Diarrhoea in cats can be easy to miss.

Unlike a dog being walked outdoors, a cat may:

use a covered litter tray

bury their stool

share litter trays with other cats

or:

toilet outside.

Sometimes the first clue is not seeing diarrhoea itself.

It might be:

an unusual smell

soiling around your cat's back end

an accident outside the litter tray

or simply:

cleaning the tray and noticing that the stool looks different.

VCA notes that diarrhoea can go unnoticed when cats continue using and covering stool in the litter tray, and long-haired cats may instead show staining around the hindquarters.

The important principle is:

Know what is normal for your cat.

A stool change becomes more meaningful when you can compare it with:

their normal consistency

their normal frequency

and:

their normal behaviour.

What actually counts as diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea generally means stool that is:

loose

poorly formed

semi-liquid

or:

watery

and may be passed more frequently or in greater quantities than normal.

VCA defines diarrhoea as loose or unformed stool occurring in larger amounts or more often than usual.

Cornell explains that when intestinal contents move too rapidly, the body may not adequately absorb:

water

nutrients

and:

electrolytes.

The result can be frequent, soft or watery stool, sometimes containing mucus or blood.

Acute versus chronic diarrhoea

The duration matters.

Acute diarrhoea

Begins relatively suddenly.

Potential triggers include:

a diet change

stress

infection

parasites

food intolerance

toxin exposure

or other acute gastrointestinal problems.

Many mild cases are short-lived.

Chronic or recurrent diarrhoea

Persists or keeps returning over:

weeks

or:

months.

This deserves investigation.

Cornell notes that prolonged or recurrent diarrhoea can be associated with gastrointestinal disease as well as conditions outside the intestinal tract, including thyroid, kidney or liver disease, immune disorders and lymphoma.

So:

“My cat has always had loose stools” is not the same as “this is normal for my cat.”

A chronic abnormality is still:

an abnormality.

Common reasons cats get diarrhoea

There are many possible causes.

Some are temporary.

Others require veterinary treatment.

And the stool alone rarely tells you which one is responsible.

1. A sudden diet change

Changing food abruptly can disrupt the gastrointestinal system.

Cornell specifically identifies sudden dietary change as a possible cause of short-term feline diarrhoea.

This might happen when:

switching brands

changing from kitten to adult food

introducing a new diet

or:

changing food formulation.

But timing alone does not prove causation.

If the diarrhoea is:

severe

persistent

or accompanied by other symptoms:

do not simply assume:

“It's the new food.”

2. Eating something unusual

Cats may consume:

human food

spoiled food

plants

prey

or other inappropriate material.

This can cause gastrointestinal upset.

However, unusual ingestion also raises the possibility of:

toxins

or:

foreign material.

The history therefore matters.

3. Food intolerance or adverse food reaction

Some cats develop gastrointestinal signs associated with particular foods or dietary components.

Possible signs include:

diarrhoea

vomiting

and other gastrointestinal changes.

VCA lists food intolerance and food allergy among possible causes of feline diarrhoea.

But:

diarrhoea does not automatically mean food allergy.

Repeatedly changing diets without veterinary guidance can make recurrent gastrointestinal problems harder to investigate.

4. Stress

Cats can be highly sensitive to environmental change.

Possible stressors include:

moving home

travel

boarding

a new animal

a new person

changes in routine

or:

a veterinary visit.

Cornell notes that stressful events can produce temporary loose stool in some cats.

But stress should not become a convenient explanation for:

persistent

bloody

or:

severe diarrhoea.

5. Intestinal parasites

Parasites are an important cause of feline gastrointestinal disease.

These include various:

worms

and:

protozoal organisms.

Cornell notes that gastrointestinal parasites can cause signs including:

diarrhoea

mucus or blood in stool

vomiting

loss of appetite

anaemia

and:

dehydration.

Some parasites can be more common in:

kittens

multi-cat environments

shelters

or cats with relevant environmental exposure.

Testing may be required because:

you cannot rule out parasites simply because you cannot see worms in the stool.

6. Infectious disease

Bacterial, viral and protozoal infections can cause diarrhoea.

VCA lists:

bacteria

viruses

coccidia

and:

intestinal parasites

among common infectious causes.

The severity varies enormously.

Some infections produce mild gastrointestinal upset.

Others can cause serious systemic illness.

7. Feline panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia deserves particular attention, especially in:

kittens

young cats

and:

incompletely vaccinated cats.

