Cat Diarrhea- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Diarrhea in Cats

Diarrhea in cats is not a disease but rather a symptom.  Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. In most cases, cats experience diarrhea from exposure to an outside factor such as parasites, bacteria, or protozoa. A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern in cats-but if it persists for more than a day or two, it can lead to dehydration. This could be a minor problem or could signify a more serious illness.
Causes of Diarrhea in Cats
+Parasites
One of the most often causes of diarrhea in cats is parasites. Hookworms, tapeworms or roundworms, and whipworms will all cause cats to experience diarrhea. Cats may also have diarrhea if they become infected with certain types of protozoa, such as Giardia, which thrive in contaminated drinking water.
+Intestinal Bacteria.
Diarrhea in cats can also occur if the number of healthy intestinal bacteria with the number of bad intestinal bacteria becomes disrupted. This disruption can appear from a change in diet, eating foul meats or stress, such as colitis, that may interrupt the normal healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines.
In some instances, cats can experience diarrhea due to an underlying disease or infection. An underlying infection, like an abscessed tooth, may cause diarrhea in cats. Also, other causes could include: food allergies(A sudden switch in your cat's food can cause diarrhea. Food allergies and food intolerances can also cause diarrhea).
Symptoms of Diarrhea in Cats
If your cat has any of the following symptoms as well as diarrhea then you should consult with your vet:

Cat Diarrhea
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+Fever
+Pain
+Vomiting
+Blood in the diarrhea
+Lethargy or depression
+Weight Loss
+Dehydration
+Loss of appetite
+Foul smelling diarrhea
Treatment for Diarrhea in Cats
If your cat is only mildly ill, it may be treated on an outpatient basis, but patients with severe dehydration or vomiting should be hospitalized for fluid and electrolyte therapy. Shock fluid therapy could be necessary. Potassium supplementation could be required in very ill patients but it should not be given simultaneously with the shock fluid therapy. Patients that are mildly ill, and aren't vomiting should follow a period of fasting (12–24 hours), which is usually followed by a bland diet, like boiled rice and chicken or a prescription diet. Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medicine for your cat’s diagnosis. Anti-secretory drugs, intestinal protectants or dewormers are the most commonly prescribed medications.
As you can see there are many causes of diarrhea in cats and kittens. If diarrhea persists you need to seek advice from your vet.