Causes of Cat Diarrhea with Soft Stools Explained

Since the arrival of autumn, our feline friend's diet has remained unchanged, but the state of their feces leaves much to be desired. The litter box is often a mess, prompting the question: What could be causing this issue?

1. Intestinal Parasites

Examine the feces for any signs of worm eggs. Generally, parasites have a lifecycle of about 60 days. Even indoor cats should be dewormed every 3 months to prevent infestations.

2. Sensitive Gut During Seasonal Change

As the weather cools, cats might experience digestive discomfort, leading to a decrease in their ability to digest food, or even gastrointestinal colds. For such cases, which may result in soft stools or diarrhea, pet owners can use probiotics to help their cats adjust during the change of seasons.

3. Sudden Increase in Appetite During the Change of Seasons

With the cold weather setting in, pet owners might increase their cat's daily food intake. However, it's important to do so gradually to avoid putting too much strain on their digestive system. When choosing food, opt for easily digestible options that are gentle on the stomach. Additionally, feeding smaller, more frequent meals can be beneficial.

4. Accidental Ingestion

Cats might eat things they shouldn't, such as plants or small insects, in places they can't see. Moreover, stress (due to changes in living environment or the arrival of a new family member) can also lead to diarrhea and soft stools in cats.

5. Bacterial and Viral Infections

The sudden change in temperature during autumn and winter can increase the risk of cats contracting seasonal infectious diseases, which may manifest as persistent diarrhea and poor spirits. Pet owners should ensure that their cats are wellprotected from the cold and that their immune systems are strong to reduce the risk of illness.

6. Sudden Diet Change

Changing a cat's diet abruptly can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to shortterm digestive stress and loose, unformed stools. Therefore, it's crucial to use a 7day transition method when switching foods, and for cats with sensitive stomachs, it's even more important to extend the transition period or use probiotics to aid in adaptation.

7. Food Allergies

If a cat has been experiencing soft stools without apparent cause, it could be due to allergens. Pet owners should quickly identify the source of the food allergy and avoid feeding their cat those foods. For cats with a tendency to be allergic, it's best to choose hypoallergenic formulas and simplify their food sources as much as possible.

8. Abnormal Gut Absorption

Cats that have longterm soft stools, along with weight loss, poor coat quality, and reduced immune resistance, may be suffering from abnormal gut absorption. For such cats with gastrointestinal syndrome, incorporating active probiotics and gastrointestinal prescription ointments into their diet can help balance the gut flora and restore their gut absorption abilities.

OxyPet Doctor's Tip: Don't underestimate diarrhea in cats. It's crucial for pet owners to take timely action!