Just like humans, your cat’s digestive system turns food into the energy it needs to stay active and healthy. But when your cat feels unwell, their stomach can become sensitive, often leading to diarrhea. If you’re concerned about cat diarrhea and looking for safe treatment options or home remedies, read on to learn how to help your cat feel better.

What is Cat Diarrhea?

Cat diarrhea refers to loose, watery, or more frequent stools than normal. It happens when food moves too quickly through your cat’s digestive tract, preventing proper absorption of water, nutrients, and electrolytes. 

It’s important to remember that diarrhea itself is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying issue with your cat’s digestive tract. Some cats may only experience mild, short-term diarrhea, while others might show additional signs such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite. In cases of prolonged or severe diarrhea, dehydration and other complications can develop, making prompt care essential.

Causes of Cat Diarrhea

Some of the most common causes of cat diarrhea are:

Symptoms of Cat Diarrhea

The biggest tell-tale symptoms of cat diarrhea include:

  • Frequent defecation (at least 2-3 times more than normal)
  • More than normal water in the stool
  • Accidental defecation outside litter boxes
  • Abdominal pain
  • Straining when defecating

In most cases, mild cat diarrhea clears up within a few days with proper hydration(open in new tab), but it’s important to monitor your pet closely. Seek veterinary care right away if the diarrhea continues, if you notice blood in your cat’s stool, or if it is accompanied by vomiting(open in new tab), fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, as these may signal a more serious cat illness. 

Treatment of Cat Diarrhea 

The treatment for cat diarrhea depends on its cause. Mild cases may improve with home care but more serious or prolonged diarrhea requires veterinary attention. Here’s what you need to know to help your cat recover and feel better.

Veterinary treatment for cat diarrhea 

If your cat’s diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, a veterinarian’s care is essential. During the appointment, your vet may request a fresh fecal sample to check for parasites, bacteria, or other underlying issues. Additional tests, such as blood work, stool cultures, X-rays, ultrasound, or endoscopy, may be recommended if the diarrhea does not improve with initial treatment. 

Otherwise, mild diarrhea may be managed with dietary adjustments. Your vet might suggest temporarily withholding food for up to 24 hours or feeding small amounts of a specialized gastrointestinal diet to support digestion, nourish beneficial gut bacteria, and help your cat’s immune system recover. 

Depending on the underlying cause, your veterinarian may also prescribe: 

  • Anti-diarrheal medications to help regulate stool consistency 

  • Dewormers if parasites are detected 

  • Probiotics to support intestinal health  

Many cats respond well to these conservative treatments, allowing the body to heal naturally. Once the diarrhea resolves, your vet may guide you on gradually transitioning your cat back to their regular diet over 7–10 days. 

Immediate veterinary care is recommended for kittens, senior cats, or cats with chronic health conditions. It is also recommended if your cat shows any of the following: 

Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other metabolic complications, sometimes requiring hospitalization and intravenous fluids. Evaluating the severity of symptoms and seeking timely veterinary care is key to helping your cat recover safely.

Home remedies for cat diarrhea

You can try the following cat diarrhea home remedy before consulting a vet, if your feline buddy only has mild diarrhea symptoms or alongside continuing the prescription drugs: 

Keep them hydrated and ensure electrolyte balance 

The most important home remedy for cat diarrhea is ensuring your cat stays well-hydrated. To prevent dehydration from diarrhea, keep their water bowls accessible and filled with fresh, clean water at all times. Switching from dry kibble to a wet, canned diet is another effective way to boost hydration. 

With that said, monitoring your cat’s hydration is key. If your cat’s diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours or other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or blood in the stool appear, it’s important to contact your vet immediately.

Change their diet 

If your cat develops diarrhea after introducing a new food, stop feeding it immediately and return to its previous diet. Cats typically have sensitive digestive systems, so sudden dietary changes can upset them. As such, always transition new food gradually over about a week to reduce the risk of cat diarrhea. 

Here’s a simple guideline for introducing new food:

Days 1 & 2: ¾ current food and ¼ new food

Days 3 & 4: ½ current food and ½ new food

Days 5, 6, & 7: ¼ current food and ¾ new food

Days 8 onwards: only new food

Even if your cat’s regular food seems to be causing diarrhea, it’s important not to withhold meals to ensure that they are getting the proper nutrients(open in new tab). Nutrient requirements of cats change with age and not getting proper nutrition can mess up their digestive system. 

Ensure sufficient fiber

Fiber plays an important role in managing cat diarrhea, but the amount needed can depend on your cat’s specific condition. Some cats improve with additional fiber, while others need a low-fiber, easily digestible diet. Consult your vet before making dietary changes or adding supplements, as the right approach depends on your cat’s age, health, and cause of diarrhea.

Probiotics

A healthy balance of bacteria in your cat’s intestines is essential for proper digestion. When this balance is disrupted, diarrhea may persist. 

Probiotics are supplements that introduce beneficial bacteria to help restore your cat’s digestion, improve stool consistency, and aid in recovery from diarrhea. When choosing between options, go for vet-recommended probiotics made specifically for cats. These support gut bacteria balance, improve stool consistency, and aid recovery.

Clean their litterbox

A clean litter box helps you monitor stool changes while also keeping your cat comfortable and reducing the risk of reinfection. Use high-quality cat litter(open in new tab), scoop daily, and wash the box regularly with mild, pet-safe cleaners.

Allow them to rest 

Let your fur baby rest as much as possible by giving them a safe, quiet, and stress-free environment. Playing with your cat(open in new tab) should be done once your pet’s condition improves.

Prognosis of Cat Diarrhea

The outlook for cats with diarrhea largely depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and how well your cat responds to diarrhea treatment. Most cases of mild or acute diarrhea resolve quickly with proper hydration, dietary adjustments, and, if needed, veterinary care. These cats typically make a full recovery without long-term issues. 

Cats with chronic or recurrent diarrhea may require ongoing treatment, such as specialized diets, supplements, or medications, to keep symptoms under control. Early intervention and consistent care can greatly improve the quality of life for cats with persistent digestive issues. As a general rule of thumb, monitor your cat closely and work with your veterinarian on the appropriate treatment and diet plan for full recovery.

Treating Cat Diarrhea through Better Pet Parenting

Cat diarrhea can be worrying, but in most cases, it can be managed with hydration, dietary adjustments, and timely veterinary care. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for cat diarrhea, you’ll be better prepared to protect your cat’s health and prevent minor digestive issues from progressing.  

For more practical advice on cat illnesses, nutrition, and daily care, explore the WHISKAS® blog(open in new tab). From home remedies to expert feeding tips, you’ll find everything you need to keep your cat healthy, happy, and full of life. 

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