Loose stools, or diarrhea, can occur in cats for a variety of reasons. Diarrhea is a symptom for a variety of issues, from an intestinal blockage to stress. Your veterinarian can run a number of tests to determine the cause of the diarrhea. Diet changes and medication are some of the treatments your veterinarian may prescribe.
Food
Diarrhea is often caused by the food your cat has eaten. Many owners give their cats milk, but most cats cannot easily digest it and develop loose stools. Your cat may also have problems digesting certain ingredients in dry or canned cat foods and may even develop a sensitivity or allergy over time. Many cats cannot tolerate "people" food and will develop diarrhea if they eat it, so be cautious about sharing your food with your pet. If your cat is allowed to roam outside, it may also be eating garbage or foods given by neighbors, all of which can cause stomach upset and loose stools.
Intestinal Parasites and Worms
Intestinal parasites can also cause feline diarrhea. Giardia is one type of parasite your cat can come in contact with by drinking old, standing water outside your house that contains these parasites.
According to CatHealth.com, worms, such as tapeworms and hookworms, can also cause diarrhea. Some varieties of intestinal worms can be seen by the naked eye, but they are usually hard to spot. If your cat has diarrhea, take a sample of its stool to your veterinarian who can check for worms and parasites through a microscope.
Intestinal Blockages
Diarrhea, especially if it is watery, may be a sign of an intestinal blockage, according to CatHealth.com. Many cats eat fabric, yarn, plants, and other non-consumables. This behavior is known as Pica and can be dangerous for your pet. If it eats nonfood items, resulting blockages can prevent stool from leaving the body.
Toxins
If your cat goes outdoors it may come in contact with toxins that cause loose stools. Pesticides sprayed on plants can cause problems, as can oil and other toxins which your cat may inadvertently drink. Some people use poisons around their houses to prevent rats and other animals from entering it. These poisons can cause diarrhea and much more severe symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Diarrhea is a major symptom of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Your veterinarian may take urine, fecal and blood tests to determine if your cat has IBD. A intestinal lining biopsy may be taken. While this disease is not usually curable, symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, can usually be controlled through diet and medication.
Disease
Diarrhea can be a symptom of a serious illness, including kidney failure, cancer or liver disease. Always check with your veterinarian if your cat has persistent diarrhea or shows signs of other symptoms, including change in behavior and lethargy.
Stress
According to CatHealth.com, stress can also cause loose stools. Your cat may become anxious when you have visitors in your home, are away for long periods of time or are planning a big trip. Moving and other life changes can also be very stressful on your pets. Traveling or staying at a kennel can also cause stress and loose stools.
Loose stools, or diarrhea, can occur in cats for a variety of reasons. Diarrhea is a symptom for a variety of issues, from an intestinal blockage to stress. Your veterinarian can run a number of tests to determine the cause of the diarrhea. Diet changes and medication are some of the treatments your veterinarian may prescribe.
Food
Diarrhea is often caused by the food your cat has eaten. Many owners give their cats milk, but most cats cannot easily digest it and develop loose stools. Your cat may also have problems digesting certain ingredients in dry or canned cat foods and may even develop a sensitivity or allergy over time. Many cats cannot tolerate "people" food and will develop diarrhea if they eat it, so be cautious about sharing your food with your pet. If your cat is allowed to roam outside, it may also be eating garbage or foods given by neighbors, all of which can cause stomach upset and loose stools.
Intestinal Parasites and Worms
Intestinal parasites can also cause feline diarrhea. Giardia is one type of parasite your cat can come in contact with by drinking old, standing water outside your house that contains these parasites.
According to CatHealth.com, worms, such as tapeworms and hookworms, can also cause diarrhea. Some varieties of intestinal worms can be seen by the naked eye, but they are usually hard to spot. If your cat has diarrhea, take a sample of its stool to your veterinarian who can check for worms and parasites through a microscope.
Intestinal Blockages
Diarrhea, especially if it is watery, may be a sign of an intestinal blockage, according to CatHealth.com. Many cats eat fabric, yarn, plants, and other non-consumables. This behavior is known as Pica and can be dangerous for your pet. If it eats nonfood items, resulting blockages can prevent stool from leaving the body.
Toxins
If your cat goes outdoors it may come in contact with toxins that cause loose stools. Pesticides sprayed on plants can cause problems, as can oil and other toxins which your cat may inadvertently drink. Some people use poisons around their houses to prevent rats and other animals from entering it. These poisons can cause diarrhea and much more severe symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Diarrhea is a major symptom of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Your veterinarian may take urine, fecal and blood tests to determine if your cat has IBD. A intestinal lining biopsy may be taken. While this disease is not usually curable, symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, can usually be controlled through diet and medication.
Disease
Diarrhea can be a symptom of a serious illness, including kidney failure, cancer or liver disease. Always check with your veterinarian if your cat has persistent diarrhea or shows signs of other symptoms, including change in behavior and lethargy.
Stress
According to CatHealth.com, stress can also cause loose stools. Your cat may become anxious when you have visitors in your home, are away for long periods of time or are planning a big trip. Moving and other life changes can also be very stressful on your pets. Traveling or staying at a kennel can also cause stress and loose stools.
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