Diarrhoea is defined as a change in consistency of the faeces to a more liquid and loose consistency.
Diarrhoea is a reasonably common condition, more noticeably so in young or elderly animals and may be accompanied by vomiting or weight loss.
Causes of diarrhoea include:
(among others)
- dietary indiscretion
- infectious causes
- food hypersensitivity
- systemic disease such as hyperthyroidism or pancreatic insufficiency
- inflammatory bowel disease
- tumours
Many cases will respond to dietary adjustment and parasite control, but persistent or severe cases will need further investigations.
The investigations will include a full clinical examination followed by a combination of faecal analysis, blood tests, diet change and, if the diarrhoea persists, ultrasound examination and intestinal endoscopy or biopsies may be required.
The handout below from International Cat Care Organisation provides further information about the causes, investigation and management of diarrhoea in cats. Diarrhoea in Cats