Cat Diarrhea: When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care
Diarrhea in cats is common but can be a sign of something serious, especially if it lasts more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms. Cats are experts at hiding illness, so changes in litter box habits or appetite often mean more than they seem. At Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital in New Market, TN, our 24/7 emergency team provides prompt, compassionate care for cats across Jefferson County, Morristown, Dandridge, and nearby East Tennessee communities. We can help identify what’s causing your cat’s diarrhea and provide fast, effective treatment.
Understanding Cat Diarrhea
Cat diarrhea is a symptom that can stem from simple digestive upset or an underlying illness. Because cats can become dehydrated quickly, even short-term diarrhea should be taken seriously. Common causes include:
- Sudden changes in diet or new treats
- Hairballs or intestinal irritation
- Parasites such as Giardia, roundworms, or coccidia
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Stress or anxiety
- Toxin ingestion (plants, cleaning products, or human medications)
- Kidney or liver disease
If your cat’s stool is watery, contains mucus or blood, or if they seem weak or refuse to eat, contact our team right away.
Cat Diarrhea: When to Worry
Cat owners throughout East Tennessee often ask, “When should I worry about my cat’s diarrhea?” While mild cases may resolve on their own, certain warning signs require urgent veterinary attention:
- Diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours
- Blood or black, tarry stool
- Lethargy or hiding behavior
- Vomiting combined with diarrhea
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Straining to defecate or crying in the litter box
- Dehydration (dry gums, loss of skin elasticity)
- Diarrhea in kittens, senior cats, or cats with existing health issues
If your cat is showing any of these signs, call us immediately. Our emergency team can help determine whether your cat needs to be seen right away.
Our Diagnostic Approach
When you bring your cat to Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital, we focus on stabilizing their condition and uncovering the cause of their diarrhea. Diagnostics may include:
- Physical exam and full medical history review
- Fecal testing for parasites or bacterial infection
- Bloodwork to assess organ function and hydration levels
- Digital X-rays or ultrasound to check for blockages or inflammation
- Urinalysis to identify systemic issues such as kidney or liver disease
With an in-house laboratory and advanced imaging, we can quickly identify what’s wrong and start treatment without delay.
Treatment Options for Cat Diarrhea
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Our care plan may include:
- IV fluids to correct dehydration and restore electrolytes
- Anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal medication
- Deworming or antiparasitic treatments
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Specialized diets to soothe the digestive tract
- Stress management or environmental changes for anxiety-related diarrhea
- Surgery for blockages or other serious conditions
Our goal is to make your cat comfortable, address the underlying issue, and prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital?
Pet owners from New Market, Jefferson County, and surrounding East Tennessee communities trust our team for emergency care when it matters most. Our hospital is open 24/7 and equipped with advanced diagnostics, including digital X-rays, ultrasound, and an on-site lab for rapid results. Our emergency veterinarians are skilled in feline care and understand how sensitive cats can be during illness. We treat every patient with patience, compassion, and expert attention.
Get Immediate Help for Cat Diarrhea
If your cat is experiencing diarrhea, don’t wait to see if it improves on its own. Call Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital at (423) 581-9492 or bring your cat directly to our New Market, TN location. We’re here day and night to provide trusted, compassionate emergency care for cats across Jefferson County and East Tennessee.
FAQs: Cat Diarrhea
Why does my cat have diarrhea?
Cat diarrhea can result from diet changes, parasites, infections, or underlying conditions like kidney or liver disease.
When should I take my cat to the vet for diarrhea?
If diarrhea lasts more than a day, contains blood, or is paired with vomiting, weakness, or loss of appetite, seek veterinary care right away.
Can I treat my cat’s diarrhea at home?
You can withhold food for a short period while offering water, but if symptoms persist or worsen, professional care is essential.
Is cat diarrhea dangerous?
Yes, cats can become dehydrated quickly, especially kittens and older cats. Persistent diarrhea can indicate a serious problem.
What will the vet do for my cat’s diarrhea?
Your vet will examine your cat, perform tests, and provide fluids, medication, or diet recommendations based on the diagnosis.