Cats Diarrhea Causes & Treatment Methods: Quick Guide

In the early stages of a kitten's life, diarrhea is particularly common. This is due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the transition from mother's milk to solid food can introduce new proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to the kitten's gastrointestinal system, potentially causing diarrhea. Secondly, the kitten's digestive system and immune system are still developing, and the gut microbiome is being established. This makes them more susceptible to environmental and pathogeninduced factors, which can lead to diarrhea.

It is quite normal for kittens between 2 to 6 months of age to experience diarrhea, as their bodies are still learning to manage solid foods and are building up their immune systems. However, if diarrhea persists for an extended period without improvement, it's essential to take the kitten to a veterinarian for a checkup.

For adult cats or those over 6 months old, diarrhea may be caused by several factors:

1. Improper Eating: Eating issues are one of the most common causes of diarrhea in cats. This could be due to the owner's feeding practices or the cat's tendency to eat whatever it finds.

2. Overeating: Cats can have a voracious appetite, and if not controlled, they may overindulge, leading to digestive issues and diarrhea.

Recommendation: Opt for wellknown brands of cat food and follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging. Alternatively, refer to previous articles for calculating your cat's daily caloric needs.

3. Snacks as Main Food: Some owners may overindulge their cats with treats, which are often high in salt and fat. This not only contributes to diarrhea but can also lead to picky eating habits.

Recommendation: Avoid giving snacks as a primary food source to young kittens. Encourage them to try different types of cat food to make transitioning to new food easier and to broaden their taste preferences.

4. Frequent Diet Changes: Cats can experience gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea when switching to a new type of food.

Recommendation: Change cat food every 3 months or so, following the "sevenday diet change method."

5. Unsanitary Food: Cats are naturally curious and may eat contaminated or spoiled food, leading to food poisoning and diarrhea.

Recommendation: Seal opened food properly and be extra vigilant about cleanliness during peak pest seasons.

6. Parasite Infections: Intestinal parasites are a significant cause of diarrhea in cats. Cats with a history of giardia or other parasites should be monitored closely, especially kittens, as they are more susceptible to showing symptoms like diarrhea.

7. Viral Diseases: Viral enteritis is common in young kittens and can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Cat Distemper Virus (FPV): Kittens receive passive immunity from their mothers through breastfeeding. As the maternal antibodies wane from 6 to 8 weeks of age, and vaccinations are not yet complete, kittens are in a "vaccination gap" period, making them more vulnerable to FPV.

Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV): This virus is commonly found in the intestines of cats. While most cats may not show any signs, some young kittens can develop severe enteritis after the maternal antibodies diminish.

8. Stress: Cats can experience diarrhea when exposed to new environments or stress, which can sometimes be lifethreatening.

If your cat experiences diarrhea, it's important to identify the cause and take appropriate action:

Acute Diarrhea: If your cat has acute diarrhea but remains in good spirits and appetite, a fecal test and CBC (consider adding FPV for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated cats) can help rule out parasites and imbalances in gut flora.

Parasite Infections: Treat with deworming medication, ensuring at least two to three treatments with a 7 to 14day interval between each.

Dietary Issues: If there is no parasite infection, and the cat is in good condition, consider dietary factors such as overeating, spoiled food, or food intolerance. Changes in diet should resolve the issue within 3 to 5 days.

Supportive Care: After ruling out parasites, you can provide antidiarrheal medication and adsorbents to bind toxins in the gut.

Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to plenty of water to prevent dehydration, and consider supportive treatments if diarrhea is severe.

Supportive Treatment: If your cat has severe diarrhea and shows other signs of illness, such as vomiting or loss of appetite, more detailed checks and supportive treatment are necessary to maintain electrolyte balance.