for diarrhea in cats depends on the underlying cause.
- Dietary Changes: If diarrhea is caused by a change in diet, your veterinarian can help you choose a food that’s appropriate for your cat’s age, breed, and activity level.
- Stress Reduction: Try to reduce stress in your cat’s environment by:
- Providing Safe Spaces: Offer your cat a quiet, comfortable space where they can feel secure.
- Using Pheromone Diffusers: Pheromone diffusers can help to create a calming environment.
- Playing with Your Cat: Playtime can help to relieve stress.
- Medications: If diarrhea is caused by a medical condition, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat the underlying problem. For example:
- Antibiotics: Medications to treat bacterial infections.
- Antifungal Medications: Medications to treat fungal infections.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Medications to reduce inflammation in the intestines.
- Medications to Treat Hyperthyroidism, Kidney Disease, or Liver Disease: Medications to manage the underlying medical condition.
- Dietary Management: If your cat has colitis, your veterinarian may recommend a bland diet for a few days. Bland diets typically consist of cooked chicken or turkey and white rice.
- Fiber Supplements: Adding a small amount of fiber to your cat’s diet can help promote regular bowel movements and soothe the digestive system. You can add fiber in the form of canned pumpkin, cooked oatmeal, or fiber supplements.
A Case Study: Whiskers’ Recovery
Whiskers, the Maine Coon with colitis, responded well to treatment. The veterinarian prescribed him antibiotics and recommended a bland diet. David also started using a calming pheromone diffuser in Whiskers’ home to help reduce stress.
“Whiskers felt much better after a few days,” David says. “He was back to his playful self, and he’s been doing much better since then.”
Tips for Caring for a Cat with Diarrhea
- Monitor Your Cat’s Behavior: Pay close attention to your cat’s behavior, especially if they’re having diarrhea or showing other signs of illness. Look for signs of discomfort or distress, such as:
- Restlessness: Pacing or hiding more than usual.
- Lethargy: Sleeping more than usual.
- Changes in Appetite: Refusing to eat or having difficulty eating.
- Dehydration: Dry gums, sunken eyes, or decreased skin elasticity.
- Provide Fresh Water: Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times.
- Consult a Veterinarian Immediately: If your cat is having frequent diarrhea, or if they have blood or mucus in their stool, or if they have a fever or other concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately. These could be signs of a serious medical condition that requires treatment.
Conclusion
Diarrhea in cats can be a serious condition, but it’s often treatable with proper care. By understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms of diarrhea, you can work with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan that’s right for your cat. Remember, every cat is unique, and their diarrhea might require a different approach.
Leave a Reply