Possible signs include:

diarrhoea

vomiting

fever

lethargy

loss of appetite

dehydration

and:

abdominal pain.

Cornell advises immediate veterinary contact when these signs occur in a potentially affected cat.

Therefore:

A kitten with diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy and appetite loss should not simply be monitored for several days.

8. Inflammatory gastrointestinal disease

Inflammation affecting the stomach or intestines can produce:

chronic diarrhoea

vomiting

appetite changes

and:

weight loss.

Merck notes that inflammatory disease of the colon can produce short- or long-term diarrhoea and may involve immune, dietary, bacterial, parasitic or other factors.

Persistent symptoms need:

veterinary investigation

rather than simply being labelled:

“a sensitive stomach.”

9. Foreign-body obstruction

Cats sometimes swallow:

string

thread

ribbon

elastic bands

small toys

and other objects.

Foreign objects can cause:

intestinal obstruction

or other serious gastrointestinal injury.

VCA lists foreign bodies—particularly string and thread—among important causes veterinarians consider when cats have gastrointestinal symptoms.

Diarrhoea does not rule out an obstruction.

If your cat may have swallowed something inappropriate, especially if they also have:

vomiting

appetite loss

pain

or:

lethargy

contact a veterinarian promptly.

10. Toxins

Poisoning can cause:

diarrhoea

vomiting

drooling

lethargy

neurological changes

breathing abnormalities

and many other signs.

Cornell lists household chemicals, certain plants, medications, insecticides and other substances among potential feline toxins.

If poisoning is possible:

do not wait for diarrhoea to become severe.

Contact:

your veterinarian

an emergency veterinary service

or:

an appropriate animal poison service in your country or region.

Never induce vomiting unless instructed

If you believe your cat has swallowed something toxic:

do not try to make them vomit unless a veterinary or poison professional specifically tells you to.

Cornell warns that inducing vomiting can cause additional harm with certain toxins.

For 1KAHU, toxin guidance should remain:

global-first.

The platform can eventually surface relevant poison resources according to:

country + region

rather than presenting one country's hotline as universally applicable.

11. Pancreatic disease

Pancreatic disorders can produce gastrointestinal symptoms including:

diarrhoea

vomiting

appetite changes

and other signs.

VCA includes pancreatitis among systemic disorders considered when investigating diarrhoea.

The stool itself cannot diagnose:

pancreatic disease.

12. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is particularly relevant in:

middle-aged and older cats.

Possible signs can include:

weight loss

increased appetite

increased activity

increased thirst

vomiting

and:

diarrhoea.

VCA identifies hyperthyroidism as one systemic cause that may present with diarrhoea in cats.

This is why:

diarrhoea + weight loss + appetite/thirst changes

is more informative than diarrhoea alone.

13. Kidney or liver disease

Systemic diseases affecting the:

kidneys

or:

liver

can sometimes produce gastrointestinal signs.

Cornell identifies kidney and liver disease among conditions that may underlie extended or recurrent feline diarrhoea, while VCA includes both among systemic diseases considered during investigation.

Persistent diarrhoea is therefore not necessarily:

just an intestinal problem.

14. Cancer

Gastrointestinal and systemic cancers can cause:

persistent diarrhoea

vomiting

appetite changes

weight loss

and other signs.

Cornell specifically includes lymphoma among potential serious underlying causes of recurrent feline diarrhoea.

Cancer should not be assumed from diarrhoea alone.

But chronic symptoms deserve investigation.

What can stool appearance tell you?

Quite a lot about:

what happened.

Much less about:

why it happened.

Colour and consistency are:

useful observations

not:

diagnoses.

Brown but soft

This may represent relatively mild diarrhoea.

If it occurs once and your cat remains:

bright

eating

drinking

and:

behaving normally

monitoring may sometimes be appropriate.

Yellow stool

Cornell notes that diarrhoeic stool can sometimes appear unusually yellow or grey.

Yellow stool may occur for several reasons, including rapid intestinal transit.

It does not identify:

a single disease.

Green stool

Green stool may reflect:

dietary material

rapid intestinal transit

or other gastrointestinal changes.

Again:

colour alone cannot establish the cause.

Mucus

Mucus can occur with intestinal irritation, particularly involving the:

large intestine.

Cornell notes that diarrhoeic stool can contain mucus.

