Why Is Your Cat Having Diarrhea and How to Treat It

1 Check the Simple Causes First

1. Is the water bowl clean? A bowl left unwashed harbors bacteria, and drinking contaminated water triggers bacterial gastroenteritis. Wash the drinking vessel regularly and offer clean water; the diarrhea often stops on its own once the water is fresh.

2. Is the food spoiled? Damp, moldy, or rancid kibble causes bacterial gut infections and diarrhea. Toss the bad food and your cat should recover.

3. Is the room too cold? Low temperatures chill the cat and loosen the stools. Aim for about 26°C and a comfortable environment; the diarrhea usually resolves once it warms up.

4. Did you just change foods? Switching too fast unsettles the gut — add a cat probiotic to help it adjust. (Pick a reputable probiotic; some work well though they run pricey.)

5. If the switch was done correctly, the new food may contain an allergen. Check whether it includes grains — some cats react to grain with diarrhea. Switch back to the old food and watch; if the new diet really is the problem, return to it or choose a different formula.

6. Any recent stress? A new home, a new cat in the house, or pent-up tension can cause emotional diarrhea. Spend more time playing and gently petting to keep your cat relaxed and happy.

2 Care at Home

If none of the above fits, start with a probiotic and observe for a few days at home. When the cause is simple overeating and poor digestion, the probiotic alone usually settles things. If your cat stays bright but the diarrhea lingers, parasites are likely — deworm and see if it clears.

3 When to See a Vet

If the cat worsens within one to two days — frequent vomiting alongside the diarrhea — it may be a serious illness such as panleukopenia (feline distemper). Get to a veterinary clinic promptly; do not wait.