What It Is:
Chronic diarrhea in cats refers to loose or unformed stools that last for several weeks or more. While an occasional bout of diarrhea is common, ongoing digestive issues may point to an underlying medical condition that needs attention.
Chronic diarrhea is not a disease by itself. It is a symptom of a larger problem and often requires testing and long-term management.
🐾 Common Symptoms
- Frequent loose or watery stools
- Increased volume or urgency
- Mucus or blood in stool
- Weight loss
- Flatulence or bloating
- Poor appetite
- Vomiting in some cases
- Straining or vocalizing during defecation
- Unkempt coat or lethargy
Many cats with chronic diarrhea still eat and act normally, which makes early diagnosis harder.
🦠 Causes and Contributing Factors
Chronic diarrhea can originate from the small intestine, large intestine, or both. Common causes include:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Parasites, such as Giardia or coccidia
- Chronic infections, including bacterial or viral
- Pancreatitis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
- Cancer, such as lymphoma
- Dietary indiscretion or frequent food changes
- Stress or anxiety in sensitive cats
The exact cause may not be clear without a full diagnostic workup.
🔍 Diagnosis
Diagnosing chronic diarrhea usually requires a combination of tests. Your vet may recommend:
- Fecal exam to check for parasites or infection
- Bloodwork to assess organ function and rule out systemic illness
- Giardia and Tritrichomonas testing
- X rays or ultrasound to examine internal organs
- Vitamin B12 levels to check for malabsorption
- Food elimination trial to test for dietary causes
- Endoscopy or biopsy if cancer or IBD is suspected
Diagnosis may take time, especially if symptoms are intermittent.
💊 Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:
- Deworming medications for parasites
- Prescription diets for food sensitivities or IBD
- Probiotics to support gut health
- Anti diarrhea medications for symptom relief
- Steroids or immunosuppressants for IBD
- Antibiotics if infection is present
- Pancreatic enzyme supplements for EPI
- Vitamin B12 injections
- Stress reduction strategies in multi cat households
Trial and error may be needed to find the right combination of treatments.
🩺 Prognosis
The prognosis depends on the cause and how well it responds to treatment:
- Dietary or parasitic causes often resolve fully
- IBD and pancreatic issues may need lifelong management
- Cancer or systemic illness may have a more guarded outlook
Most cats with chronic diarrhea improve significantly with appropriate care and monitoring.
💡 Cat Owner Note
If your cat has loose stools that just will not go away, do not assume it is something minor. Chronic diarrhea can signal anything from food sensitivities to serious disease. The sooner you get to the root cause, the sooner your cat — and your litter box — can get back to normal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Diarrhea in Cats
How long is too long for a cat to have diarrhea?
Diarrhea lasting more than two to three weeks should always be evaluated by a vet.
Can stress cause chronic diarrhea in cats?
Yes. Stress can trigger or worsen diarrhea, especially in anxious or multi cat households.
Is diarrhea always caused by diet?
No. Many cases are related to inflammation, infection, or disease, not just food.
Should I change my cat’s food if they have chronic diarrhea?
Not without guidance. A food trial may help, but frequent switching can make things worse.
Can chronic diarrhea be cured?
Sometimes. Many causes are manageable with the right diagnosis and treatment.
Is blood in my cat’s stool an emergency?
Not always, but it should be reported to your vet, especially if it happens more than once or is accompanied by other symptoms.