Diarrhea in cats

Overview

Diarrhea in your cat may be caused by any one of a large variety of factors. It may be the result of your cat having eaten something inappropriate, a change in diet, an allergic reaction, a serious illness, or more.

Experiencing diarrhea can be painful for your pet, especially if it is accompanied by vomiting. If the bowel movements contain blood, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance. If the bowel movement appears to be very black, this may indicate bleeding in the stomach or small intestine. This situation requires immediate attention by a veterinary professional to determine the cause of the diarrhea and how it should be treated.

Diarrhea can also be a sign of the infestation of hookworms or other intestinal parasites, which cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Symptoms

• Explosive or bloody diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Straining to defecate
• Frequent trips to the litter box

It can sometimes be hard to determine which of your cats has diarrhea in a multi-cat household.  It may be best to isolate one cat at a time in a room with their own private litter box to help identify the one with diarrhea. 

Treatment

Regardless of the cause of diarrhea, your cat may become dehydrated. Your veterinarian will advise you on treating dehydration. It is advisable not to give your cat any food while he is having diarrhea until you have consulted with your veterinarian, but do not wait over 48 hours before having your cat examined by a veterinarian.  If your cat seems especially lethargic or unwilling to move or if he is having very severe diarrhea, have him seen by a veterinarian immediately.  You should never give your pet any medication unless you have been specifically advised to do so by a veterinary medical professional.

Resources:

http://cats.about.com/cs/healthissues/p/arthritis.htm