There are many conditions that cause diarrhoea in cats, ranging from minor to serious. Mild cases of diarrhoea usually pass within 24 hours. Treatment from a vet is necessary if diarrhoea is making your cat poorly or if it isn’t quickly getting better on its own.
Treatment for diarrhoea depends on the cause. It’s rare for a cat with diarrhoea to need antibiotics and in some cases it can even make the problem worse.
It can be difficult to notice diarrhoea in our feline friends – especially if they share a litter tray with another cat or they go to the toilet outdoors. Look out for the following clues that your cat may have diarrhoea:
If your cat seems well in themselves a short bout of diarrhoea (lasting less than 24 hours) isn’t usually anything to worry about. However, if diarrhoea continues for longer than 24 hours or is particularly severe (see below) it can cause dehydration and more serious illness. In cases of more severe diarrhoea you should always contact your vet.
You know your cat best. If you are concerned it’s always best to contact your vet.
Mild cases of diarrhoea often pass within 24 hours. Book an appointment with your vet if your cat doesn’t improve within this time or if you are concerned about them at any point.
If your cat has a mild case of diarrhoea but is otherwise happy, well and behaving normally you could try to settle them at home.
Don’t withhold food from your cat. Offer them small meals of fresh food regularly to keep their guts moving. Don’t give your cat anything rich or fatty – this could make their diarrhoea much worse. Plain boiled chicken (without skin or bones) can be used in the very short term and bland diets are also available from the vet.
Take your cat to the vet if they stop eating at any point.
Your cat should be back to normal after a couple of days. Once they’re passing solid poo you can start to reintroduce their normal diet slowly over a few days.
Cats who are suffering from diarrhoea often drink a bit more than usual to replace the extra water they’re losing in their poo. Make sure your cat has access to plenty of water and that they are drinking throughout the day. Some cats may prefer running water – try a cat water fountain.
Speak to your vet if your cat stops drinking or is drinking much more than usual.
It’s normal for your cat to want to sleep and recover but if they are extremely tired or not themselves then speak to your vet for advice.
Probiotics are friendly bacteria for your cat’s gut that can be beneficial for some cats but not all. Probiotics are thought to work by topping up the normal bacteria at the same time as absorbing nasty bacteria and toxins. Probiotics can be found at your vets or online.
Written by vets and vet nurses
Illustrations by Samantha Elmhurst