Record whether mucus occurs alongside:

straining

increased frequency

urgency

or:

blood.

Fresh red blood

Fresh red blood may indicate bleeding from:

the lower gastrointestinal tract

although there are multiple possible causes.

Cornell notes that feline diarrhoea may sometimes be streaked with blood.

A small streak of blood and:

profuse bloody diarrhoea

are not equivalent.

But visible blood deserves attention.

Black or tarry stool

Black, tarry stool can indicate:

digested blood

from bleeding higher in the gastrointestinal tract.

Merck specifically identifies black, tarry faeces as a possible sign of bleeding in the stomach or small intestine.

Black, tarry stool warrants prompt veterinary assessment.

Very watery diarrhoea

Watery diarrhoea can result in substantial loss of:

water

and:

electrolytes.

Merck notes that ongoing diarrhoea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and, when severe, may contribute to shock.

The more frequent and watery the diarrhoea:

the more important hydration becomes.

Is one loose stool an emergency?

Usually not by itself in an otherwise healthy adult cat.

Cats can have temporary gastrointestinal changes.

Cornell notes that many cases of diarrhoea are short-lived and may resolve spontaneously or following dietary management.

If your cat has:

one mildly abnormal stool

but remains:

bright

comfortable

eating

drinking

and:

behaving normally

monitoring may sometimes be reasonable.

But continue watching:

the litter tray

appetite

water intake

behaviour

and:

vomiting.

How long is too long?

There should not be a rigid timer that overrides clinical context.

Cornell recommends veterinary care when diarrhoea persists beyond approximately:

a day or two

and systemic signs such as:

poor appetite

lethargy

or:

vomiting

are also present.

VCA recommends veterinary consultation when frequent liquid or semi-liquid stool persists for more than:

two days.

But:

Do not wait two days if your cat is already showing warning signs.

When should I contact a veterinarian?

Contact a veterinarian promptly if your cat has:

• persistent diarrhoea;
• increasingly frequent diarrhoea;
• very watery diarrhoea;
• blood in the stool;
• black or tarry stool;
• vomiting;
• reduced appetite;
• lethargy or weakness;
• abdominal pain;
• dehydration;
• weight loss;
• recurrent episodes.

VCA identifies severe bloody diarrhoea and accompanying weakness, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, appetite loss and weight loss as reasons to seek veterinary attention promptly.

When is cat diarrhoea an emergency?

Seek urgent veterinary care if your cat has:

SEVERE OR PERSISTENT DIARRHOEA WITH RAPID DETERIORATION

Ongoing diarrhoea can cause:

dehydration

and:

weakness.

AAHA notes that persistent vomiting or diarrhoea can become an emergency, particularly when severe or accompanied by blood.

COLLAPSE OR MARKED WEAKNESS

These can indicate:

severe dehydration

shock

toxin exposure

or another significant illness.

DIFFICULTY BREATHING

Respiratory distress is an emergency regardless of the gastrointestinal symptoms.

SEVERE BLOODY DIARRHOEA

Large quantities of blood or rapidly worsening bloody diarrhoea require prompt assessment.

BLACK, TARRY STOOL WITH ILLNESS

This can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.

SEIZURES OR ALTERED RESPONSIVENESS

These may occur with poisoning or other serious systemic illness and require urgent veterinary care.

SUSPECTED TOXIN EXPOSURE

Do not wait for further symptoms. Cornell advises prompt veterinary consultation when poisoning is suspected.

SUSPECTED FOREIGN-BODY INGESTION

Especially when diarrhoea occurs with:

vomiting

appetite loss

abdominal pain

or:

lethargy.

Kittens need extra caution

A kitten with diarrhoea is not simply:

a smaller adult cat with diarrhoea.

Kittens can become:

dehydrated

and:

weak

more quickly.

AAHA specifically notes that persistent vomiting or diarrhoea can be particularly dangerous for kittens because of dehydration and weakness.

They are also more vulnerable to some:

parasites

and:

infectious diseases.

Cornell notes that gastrointestinal parasites are particularly common in kittens, and feline panleukopenia can cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration and systemic illness in young cats.

Lower the threshold for veterinary advice when a kitten has:

repeated diarrhoea

watery diarrhoea

blood

vomiting

reduced appetite

lethargy

or:

weakness.

Senior cats also need closer attention

In an older cat, new or recurrent diarrhoea may occur alongside conditions such as:

hyperthyroidism

kidney disease

liver disease

or:

cancer.

