Diarrhoea in cats

Diarrhoea in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
GPCert(ExAP)
DVM
Updated October 16, 2025
5 min read

What to do

Causes

When to worry

Prevention

Diagnosis

Home treatment

Vet treatment

Risk

Share this article
Diarrhoea in cats

Diarrhoea in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
GPCert(ExAP)
DVM
Updated October 16, 2025
5 min read

Diarrhoea is a common problem in cats, and it can be accompanied by vomiting. It’s often caused by something they ate that irritated their gut.

When cats have diarrhoea, they get soft to watery poos and have to go to the toilet more frequently than normal. In general, cats with diarrhoea are well and may even be eating and drinking normally. They tend to get better within 24-48h. Treatment includes a special food, maintaining hydration, and probiotics.

What to do if your cat has diarrhoea >What to do if your cat has diarrhoea [What to do

Most common causes of diarrhoea in cats >Most common causes of diarrhoea in cats [Causes

When to worry about your cat’s diarrhoea >When to worry about your cat’s diarrhoea [When to worry

How to prevent your cat from having diarrhoea >How to prevent your cat from having diarrhoea [Prevention

What diarrhoea looks like in cats >What diarrhoea looks like in cats [Diagnosis

How to treat diarrhoea in cats at home >How to treat diarrhoea in cats at home [Home treatment

Vet treatment for diarrhoea in cats >Vet treatment for diarrhoea in cats [Vet treatment

Are some cats more at risk of diarrhoea? >Are some cats more at risk of diarrhoea? [Risk

Explore our vet recommended products
Shop Now

Share this article

Similar Articles

Vomiting in cats
Symptoms

Vomiting in cats

Learn why cats vomit, how to manage mild cases at home, recognise serious symptoms, and when to seek veterinary care to keep your cat safe and healthy.
Dr. Marta Chapman
November 19, 2024 5 min read
Chronic kidney disease in cats
Health Conditions

Chronic kidney disease in cats

Learn how to spot, manage, and prevent chronic kidney disease in cats. Discover risk factors, treatment options and care tips for healthier, longer lives.
Dr. Deborah Brown
May 18, 2023 7 min read
Pancreatitis in cats
Health Conditions

Pancreatitis in cats

Learn how to spot pancreatitis in cats, understand causes, symptoms, and treatment options, and help your cat recover safely and comfortably.
Dr. Deborah Brown
May 18, 2023 6 min read
Alcohol poisoning in cats
Poisons in Pets

Alcohol poisoning in cats

Cat licked alcohol or sanitiser? It's a veterinary emergency. A UK vet explains the signs of ethanol poisoning and why you must act fast to save your cat.
Dr. Valter Carlos
April 24, 2026 3 min read
Recreational drug poisoning in cats
Poisons in Pets

Recreational drug poisoning in cats

Learn how to recognise different types of recreational drug poisoning in cats, key symptoms to watch for, and when to seek urgent veterinary care to protect your pet.
Dr. Valter Carlos
April 02, 2026 7 min read
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats
Health Conditions

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats

Learn how to recognise hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats, from early signs to diagnosis. Discover what to expect and what to do to protect your cat’s heart health.
Dr. Valter Carlos
March 24, 2026 9 min read
Introducing a New Cat: Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition
Behaviour & Training

Introducing a New Cat: Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition

Learn how to safely introduce a new cat to your home with practical, vet-approved tips on settling in, reducing stress, and helping cats adjust to new environments and other pets.
Dr. Ella Preston
April 23, 2026 7 min read
Caffeine Poisoning in Cats
Poisons in Pets

Caffeine Poisoning in Cats

Discover the dangers of caffeine poisoning in cats, including symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent accidental exposure at home.
Dr. Deborah Brown
April 22, 2026 4 min read
Hair loss in cats
Symptoms

Hair loss in cats

Cat hair loss can be caused by parasites, allergies, or stress. Learn to spot the signs, discover home care tips, and know when to see a vet for your cat’s recovery.
Dr. Deborah Brown
March 31, 2026 5 min read
Liver Shunts in Cats
Health Conditions

Liver Shunts in Cats

Learn about liver shunts in cats, from congenital defects to acquired symptoms. Discover how vets diagnose and treat this condition with diet, medicine, and surgery.
Dr. Deborah Brown
March 31, 2026 6 min read
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) Toxicity in Cats
Poisons in Pets

Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) Toxicity in Cats

Vitamin D toxicity (Cholecalciferol) is a veterinary emergency that can cause permanent kidney damage. Our vet explains the symptoms, treatment options and best ways to prevent it
Dr. Deborah Brown
February 24, 2026 5 min read
Cannabis (THC) Toxicity in Cats
Poisons in Pets

Cannabis (THC) Toxicity in Cats

Learn the key symptoms of cannabis toxicity in cats from a UK vet. Discover what to do if your cat ate weed, the recovery timeline, and why honest clinical care is vital for their safety.
Dr. Deborah Brown
February 24, 2026 5 min read