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Cat diarrhea

Cat Diarrhea:

Diarrhea means having frequent and watery bowel movements; it can be a symptom of infection or food poisoning, colitis or a gastrointestinal tumor.



In cats and other animals, diarrhea is a symptom of a disease rather than being a disease in itself. Diarrhea can affect any or both of the intestines and if it is an acute case, then it will last around two to three weeks.



In the case of chronic diarrhea your cat might have to suffer for even longer than three weeks. There are various symptoms to detect that your cat is having diarrhea.



Once it is detected then it is advisable to take some early measures before it is too late.

Causes of Cat Diarrhea:

 

There are many causes that may make your cat suffer from diarrhea. It can be anything from its diet to having worms in the stomach. Let us take a look at some of the most common reasons for diarrhea in cats:

  • Diarrhea can be caused due to simple blockages like hairballs or an external object.
  • Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease, which is common amongst the animals, is also one of the prime causes for your cat to have diarrhea.
  • Diarrhea in cats can also be a result of the consumption of some of unknown drug or things like rat poison or phenyl.
  • A sudden change in the diet of your cat can also cause diarrhea.
  • It can also be caused due to infections like bacterial, viral, panleukopenia, protozoal, and of course the parasitic worms.
  • Another cause is hyperthyroidism, which is caused by an overactive thyroid gland. Pathologically it is a condition resulting from the excessive production of thyroid hormones.
  • It can also be due to your cat having any type of kidney or liver disease.

Symptoms of Cat Diarrhea:

 

There are many symptoms that tell you that your cat is suffering from diarrhea.

  • Increase in the volume of stool along with three to four visits to the litter box suggests that your cat is having small intestine diarrhea.
  • A decrease in the volume of stool and the presence of mucus and blood in it directs you to understand that your cat is having large intestine diarrhea.
  • There is a loss of appetite observed in the cat’s eating habits.
  • You are also likely to find a change in the behavior of your cat’s activities, almost as if your pet is depressed.
  • Dehydration is also one of the symptoms detected in your cat that can cause diarrhea. As there is lots of fluid loss taking place, your cat will feel more thirsty than usual.
 
  Submitted on December 8, 2009  
 
 
 

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