Cat Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Vet

Key takeaways:

• Occasional diarrhea in your cat may not be serious, but symptoms that last more than a day deserve a closer look.
• Food changes, parasites, stress, or underlying conditions are common triggers worth keeping on your radar.
• Quick action and early vet care can help your cat recover faster and avoid complications like dehydration.

No one likes dealing with a messy litter box, but diarrhea is a sign that your cat’s body is trying to get rid of something. Sometimes it’s mild and short-lived—other times, it points to something that needs medical care. According to veterinary experts, cats experiencing digestive upset can become dehydrated rapidly, with senior cats and kittens being especially vulnerable to complications. Learning to recognize which is which can make all the difference in your cat’s recovery.

At PetHealthMD, we help you make sense of symptoms like this with practical guidance and trustworthy advice. In this article, we’ll walk through the most likely causes of cat diarrhea, what warning signs to watch for, and how to decide when it’s time to call the vet.

What’s causing your cat’s diarrhea?

Cat diarrhea can come on quickly, and there are a few common culprits behind it. One of the biggest triggers? Changes in what or how your cat eats. Even a slight shift can upset their stomach.

Some common food-related causes include:

• Introducing a new type or brand of food too quickly
• Eating spoiled food or something they shouldn’t have
• Sudden changes in meal timing or portion sizes
• Food sensitivities that develop over time

Stress can also throw your cat’s digestive system off balance. Moving to a new home, meeting unfamiliar animals, or even loud household changes can lead to loose stools.

Other common causes are:

• Parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, or Giardia (often picked up from contaminated water, soil, or prey)
• Infections from bacteria or viruses that irritate the gut
• Chronic conditions such as:
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which involves long-term inflammation of the intestines
  • Colitis, which often leads to frequent, urgent diarrhea with mucus

If the diarrhea lasts more than a day, or if your cat seems tired, stops eating, or you see blood in their stool, it’s time to call the vet. These could be signs of something more serious that needs medical attention.

Spotting symptoms of diarrhea in cats

As a cat owner, knowing what to look for helps you act quickly when your pet experiences digestive issues. Your careful observations can make a real difference in your cat’s comfort and health. Here are the main signs to watch:

• Check for dehydration signs: Feel your cat’s gums—they should be moist, not sticky. Gently pinch the skin between their shoulders; it should spring back quickly. Sunken eyes or reduced energy can also point to dehydration, which needs immediate attention.
• Observe litter box habits: Notice if your cat visits the litter box more often than usual or seems unable to wait to get there. Some cats might have accidents outside the box when dealing with diarrhea.
• Examine stool characteristics: Pay attention to consistency and color changes. Loose, watery stools or any signs of mucus or blood may signal digestive issues and deserve prompt veterinary care.
• Track eating patterns: Note changes in appetite or water consumption. Reduced interest in food combined with diarrhea may indicate digestive discomfort.
• Watch overall behavior: Notice if your cat seems less playful, hides more than usual, or shows discomfort when you touch their belly. These behavioral changes often suggest your friend isn’t feeling their best.

Remember, you know your cat best. Any notable changes in their usual patterns deserve attention, and we’re here to help guide you through concerns about these symptoms.

Effective treatment for cat diarrhea

Seeing your cat unwell can be stressful, but there are simple ways to help them feel better at home. Start by keeping them comfortable and monitoring their water intake. Many cats become dehydrated during stomach upsets, so place fresh water bowls in multiple locations around your home and encourage regular drinking.

Unlike common advice for other pets, cats need to continue eating when they have tummy troubles. Small meals help prevent a serious condition called hepatic lipidosis. Offer plain, cooked chicken or turkey (without seasonings), white rice, or commercially available prescription foods recommended by your vet. Space these small meals 4-6 times throughout the day.

Simple home remedies can make a big difference in your cat’s recovery. Here’s what helps:

• Plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree (1 tablespoon mixed in meal twice a day)
• Bone broth without seasonings for extra hydration
• Vet-approved probiotics to support digestive health

Don’t wait to contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Blood in the stool
• Vomiting along with diarrhea
• Decreased appetite for over 12 hours
• Signs of pain or distress
• Lethargy or weakness

Your vet might recommend specific treatments based on the underlying cause, such as food allergies or digestive conditions. Quick action helps your cat recover faster and prevents more serious problems from developing.

Take action when your cat’s symptoms don’t improve

Occasional digestive trouble happens, but ongoing or severe diarrhea is never something to brush off. Whether it’s caused by diet, parasites, or an underlying condition, knowing when to step in makes all the difference for your cat’s health.

At PetHealthMD, we aim to support pet owners with clear, practical advice. When something’s off with your cat, we’re here to help you take the guesswork out of what to do next. The earlier you act, the easier it is to get things back on track.