Diarrhoea in cats: what should you do?

What is diarrhoea in cats?

There are several different types of diarrhoea. If there is a problem with the absorption of nutrients, this is known as small intestinal diarrhoea. If water absorption is reduced, this is known as large intestinal diarrhoea. You can distinguish between them by their different symptoms. Diarrhoea is also described as acute if it lasts no longer than 3 weeks. Chronic diarrhoea lasts longer than 3 weeks or regularly returns.

Acute diarrhoea

Acute diarrhoea often clears up after a few days. It may be caused by a change in diet, unsuitable or spoiled food, or a worming treatment. Providing easily digestible food and plenty of water, and regularly cleaning the litter tray and the cat itself if necessary, is often sufficient. Diarrhoea is considered acute if it lasts no longer than 3 weeks. However, if you notice that your cat is getting worse or that there is no improvement after about 3 days, it is advisable to visit your vet. Your cat may have an underlying condition.

Chronic diarrhoea

A cat may also regularly suffer from diarrhoea or have loose stools for longer than 3 weeks. In this case, it is known as chronic diarrhoea. A visit to the vet is necessary in these cases to determine the cause of the diarrhoea. The causes can vary considerably. More about this later.

Small intestinal diarrhoea

With small intestinal diarrhoea, your cat does not pass stools more frequently. However, when your cat does pass stools, you will notice a larger quantity of loose stool. You may see this, for example, if your cat has eaten something unsuitable.

Large intestinal diarrhoea

With large intestinal diarrhoea, you will see your cat using the litter tray more often than usual. If anything comes out, it is often a small amount of mushy diarrhoea. It also frequently contains mucus or blood. Your cat has to strain considerably to pass it and may meow while doing so.

Causes of diarrhoea in cats

Diarrhoea can have many different causes, including bacteria, viruses and parasites. Your vet can determine which treatment is most appropriate in the case of a virus or bacterium. Worms and giardia are perhaps the best-known infectious causes of diarrhoea. The correct treatment will soon lead to improvement.

Food and possible sensitivities are also common causes. A change in food, spoiled food or overeating can all cause diarrhoea. Your cat may also develop a sensitivity or allergy to a particular protein. Together with your vet, you can determine which food is still suitable for your cat.

Sometimes the immune system also plays a role in diarrhoea. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is a long-term inflammation of the intestinal wall for which it is difficult to identify a cause. Tumours and polyps can also cause diarrhoea, for example by partially blocking the intestine. This causes a type of overflow diarrhoea because the stool can only pass the obstruction in a softer form. A vitamin B12 deficiency and conditions affecting other organs such as the pancreas, thyroid, liver and kidneys may also play a role.

Unusual diarrhoea

Sometimes diarrhoea is not the only problem affecting your cat, or the diarrhoea may look different from what you would expect.

Diarrhoea and vomiting in cats

In addition to diarrhoea, a cat may also experience vomiting, for example due to a serious infection or a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. If your cat’s appetite also decreases or disappears completely, it is important to visit your vet as soon as possible. A cat needs to eat every day.

Diarrhoea after worming a cat

As mentioned earlier, parasites such as worms can cause diarrhoea. If you worm your cat correctly, this diarrhoea should clear up. Your cat may also develop diarrhoea as a result of the worming treatment. This is often temporary. Does the diarrhoea caused by a worm infestation persist after treatment? The worming treatment may need to be repeated. In that case, it is advisable to have your cat’s stools checked by your vet. They can check whether any worm eggs remain or whether something else may be wrong.

My cat has diarrhoea: 3 tips!

There are several things you can do to support your cat when it has diarrhoea. This naturally depends on the severity of the symptoms. If your cat is genuinely ill, make an appointment with your vet. If your cat is still bright and eating, you can initially try to help at home. If the symptoms do not clear up after about 3 days, or if your cat becomes more unwell, you should contact your vet.

1. Special diet food

There are various special diet foods that can help reduce your cat’s diarrhoea symptoms. Examples include Vetality Gastrointestinal Cat Food, Hill’s Prescription Diet – Gastrointestinal Biome – Cat Food and Royal Canin Gastrointestinal. These foods are easily digestible and provide sufficient nutrients and energy for recovery.

Unlike dogs, cats need to eat every day. If your cat does not eat or will not eat voluntarily, contact your vet.

2. Water

Cats naturally drink very little. Even when they are healthy, we often need to encourage them to drink by using drinking fountains and providing water in several locations. This is even more important in the case of diarrhoea because dehydration is a serious risk. If your cat is a reluctant drinker, you can try to encourage it with Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplement Hydra Care. These sachets contain a tasty liquid supplement that helps increase water intake.

3. Nutritional supplements

In addition to food, you can also use a nutritional supplement. These often contain prebiotics or probiotics, which use beneficial bacterial strains to help your cat recover. There are several options:

• Alfadiar: hypoallergenic tablets that help firm the stools
• Canikur Pro: a paste containing prebiotics and probiotics that stimulates beneficial bacteria in the intestines
• Purina Pro Plan Fortiflora: sachets containing probiotic powder to support the immune system and intestinal health
• Puur Psyllium: psyllium husks that stimulate fluid absorption in the intestines

With the measures above, you should see a clear improvement after a few days. If the diarrhoea persists, your cat stops eating or shows other signs of illness, visit your vet and have your pet thoroughly examined.

Which is better for cats with diarrhoea: dry or wet food?

When your cat has diarrhoea, it is important to place as little strain as possible on its digestive system. Easily digestible food is the most important consideration. Whether this is dry or wet food depends on your cat’s preferences and circumstances. Wet food contains more moisture, which helps to partly compensate for fluid lost through diarrhoea. This is particularly useful for cats that drink less. Dry food, on the other hand, is often more concentrated and can be easier to portion. The most important thing is to choose a special diet food for cats with gastrointestinal problems. If in doubt, always consult your vet.