If a senior cat develops:

persistent loose stool + weight loss + appetite change + thirst change

record the pattern and arrange veterinary assessment.

Do not simply attribute gastrointestinal changes to:

age.

Appetite matters enormously in cats

As with vomiting, diarrhoea becomes more concerning when the cat:

stops eating.

Cornell specifically identifies poor appetite alongside persistent diarrhoea as a reason to seek veterinary care.

For 1KAHU:

Stool + appetite should never exist as completely disconnected health data.

A Stool Event should automatically surface:

recent appetite data

and vice versa.

Diarrhoea and vomiting together

This combination requires closer attention because both symptoms can contribute to:

fluid loss

and:

dehydration.

AAHA identifies ongoing vomiting and/or diarrhoea as potentially emergent, particularly when severe or accompanied by other signs.

If your cat has:

repeated vomiting + repeated diarrhoea

contact a veterinarian promptly.

What should I monitor?

Record:

STOOL

Date Time Frequency

CONSISTENCY

Soft but formed Very soft Unformed Watery

COLOUR

Brown Yellow Green Red/bloody Black/tarry Other

OTHER FEATURES

Mucus Blood Foreign material Parasite-like material Straining Urgency

APPETITE

Normal Reduced Not eating

WATER

Normal Increased Reduced

VOMITING

None Once Repeated

BEHAVIOUR

Normal Hiding Quieter Lethargic Weak Restless

LITTER TRAY

Normal use More frequent visits Accidents outside tray Straining Urination changed

WEIGHT

Current weight Recent trend if available

POSSIBLE EXPOSURE

New food Human food Plant Medication Chemical Foreign object Stress Travel New animal Other

This becomes the:

1KAHU Feline Stool Event

In a multi-cat household, identify which cat is affected

This is a surprisingly important practical problem.

If three cats share litter trays and you find diarrhoea:

Which cat produced it?

VCA specifically notes that guardians of multiple cats may need to establish whether one or several cats are affected.

That suggests a useful 1KAHU interaction:

STOOL EVENT

Which pet?

Luna Milo

Nala Not sure

If:

Not sure

the app could suggest:

If practical and without causing undue stress, monitor litter-tray use so you can identify which cat is affected. If multiple cats develop diarrhoea, tell your veterinarian.

This is a genuinely feline-specific feature.

Take a photo if useful

A photograph can help document:

consistency

colour

blood

mucus

and:

visible foreign material.

A veterinarian may also request:

a fresh faecal sample.

VCA specifically notes that fresh faecal material is commonly requested when feline diarrhoea is investigated.

Ask your veterinary practice how they would like the sample:

collected

stored

and:

transported.

Should I change my cat's food?

Avoid repeatedly switching diets whenever diarrhoea occurs.

A veterinarian may recommend:

a highly digestible veterinary gastrointestinal diet

or another dietary approach depending on the individual case.

VCA notes that veterinary gastrointestinal diets may be recommended for otherwise healthy adult cats with mild diarrhoea.

For 1KAHU:

Do not present one universal homemade “bland diet” as the standard treatment for cats.

The appropriate diet depends on:

age

health

nutritional requirements

and:

likely cause.

Should I fast my cat?

This requires particular caution.

VCA notes that a veterinarian may sometimes recommend temporary food restriction for an otherwise healthy adult cat, but that is:

case-dependent

rather than:

a universal rule.

Because prolonged appetite loss is particularly important in cats, 1KAHU should not instruct every guardian to:

“Fast your cat for 12 or 24 hours.”

Instead:

Do not automatically apply a fixed fasting period to every cat with diarrhoea. If your cat is not eating normally, is vomiting, is a kitten, has an existing medical condition or the diarrhoea is significant, contact your veterinarian for feeding advice.

Should I keep water available?

Yes, unless your veterinarian specifically tells you otherwise.

VCA advises easy access to water because cats with diarrhoea can become dehydrated.

If your cat is:

not drinking

unable to keep water down

or:

showing signs of dehydration

contact a veterinarian.

Can I give my cat human anti-diarrhoeal medication?

Do not.

Cornell specifically warns that some over-the-counter medications can be harmful to cats.

Do not give:

human anti-diarrhoeals

painkillers

antibiotics

or other medications unless a veterinarian has specifically recommended them for:

your cat.

What about probiotics?

