Diarrhea in cat

by Marc
(Vancouver, BC, Canada)

Hi there, my cat is fairly old but at the same time he looks and acts like he is young (13 years) and is active, runs, jumps. etc.

He had a surgery this year due to an unknown stomach complication that caused his intestines to fold over, something that normally happens in dogs but not cats the vet mentioned. He underwent surgery and was fine, the vet put him on a gastrointestinal formula and his regular dry food (before that he had just started eating wet food about 2 years earlier). That was in Feb/March and I have kept him on the gastrointestinal food with his dry food, as he seemed to like it.

Lately, after a move to another city and far from the vet, I have noticed diarrhea, no blood, and he seems to be fine again, but some poops are ok, and others runny. I am very low on money and am worried about taking him to a vet here who doesn't know him. The original vet told the receptionist to tell me to take him to the vet....

I am wondering if there are any things I might try to alleviate the problem myself through a few adjustments first?

Thank you for your help.


Dear Marc,

With your cat's history in mind, I would have to recommend the same thing that your other veterinarian had: I would recommend bringing your cat to the veterinarian.

You didn't mention how recently you moved, but if it was very recent, stress in cats can certainly bring about loose stools or diarrhea. If this is the case, you may just want to watch your cat closely for a few more days.

If your cat were younger, I might have just said to try a different diet, but considering his age and history, I am reluctant to suggest doing so. The absolute safest thing to do for your cats health would be to bring him to a vet.

All the best,
Dr. Neely