Diarrhoea in cats

Cat lies on its back on a carpeted floor and looks into the camera

A balanced diet is the be-all and end-all for your cat to be able to spend a healthy, energetic life by your side. As well as feeding your cat the right food, it is also important to consider what comes OUT of the cat at the other end of their digestive system. This will allow you to detect, understand and appropriately treat possible digestive issues in your cat, such as diarrhoea.

It is important to be aware of the causes of feline diarrhoea, as a functioning digestive system is an important indicator of our cats' well-being.Diarrhoea can have various causes -- from harmless digestive disorders to serious illnesses such as infections, parasites or food intolerances/allergies.

If you recognise and understand the signs and symptoms of diarrhoea in cats, you can act fast and seek veterinary advice if necessary. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help to prevent serious health problems and ensure the long-term well-being of your pet.

Common causes of diarrhoea in cats:

Change of feed: A sudden change of food can lead to gastrointestinal problems and cause diarrhoea.
Parasites: Worms and other parasites can affect the cat's digestive tract and cause diarrhoea. Outdoor cats are particularly susceptible to parasites and should receive regular preventive treatment for parasites.
Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can cause diarrhoea.
Stress: Stressful situations such as moving house, a new addition to the family or changes in living conditions can lead to gastrointestinal issues in sensitive cats.
Medication: Some medications can cause the undesirable side effect of diarrhoea. It is best to clarify this with the vet beforehand!

Cat sitting on the action table in a veterinary practice and being gently held by a doctor

Our tips: How to avoid diarrhoea in cats

Pay attention to these points to prevent cat diarrhoea. You know your cat best, so learn to read how your cat reacts to changes in living conditions.

Feeding: Make sure you feed your cat a balanced and high-quality diet. Does your cat have a sensitive gastrointestinal tract? Then avoid sudden food changes and opt for food with transparent ingredient lists and high quality.
Hygiene: Keep the litter tray clean and provide a hygienic environment to avoid infections.

Stress avoidance: Reduce stress factors in your cat's environment, because -- as with us humans -- stress can also be a frequent trigger for digestive problems in cats. Create a calm and safe atmosphere for your cat.
Check-ups at the vet: Have your cat checked regularly by your vet to recognise and treat any health problems at an early stage.
Sufficient exercise and activity: Provide your cat with sufficient exercise to stimulate its digestion and prevent it from becoming overweight. Long play sessions and time spent together should be the top priority!

If these preventive measures do not have the desired effect, you should consult a vet to clarify the cause of your cat's diarrhoea.

Treatments for diarrhoea in cats:

Visit the vet: If diarrhoea persists or is severe, it is important to consult a vet to determine the exact cause. If your cat has severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours and loses a lot of fluid as a result, dehydration can occur and the cat's health is at risk.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to stop the diarrhoea or relieve the symptoms.
Dietary measures: If food intolerances or allergies are suspected, it makes sense to carry out an exclusion diet in order to gradually eliminate certain allergens.

Diarrhoea in kittens:

Kittens, i.e. young cats below the age of one, are more susceptible to diarrhoea than adult cats, as their immune system is not yet fully developed. The immune system of young cats develops gradually over time and therefore does not yet offer full protection against diseases and infections.

In addition, kittens have a more sensitive gastrointestinal tract than adult cats, which means that changes in their diet or environment can lead to digestive problems more quickly. Young cats have a lower body weight and smaller fluid reserves, meaning they can experience rapid dehydration. This can also contribute to diarrhoea in kittens becoming dangerous more quickly. It is therefore particularly important to act quickly and consult a vet if there are signs of diarrhoea in kittens.

Be aware: If diarrhoea and vomiting occur together, danger is imminent and a vet should be consulted!

Are you interested in how to feed kittens properly? Find out more in our blog post: Feeding kittens properly.

Home remedies to relieve diarrhoea in cats:

Prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They can help cats with diarrhoea by restoring the balance of the gut flora and supporting digestion. By promoting good bacteria, prebiotics can help to alleviate the symptoms of diarrhoea and improve digestive health. These can be found, for example, in the form of FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) in CAT'S LOVE Dry food.
Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Small amounts may be sufficient, so start out with a teaspoon.

Important tip: Diarrhoea in cats should always be taken seriously, especially if it lasts longer than 24 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms. A visit to the vet may then be necessary to determine the exact cause and initiate appropriate treatment. With a timely diagnosis and the appropriate measures, your feline friend can be helped quickly and soon nothing will stand in the way of a relaxing evening together!