Some veterinary probiotics may be used in selected cases of feline diarrhoea. VCA notes that probiotics and other supplements may be prescribed depending on the cause.

But:

a probiotic should not become a substitute for investigating persistent or severe diarrhoea.

What will the veterinarian want to know?

Useful information includes:

When did the diarrhoea start?

How frequently is your cat passing stool?

Is it soft, unformed or watery?

What colour is it?

Is there mucus?

Is there blood?

Is the stool black or tarry?

Is your cat vomiting?

Are they eating?

Are they drinking?

Any weight loss?

Any litter-tray changes?

Any new food?

Any new pet or environmental change?

Any possible toxin exposure?

Any medication?

Any travel or boarding?

Could they have swallowed string or another object?

VCA's feline diarrhoea questionnaire similarly emphasises:

duration + severity + frequency + consistency + blood + associated changes.

How might a veterinarian investigate diarrhoea?

Depending on:

severity

duration

age

medical history

and:

other symptoms

a veterinarian may use:

physical examination

faecal testing

blood tests

urinalysis

infectious-disease testing

X-rays

ultrasound

or other diagnostics.

VCA describes faecal testing, bloodwork, pathogen testing, radiographs, ultrasound and endoscopy among possible investigations.

Specialised tests may be needed for certain parasites because:

one test cannot identify every possible organism.

Common misconceptions

“One loose stool means my cat is seriously ill.”

Not necessarily.

An isolated mild stool change in an otherwise well adult cat may be temporary.

“My cat has diarrhoea but is eating, so nothing is wrong.”

Normal appetite is reassuring context.

It does not rule out disease.

“Diarrhoea is always caused by food.”

No.

Parasites, infections, toxins, inflammatory disease, pancreatic disease, hyperthyroidism, kidney/liver disease and cancer can all be involved.

“Indoor cats can't get parasites.”

Indoor living can change exposure risk, but it does not make parasitic disease impossible.

“Blood always means the same thing.”

No.

Fresh red blood and:

black, tarry stool

can reflect bleeding from different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

“Black stool is just very dark poop.”

Not necessarily.

Black, tarry stool may represent digested blood.

“My cat's diarrhoea is probably stress.”

Possibly.

But persistent or severe symptoms should not simply be attributed to stress.

“I'll give my cat a human anti-diarrhoeal.”

Do not. Some over-the-counter medications can be harmful to cats.

“I'll stop water until the diarrhoea stops.”

No.

Cats with diarrhoea can become dehydrated and should generally retain access to water unless a veterinarian directs otherwise.

“I'll fast my cat for 24 hours.”

Do not apply a universal fasting rule. Cats require particular caution around appetite loss.

“My kitten is still playing, so I'll wait a few days.”

Be more cautious with kittens because dehydration and infectious disease can become serious more quickly.

“If I can't see worms, parasites aren't the problem.”

False.

Many gastrointestinal parasites require faecal or specialised testing to detect.

Key Facts

Diarrhoea is a symptom—not a diagnosis.

Many mild cases are short-lived, but diarrhoea can also reflect serious disease.

Potential causes include diet changes, stress, parasites, infections, food intolerance, toxins, inflammatory disease, pancreatic disease, hyperthyroidism, kidney/liver disease and cancer.

Persistent diarrhoea accompanied by appetite loss, lethargy or vomiting warrants veterinary care.

Severe bloody diarrhoea, weakness, abdominal pain, dehydration, appetite loss or weight loss requires prompt assessment.

Black, tarry stool can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.

Kittens can become dehydrated and weak more quickly.

Feline panleukopenia is an important consideration in susceptible kittens and young cats with diarrhoea and systemic illness.

Do not give human anti-diarrhoeal medication without veterinary direction.

Water should generally remain available.

In multi-cat homes, identifying which cat is affected can be clinically useful.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Contact a veterinarian promptly if:

• diarrhoea persists beyond a short mild episode;
• frequent liquid or semi-liquid stool continues for roughly 1–2 days;
• diarrhoea is becoming more frequent or severe;
• there is blood;
• stool is black or tarry;
• your cat is vomiting;
• appetite is reduced;
• your cat is lethargic or weak;
• abdominal pain is present;
• dehydration is suspected;
• your cat is losing weight;
• diarrhoea keeps returning.

