Why Does My Cat Have Runny Poop?

March 30, 2023

Diarrhea sometimes happens when we change our cat’s food or when they have an unidentified digestive problem. Consistent diarrhea in cats is not normal and should be checked out by a veterinarian. Continue reading to learn more about diarrhea in cats and how to help your furry friend.

What Does Diarrhea in Cats Look Like?

Cat diarrhea occurs when a cat’s stool is soft and liquid-textured. If your cat has diarrhea, you’ll typically see more frequent bowel movements or oddly-colored stool.

What Causes Diarrhea in Cats?

There are various possible causes of cat diarrhea, some more serious than others. For example, changes in your cat’s diet may cause diarrhea but is a rare emergency situation. Intestinal worms, bacterial overgrowth, and viruses are other common causes of sustained diarrhea in cats, but any bouts of diarrhea lasting for more than 1-2 days require a visit to the vet.

Other causes may include:

• Food allergies
• Medication allergies
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Poor nutrition or maldigestion
• Cancer

Symptoms of Cat Diarrhea

There are several signs that you need to have your cat checked by a health professional. If your cat displays any of the following symptoms, call your veterinarian:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting or nausea
• Frequent defecation
• Straining to defecate
• Abnormal stool—color or consistency
• Weight loss
• Abnormal smelling breath

What are the Different Types of Diarrhea?

There are three different types of diarrhea: acute diarrhea, persistent diarrhea and chronic diarrhea. Acute diarrhea is the least concerning, as it only lasts for a few days and doesn’t typically require medical attention. Persistent and chronic diarrhea last for extended periods of time, ranging from weeks to months. Regardless of their longevity, all forms of diarrhea have a negative impact on your cat’s health.

How to Treat Cat Diarrhea?

Is your cat showing signs of discomfort or distress? Has your cat had diarrhea for a few consecutive days or has this been a one-time occurrence? Take note of your cat’s behavior before talking with your veterinarian. If your cat has blood or mucus in their stool, take your cat to an emergency veterinarian.

Since the root cause of cat diarrhea usually stems from a cat’s eating habits, the best treatments usually involve medications, probiotics, meal plans, and nutritional trials.

When Does Diarrhea Warrant a Visit to the Vet?

If diarrhea symptoms last more than 48 hours, you must consider seeking medical attention for your cat, as persisting diarrhea may be deadly.

Consult a Veterinarian

Cat diarrhea is no joke. At Care First Animal Hospital, your cat’s health is our number one priority. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian today to check on your cat’s health.