My Cat Has Diarrhea – Should I Call the Emergency Vet?

We get it—when you find cat diarrhea on your floor, your first reaction isn’t purrrty. But after checking on your pet (and cleaning up the mess), you’re probably asking yourself, “Do I need to take my cat to the emergency vet?”

Let’s dig our claws into when you should absolutely call your local Veterinary Emergency Group or nearest emergency animal hospital.

CAT DIARRHEA—WHAT’S NORMAL, WHAT’S NOT

Cats have an off day now and then. Just like us, they can eat something that doesn’t agree with them and end up with diarrhea. That’s why it’s sometimes hard to tell if a vet visit is in order. Following are some things to look out for.

NOTE CONSISTENCY AND FREQUENCY

Keep tabs on your cat’s litter box activities. If you notice your cat making frequent trips to the litter box or if the consistency of their poop changes drastically, it’s a red flag. Call your primary vet or your nearby VEG and one of our ER doctors will answer your questions.

MONITOR DURATION

Diarrhea that lasts for a few hours might not seem like a big deal, but if your cat’s diarrhea continues for more than a day, that’s cause for concern. The longer it lasts, the higher the risk of dehydration and other complications.

WATCH FOR BEHAVIORAL CHANGES & SYMPTOMS

Is your cat acting weird? Changes like decreased appetite or hiding accompanied by diarrhea can indicate something more serious is going on. Be aware of physical symptoms like:

• Severe or Bloody Diarrhea If you notice the diarrhea has blood in it or seems like an extreme bout, call VEG or your nearest emergency vet.
• Vomiting If your cat’s diarrhea is coupled with vomiting, it’s a clear sign to seek emergency vet help.
• Lethargy If your cat is overly tired or displaying other concerning symptoms, it’s time to reach out to the vet.

Sometimes, you just know something isn’t right with your cat. Trust your gut; you know your pet better than anyone else.

KNOW THE RISKS OF IGNORING CAT DIARRHEA

It’s crucial to understand that leaving diarrhea untreated can lead to complications. Here’s what can happen if you don’t act:

• Dehydration Dehydration in cats is serious. Even a minor loss of body fluids can result in significant issues, like kidney problems.
• Development of Underlying Conditions Sometimes, diarrhea is just the tip of the iceberg. It could be a sign of something more serious, like parasites, infections, or other underlying health issues.
• Nutritional Deficiencies & Weight Loss If your kitty is dealing with ongoing diarrhea, they’re most likely losing essential nutrients their body needs to function properly. Over time, this can lead to weight loss and malnutrition—which spurs on other ailments like neurological disorders, weakness, problems with coordination, poor eyesight, and even organ failure.

VEG IS HERE FOR YOU & YOUR CAT 24/7

You now know the risks, so if your cat has diarrhea and you’re noticing any of these signs, don’t wait. Find one of our VEG locations and give us a call. We’re always open, even on holidays, and can offer expert advice and care tailored to your pet’s needs. The well-being of your cat is always our top priority.