Seek urgent veterinary care if:

• your cat collapses;
• your cat becomes markedly weak or unresponsive;
• diarrhoea is severe and bloody;
• dehydration appears significant;
• vomiting is severe or persistent as well;
• your cat has difficulty breathing;
• a toxin may have been ingested;
• a foreign object may have been swallowed;
• your cat has seizures or neurological abnormalities;
• your cat's condition is deteriorating rapidly.

Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea can itself cause clinically significant dehydration and weakness, particularly in kittens, senior animals and pets with existing illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cat have diarrhoea?

Possible causes include dietary changes, stress, parasites, infection, food intolerance, toxins, inflammatory gastrointestinal disease, pancreatic disease, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver disease and cancer.

Is one loose stool normal?

An isolated softer stool can occur in an otherwise healthy cat. Monitor for recurrence and changes in appetite, behaviour, hydration or other symptoms.

When should I worry about cat diarrhoea?

Seek veterinary advice when diarrhoea persists, becomes severe or bloody, appears black/tarry or occurs with vomiting, appetite loss, lethargy, weakness, abdominal pain, dehydration or weight loss.

How long can a cat have diarrhoea before seeing a vet?

VCA recommends consultation when frequent liquid or semi-liquid stool persists for more than about two days, while Cornell advises prompt care when diarrhoea lasts a day or two and systemic signs are also present. Do not wait for a time threshold if warning signs are already present.

What does blood in cat diarrhoea mean?

Blood can occur with intestinal inflammation, parasites, infection and other conditions. The amount and appearance matter, but visible blood should not be ignored.

What does black cat stool mean?

Black, tarry stool may represent digested blood from bleeding higher in the gastrointestinal tract and warrants prompt veterinary assessment.

Why does my cat have diarrhoea and vomiting?

The combination can occur with infections, parasites, gastrointestinal inflammation, toxins, foreign bodies and systemic illness. Repeated vomiting plus diarrhoea also increases dehydration risk.

Can stress cause diarrhoea in cats?

Yes. Stressful changes can cause temporary diarrhoea in some cats. Persistent or severe diarrhoea still needs investigation.

Can changing cat food cause diarrhoea?

Yes. Abrupt dietary changes can cause short-term gastrointestinal upset.

Can worms cause diarrhoea?

Yes. Gastrointestinal parasites can cause diarrhoea, mucus or blood in the stool, vomiting, appetite loss, anaemia and dehydration.

Can an indoor cat get parasites?

Yes. Indoor living does not eliminate every possible route of parasite exposure.

Can feline panleukopenia cause diarrhoea?

Yes. It can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, appetite loss and dehydration, particularly in susceptible young cats.

Should I change my cat's food?

Avoid repeated unsupervised diet changes. A veterinarian may recommend a specific gastrointestinal diet depending on your cat's circumstances.

Should I stop feeding my cat?

Do not apply a universal fasting period. Feeding advice depends on the cat's age, health, symptoms and underlying cause.

Should my cat still have water?

Generally yes. Diarrhoea causes fluid loss, and cats should usually have easy access to fresh water.

Can I give my cat Imodium or another human diarrhoea medicine?

Do not give human medication unless your veterinarian specifically advises it for your cat. Some over-the-counter medications can be harmful to cats.

Should I bring a stool sample to the veterinarian?

Yes, if your veterinary practice requests one. Fresh faecal material can be useful for parasite and other testing.

My kitten has diarrhoea. Should I worry?

Kittens can become dehydrated and weak faster than healthy adult cats, and serious infections must sometimes be considered. Seek veterinary advice promptly when diarrhoea is repeated or accompanied by vomiting, blood, appetite loss, weakness or lethargy.

My cat has diarrhoea but seems fine. What should I do?

A mild isolated episode in an otherwise well adult cat may sometimes be monitored. Watch stool frequency, appetite, water intake, vomiting and behaviour closely. Contact a veterinarian if the diarrhoea continues or anything else changes.

Why does my cat keep getting diarrhoea?

Recurrent diarrhoea can be associated with chronic gastrointestinal disease, diet, parasites, hyperthyroidism, pancreatic disease, kidney/liver disease, cancer and other conditions. A recurring pattern warrants veterinary assessment.

One Guardian. For All Pets.

1KAHU is a technology platform and is not a provider of veterinary, healthcare or referral services. Professional profiles, credentials and service information should be independently verified where possible, but inclusion on the platform does not replace a guardian's responsibility to confirm that a veterinarian currently treats their species and is appropriate for the individual animal and clinical situation.