It is important to note that feline diarrhea is not a disease unto itself. Instead, it is a symptom that your cat is affected with one of many different diseases and conditions. Diarrhea in cats is usually not life-threatening, but if left untreated, it can cause dehydration and may result in death after severe losses of fluids and nutrients.

Causes

As mentioned earlier, this condition can be caused by various diseases. Two of the most common causes include intestinal parasites or viruses. Viruses can also affect the stomach and lead to an episode of diarrhea.

The condition can also be brought about when your cat ingests things he’s not supposed to. Some of the more serious causes of feline diarrhea include infection from bacteria or fungus, hyperthyroidism, feline inflammatory bowel disease, and damage to the pancreas.

Symptoms

In most cases, cats only experience loose stool. However, when cats are affected with a more serious disease, they will show various other symptoms. These signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever. It is also common for these cats to suffer abdominal pain, lethargy, and blood in their vomit or stool.

Diagnosis

Since feline diarrhea can be caused by various conditions, it may be difficult to diagnose. The veterinarian will usually start by performing a physical exam and x-ray. It is also important to analyze your cat’s stool to check for the presence of parasites. A range of diagnostic tests may also be conducted to check for major diseases.

Treatment

Treatment of diarrhea in cats depends on the underlying cause. Minor cases can be treated with a special diet and medications to get rid of intestinal tract inflammation. The veterinarian may also prescribe medication to make the stool more firm.

Major causes of feline diarrhea may be more complicated to treat. Your cat will likely need intravenous fluids to combat dehydration. Antibiotics may also be needed to prevent secondary infections.