CatDigestive

Diarrhea in cats: what to do

Watery or mucousy stool counts as diarrhea; over 24 hours warrants a vet visit.

What are the common causes?

Intestinal parasites

Home monitoring

Roundworms, tapeworms, coccidia and more — common in kittens; regular deworming resolves it.

Acute gastroenteritis

Monitor for 48 hours

Fast food changes, diet indiscretion or mild infection; cats tolerate fasting poorly, so prevent dehydration.

Feline panleukopenia (feline distemper)

Emergency — go now

A severe viral disease of unvaccinated kittens with high mortality — needs isolation + intensive support.

Home care & observation tips

✓Have a fecal test to identify the parasite
✓Deworm with cat-specific products by weight
✓Prevent on a monthly schedule
✓A short fast (no more than 12 hours), then small frequent meals
✓Provide several water stations
✓Log vomiting/diarrhea frequency and appearance

When must you see a vet?

⚠Kitten diarrhea with blood or poor condition
⚠Rice-like segments in feces (tapeworm)
⚠No food or water for 24 hours
⚠Kitten diarrhea (very high dehydration risk)
⚠Unvaccinated kitten with vomiting + diarrhea + profound lethargy

FAQ

Is diarrhea in cats serious?

It depends on the combination of symptoms, how long it has lasted, and your pet's energy and appetite.Note that it can appear in problems that need prompt care, such as Feline panleukopenia (feline distemper). Enter the full symptom combination in our symptom checker for a more specific urgency assessment.

Can I monitor at home first? What should I watch?

If energy and appetite are normal with no other signs, 24-48 hours of monitoring is reasonable. Keep notes on frequency, duration, appetite, water intake, energy and what the stool/urine looks like — vets find this very useful.

What should I prepare before the clinic?

Note when the symptom started and how it changed; bring packaging or residue if ingestion is suspected; bring vaccination and deworming records; and if possible take a video (odd gait, cough sound) — clearer than describing.

Not sure how serious it is? Assess it with the symptom checker

Start symptom check →