Is diarrhea 'normal'? Or cause for concern?

[JenWhite]

A bit of history;
Lenox has had 'poopie' problems from the begining. I have taken him to the emergency vet for bleeding from the rear, thank goodness it was constipation! His rectum was soo swollen it looked inside out :eek: Whle he was constipated, it hurt to 'go' so he wouldn't. He would hold it so much that he was full to the point of overspilling little pieces beyond his control. :(

That has been probably 3 maybe 4 months ago. Currently he has diarrhea. There is no blood or any visable concern other than runny stools. So, do cats just get diarrhea? Should I be concerned?

[moosmom]

Cats do get diarrhea. Have you changed his diet? Changed to a new dry food or added canned? That can upset a kitty's stomach. Do you have any plants in the house that he may have nibbled on??

It could be a number of things. You can try adding cooked rice or pumpkin which will help "firm up" his poos.

Pinch him gently by the nap of his neck. If his skin stays up, that means he's dehydrated. Might want to take him to the vet for a looksy.

Unless you notice a change in his eating habits, litterbox habits (blood in his poos or going outside the box), or his overall personality (i.e., lethargy, vomiting, weakness, etc.) I'd just keep an eye on him. If you're really concerned, I'd definitely at least put a call into the vet. He may be able to suggest something or tell you to bring him in.

Good luck and please let us know how you make out.

[lvpets2002]

:( So sorry of your baby's problem.. I understand due to am going thru some of the same problem of diarrhea with my Splenda.. She wont get adjusted to the dry food & is drinking lots of water & diarrhea diarrhea.. But acts & plays normal.. I am going to take her to see the Vet Monday on my day off..

[kb2yjx]

I know this may sound weird, but Lennox COULD be constipated. What happens is the constipated stool cannot get out and the new stool ooozes out around the impaction. Sorry to be so graphic, but this happens in humans. Sandra

[JenWhite]

I haven't changed food. He is eating Royal canin kitten second stage, and I split a packet of wet food between three kitties mixed in with their dry food each evening. He isn't dehydrated, neck skin dropped right down. He isn't loosing any weight . . . but it probably wouldn't hurt him if he lost a little ;) I guess I might worry a little too much. He is my favorite < that is a dirty little secret though so shhhh!> I'll try the rice in his food instead of wet food in his dish for a couple of days. In the meantime I will get used to washing his rear end several times a day until he 'firms up'.

I hope that this is diarrhea and not constipation, but I will keep an eye on him. As always thank you for all of your helpful advice and suggestions :)

[kb2yjx]

Hello again. Has he been checked for parasites/worms??

[JenWhite]

Hi Kb! He has not recently been checked for parasites, or worms. Thanks for bringing that to mind it's a simple noninvasive (read non cat carrier) procedure. ;) I'll take a ss by the vet's office in the morning.