Cat Poop Show Signs of Illness
July 26th 2010 12:45
It may sound rather gross, but your cat's bowel movements can really determine whether or not your cat is sick. Normal bowel movements will occur at least once a day and will a dark brown color. Normal cat poop shouldn't be too hard or too soft, and it shouldn't have an overly foul smell.
Again, this may sound gross, but by watching the regularity of your cat's potty behaviors, you may be able to determine if your cat is sick before you see other signs.
Common issues that you'll see with your cat's poop is diarrhea and constipation.
There are many reasons why your cat may have diarrhea, especially if it lasts for more than 24 to 48 hours. Diarrhea that lasts longer may cause dehydration, so you want to be careful. If your cat has diarrhea for more than a few days, you want to consult your veterinarian to determine the cause.
Common illnesses that may cause diarrhea in cats include:
* Cancer
* Colitis
* Dietary changes and/or food allergies
* Hairballs
* Hyperthyroidism
* Inflammatory bowel disease
* Kidney disease
* Worms or other intestinal parasites
When your cat has diarrhea, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water. Also, try to hold off food for at least 12 to 24 hours. If the diarrhea is also accompanied by fever, vomiting, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, consult your veterinarian immediately; if your vet is closed, find an emergency vet to call.
If your cat is constipated, you'll notice that he may strain excessively to poop or he may be completely unsuccessful at going, to which you should go ahead and consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Common reasons your cat may be constipated may include:
* Colon abnormalities
* Diabetes
* Enlarged prostate gland
* Feline megacolon
* Hyperthyroidism
* Kidney problems
* Low fiber diets
* Obesity
* Over-grooming, leading to extra hair in the digestive tract
* Some type of obstruction
You want to try to stimulate drinking and exercise if your cat is constipated.
Again, this may sound gross, but by watching the regularity of your cat's potty behaviors, you may be able to determine if your cat is sick before you see other signs.
Common issues that you'll see with your cat's poop is diarrhea and constipation.
There are many reasons why your cat may have diarrhea, especially if it lasts for more than 24 to 48 hours. Diarrhea that lasts longer may cause dehydration, so you want to be careful. If your cat has diarrhea for more than a few days, you want to consult your veterinarian to determine the cause.
Common illnesses that may cause diarrhea in cats include:
* Colitis
* Dietary changes and/or food allergies
* Hairballs
* Hyperthyroidism
* Inflammatory bowel disease
* Kidney disease
* Worms or other intestinal parasites
When your cat has diarrhea, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water. Also, try to hold off food for at least 12 to 24 hours. If the diarrhea is also accompanied by fever, vomiting, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, consult your veterinarian immediately; if your vet is closed, find an emergency vet to call.
If your cat is constipated, you'll notice that he may strain excessively to poop or he may be completely unsuccessful at going, to which you should go ahead and consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Common reasons your cat may be constipated may include:
* Colon abnormalities
* Diabetes
* Enlarged prostate gland
* Feline megacolon
* Hyperthyroidism
* Kidney problems
* Low fiber diets
* Obesity
* Over-grooming, leading to extra hair in the digestive tract
* Some type of obstruction
You want to try to stimulate drinking and exercise if your cat is constipated.
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