Diarrhoea is faeces that is soft to liquid in consistency. If your cat has diarrhoea, it is common to also see blood, mucous, parasites, or foreign objects in the faeces.

Common causes of cat diarrhoea

• Parasites
• Infection
• Colitis (inflammation of the colon)
• Eating inappropriate things (e.g. non-food items)
• Dietary intolerance (e.g. lactose)     

My cat’s got diarrhoea, is it serious?

There are many factors which determine the seriousness of feline diarrhoea. The characteristics of the diarrhoea itself, any associated signs or symptoms that a present and the general health of your cat. If you are concerned, always consult your local vet!

Can vet’s treat my cat’s diarrhoea?

Initial treatment for cat diarrhoea is focused on controlling the signs. Your cat may be given medication for parasites, antidiarrhoeal medication, and in some cases antibiotics. In severe cases your cat may need fluids for dehydration (under the skin or a drip are most commonly used).

How can I prevent my cat from getting diarrhoea?

Giving your cat the best possible nutrition and diet and minimising their exposure to things likely to cause diarrhoea is the best form of prevention. Premium pet food brands like Ivory coat and Blackhawk are examples of foods which can provide your cat with the best possible ingredients, for the best possible nutrition and minimising the likelihood of having an episode.

My cat has diarrhoea, should I stop them eating?

Continue to provide food for your cat with diarrhoea, otherwise withholding food can prevent the intestinal tract from healing. I would also recommend keeping fresh water available for your cat and encouraging them to drink.

Why does my cat’s poop smell bad?

Cat poop can suddenly start smelling foul just like human faeces. It indicates that something isn’t right with your best friend. The exact cause of why your cat’s poop can smell so bad can vary greatly. It’s important to have the foul smelling stool checked by a veterinarian if the odour of your cat’s faeces is really bad.

Top 7 Reasons Feline Faeces Stinks

1) Diet

Just like humans, cats are sensitive to certain foods or specific things found in particular foods. For instance, your kitty could be sensitive to grains or foods with high vitamin content.

Diet elimination can help you determine the specific foods causing your cat digestive issues and thus “go to the bathroom” with a foul smell. Cutting out vitamin supplements and getting your cat onto a grain-free diet can help get rid of these issues.

2) Bacteria

Cats are naturally carnivores. They prey on other small animals to eat as food. Their natural drive for prey can result in them eating what’s not right or healthy. This is more so true if your cat spends a lot of time outdoors.

They can eat meat infected with salmonella or E. coli bacteria, causing them digestive discomfort, inflammation or sudden stinking smell in faeces as well as diarrhoea.

3) Medications And Hormonal Changes

Certain medications for pain and those with an effect on hormones can alter your cat’s natural chemical balance. Depending on the duration the chemical changes have occurred, your cat can suddenly defecate foul-smelling poop.

4) Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders and related problems can wreak havoc in your cat’s gastrointestinal tract as it does in humans. The result would be strong pungent odors, usually very smelly. Most issues with the digestive tract often result from poor digestion and absorption of starches and fats.

5) Anal Glands Infections

Every mammal, including cats, have anal glands. They often drain through gland ducts. However, sometimes they clog and call for manual draining. If the glands get infected, your cat can produce a runny discharge that smells so bad and lingers all over the litter box.

6) Protein-Rich Foods

Cats are carnivores naturally. That means their food is often rich in proteins, specifically animal proteins they source outdoors. As a result, the high protein content in your cat’s diet causes it to defecate stool that smells horrible and smelly. Although you can’t do much about the smell in your cat’s droppings, a change in diet can do wonders.

7) Parasites

A parasitic infection can upset the stomach of your cat, causing serious diarrhea and feces that smell so bad that you’ll have to go to a veterinarian. Coccidian and Trichomonas are some parasites that often cause serious issues in animals, including cats that are smelly. However, antibiotics and other veterinarian interventions can treat conditions the parasites cause in your cat or cats.