Cat Soft Stool Concerns: What to Do & Is It Normal?

Part 1: Reasons for Cat Diarrhea

Research in veterinary medicine has identified several factors that can lead to a cat's diarrhea. Here are five common causes to be aware of:

1. Weak Spleen: When a cat's spleen is not functioning properly, it can indirectly affect the digestive system, leading to a decrease in digestion and, subsequently, irregular bowel movements, such as diarrhea.

2. Cold Intestine: Cats can develop diarrhea due to a cold or consuming cold foods, which can cause the intestines to become chilled and disrupt the digestive process.

3. Dietary Issues: Feeding cats human food or spoiled food can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, which often results in diarrhea.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Feline Distemper: These conditions can also cause diarrhea in cats. Feline Distemper may be accompanied by symptoms like fever and lethargy, while IBD can progress to severe diarrhea over time.

5. Parasites: Internal parasites can disrupt the intestinal environment, often resulting in soft stools with blood. A fecal examination can help diagnose this issue.

Part 2: What to Do When Your Cat Has Diarrhea

1. Feed Probiotics: Probiotics can help regulate a cat's digestive system. They can improve diarrhea caused by antibioticinduced gut dysbiosis, intestinal damage from parasites, or dietary imbalances. It's important to maintain a balanced gut flora, so it's recommended to administer probiotics for about a week to ensure the beneficial bacteria are not in short supply.

2. Regular Deworming: Cats can still contract parasites even if they stay indoors. These parasites can come from insects flying in through windows, plants in the home, or raw fish and meat. Therefore, it's crucial to deworm your cat regularly. We suggest administering deworming medication like Praziquantel tablets every three months for internal deworming and every one to two months for external deworming.

3. Monitor Diet: When a cat has diarrhea, it's best to avoid feeding them刺激性食物, as this can lead to further diarrhea. Instead, provide them with bland, easily digestible meals to reduce intestinal irritation and workload.

4. Seek Veterinary Care: If your cat's diarrhea does not improve with these measures and is accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea with blood, it may indicate a more serious condition like colitis or feline distemper. In such cases, it's important to take your cat to a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Regarding the causes and solutions for cat diarrhea, if your cat exhibits diarrhea along with other symptoms like fever or vomiting, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian promptly or seek advice from an online veterinary professional.