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Diarrhea in cats

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 20.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

ORANGE for duration >48 h, dehydration, loss of appetite, or Vomiting. RED for blood, tarry stools, collapse, or severe weakness.

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Definition

DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. in cats is defined as the frequent passage of liquid or unformed stool. It can be an acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. or chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. condition triggered by a variety of causes and is often a symptom of an underlying disease.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Diarrhea in cats can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes include changes in diet, food intolerances or allergies, infections from parasites such as worms or Giardia, bacterial infections, viralViral refers to viruses and their effects on the organism. Viral infections in dogs and cats can range from harmless colds to severe, life-threatening diseases. infections such as FelineFeline refers to anything related to cats. The term is used to describe diseases, behaviors, or anatomical aspects that are specific to cats. Parvovirus, and inflammatory bowel diseases. StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. can also cause diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. in cats, especially if they are sensitive to changes in their environment.

Another common cause of diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. in cats is toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances or swallowing foreign objects. Cats are curious animals, and sometimes they can ingest things they shouldn’t. This can lead to irritation of the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract and cause diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems.. Certain medications, especially antibiotics, can also triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. in cats as a side effectA side effect is an unwanted reaction to a medication or treatment. In animals, side effects can range from mild and temporary to severe and potentially life-threatening..

Basically, diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. can also be a symptom of more serious health problems, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or even cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas.. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of the diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. in order to take appropriate measures. ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. that lasts longer than two weeks requires a more thorough examination.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Increased defecation: A cat with diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. will defecate more often than usual. This can happen several times a day or even hourly.
Liquid or unformed stool: The stool is often liquid, mushy, or pasty and can vary in color and consistency.
Blood or mucus in the stool: In some cases, traces of blood or mucus may be visible in the stool, which may indicate a more serious condition.
Vomiting: DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. can often be accompanied by Vomiting, especially if the cause is a gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Loss of appetite: A cat with diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. may lose its appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
Lethargy: Due to fluid loss (dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.), the cat may appear lethargic or weak.
DehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.: Fluid loss (dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.) can quickly lead to dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse., which is recognizable by dry mucous membranes and reduced skin elasticity.

When to see a vet?

A veterinarian should be consulted if the diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. lasts longer than 24 hours or if it is accompanied by additional symptoms such as Vomiting, Fever, lethargy, or blood in the stool. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires medical intervention.

Special care should also be taken with young kittens or older cats, as they can dehydrate more quickly and are more sensitive to fluid loss (dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.). If the cat also has known pre-existing conditions or is taking medication regularly, a visit to the veterinarian is also advisable to avoid interactions or complications.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

Symptom recognition for the pet owner begins with observing the cat and documenting the frequency and consistency of the stool. Changes in feeding, behavior, or the environment should also be noted, as they can provide helpful clues for the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..

The veterinarian will perform a thorough clinical examination and take a detailed medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits.. Depending on the suspected diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., further diagnostic tests may be necessary, including blood tests, stool analyses, or imaging procedures such as X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. or ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow.. These tests help to identify parasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. infestations, infections, or structural problems in the digestive tract.

In some cases, an endoscopyEndoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light source and a camera at the end) to examine and visualize the inside of the body, often for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. may be necessary to obtain a direct view of the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract and to take tissue samples for a biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions.. These measures are particularly important if an inflammatory bowel disease or tumors are suspected.

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

At home, the pet owner can first try putting the cat on water only for 12 to 24 hours to relieve the digestive tract. During this time, however, the cat should have constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse..

After the fasting period, a diet that is easily digestible can be started, consisting of cooked chicken (without skin and bones) and rice. This diet should be offered in small, frequent portions. If the cat’s condition improves, it can slowly return to its normal diet.

It is important to observe the cat closely during this time. If there are signs of deterioration, such as continued diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., Vomiting, or lethargy, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Even if the diarrhea does not subside within 48 hours after the fasting period, a visit to the veterinarian is advisable.

The pet owner should also ensure that the cat does not have access to potentially toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances and that all feed is fresh and suitable for cats. Regular deworming and adherence to the recommended vaccinations can also help prevent diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. and other health problems.

Outlook on current research

Current research is intensively investigating how nutrition and the microbiome affect the occurrence and severity of diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. in cats. Scientists have begun to examine the role of the intestinal flora / gut microbiotaThe intestinal flora / gut microbiota, also called microbiome, refers to the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. A healthy intestinal flora / gut microbiota is crucial for digestion, the immune system, and the overall health of dogs and cats. more closely to determine which types of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. are associated with healthy digestion and which may be excessively present in diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems.. These studies could lead to more precise probiotics that are specifically tailored to the needs of cat gut microbiota.

Another interesting area of research is the genetic predisposition for diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. in cats. Researchers are analyzing genetic markers that could indicate an increased susceptibility to gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. problems. The goal is to develop genetic tests that help veterinarians identify at-risk animals early and take preventive measures.

In addition, digital technologies, such as wearable sensors and apps, are increasingly being explored to monitor the health of cats. These technologies could make it easier for pet owners to record changes in their cats’ stool and receive immediate feedback, which in turn could lead to faster diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment. Studies show that these technologies are already able to collect valuable data about the frequency and consistency of excretions, which can be used for the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems..

Another significant area of research is the study of the effects of stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. on the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. health of cats. Recent studies have shown that stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. can lead to changes in the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. tract that triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. or worsen diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems.. Researchers are therefore developing stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. reduction strategies that could be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems..

Overall, research is also being conducted on how environmental factors, such as exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to certain chemicals or foods, affect the risk of diarrheal diseases in cats. These studies provide important insights into how cat owners can keep their pets in a healthy environment and which substances should be avoided to minimize the risk of digestive problems.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is diarrhea in cats?

Diarrhea in cats is a common digestive disorder characterized by frequent, liquid or soft stools. It can be short-lived or become chronic if left untreated.

2. How do I recognize diarrhea in my cat?

Look for frequent trips to the litter box, soft or watery stool, and possibly an unpleasant odor. Your cat may also appear lethargic or lose its appetite.

3. What are the most common causes of diarrhea in cats?

Common causes include dietary changes, infections, stress, parasites, allergies, or inflammatory bowel disease. It is important to have the exact cause clarified by a veterinarian.

4. Can stress cause diarrhea in cats?

Yes, stress can affect the digestive system and lead to diarrhea. Changes in the environment, such as moving or a new pet, can cause stress.

5. When should I take my cat to the vet?

If the diarrhea lasts more than one to two days, there is blood in the stool, or your cat shows additional symptoms such as vomiting or fever, a veterinarian should be consulted.

6. Can I give my cat home remedies for diarrhea?

Some home remedies, such as offering cooked chicken and rice, may help, but it is important to consult a veterinarian first to make sure it is appropriate for your cat.

7. How can I prevent diarrhea in my cat?

A regular, balanced diet, stress reduction, and avoiding sudden changes in diet can help prevent diarrhea. Regular veterinary examinations are also important.

8. Can my cat get diarrhea from their diet?

Yes, a sudden change in diet or eating unsuitable food can cause diarrhea. It is advisable to carry out feed changes gradually.

9. Should I withhold water from my cat if they have diarrhea?

No, it is important that your cat has access to fresh water to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can occur quickly with diarrhea.

10. Can diarrhea be a sign of a serious illness?

Yes, diarrhea can indicate serious health problems such as kidney or liver disease. Therefore, it is important to have the cause clarified by a veterinarian.