DIARRHEA in KITTENS AND ADULT CATS

Diarrhea is one of the most common concerns of veterinarians evaluating kittens with a health problem. Often times, diarrhea in kittens can be attributed to dietary changes, parasites or infectious diseases, and these should be the focus of any investigation in these young cats. Adult cats often have different and more chronic causes of diarrhea than kittens, but the condition remains a common reason for cats to be presented to veterinarians for care. The purpose of this talk is to review some of the more common causes of diarrhea in kittens and cats, and to discuss the best approaches for diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea in kittens and cats. Where appropriate, the role of diet in both diagnosis and therapy of diarrhea will also be considered.