Finding that your cat is leaking poop everywhere can be a distressing experience. It’s messy and something that needs to be addressed.
Parasites, cancer, food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease can cause this problem. Addressing the root cause will help your cat regain back its bowel control.
Understanding why this is happening is crucial to finding the right solution. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what steps to take to help your furry friend feel better and keep your home clean.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in cats is a long-term condition where parts of the digestive system become inflamed.
This can affect the cat’s stomach, small and large intestines, making it hard for your cat to digest food properly and absorb nutrients.
Symptoms Of IBD In Cats
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
- Appetite Changes
- Lethargy
- Abdominal Pain
- Frequent Pooping
Causes Of IBD
Genetic Predisposition
Certain breeds or family lines of cats might be more susceptible to developing IBD due to their genetic makeup.
Some cats can inherit a tendency to have an overactive immune response in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to chronic inflammation.
Diet
Cats can have allergies to certain foods like beef, chicken, dairy, and fish. When a cat eats something it’s allergic to, its immune system reacts as if the food is harmful, causing inflammation in the intestines.
This can lead to ongoing digestive problems.
Food intolerances are different from allergies. They don’t involve the immune system but can still cause stomach issues and inflammation.
For example, many cats can’t digest lactose in milk or certain grains. Some additives or preservatives in commercial cat foods can irritate a cat’s digestive system, leading to inflammation.
Recognizing and avoiding these foods can help manage and prevent digestive issues in your cat.
Infections
Chronic bacterial infections from bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter or E. coli can cause ongoing inflammation in a cat’s intestines.
These infections might not completely clear up, leading to persistent irritation and digestive issues.
Viral infections can also damage the gut lining over time, making cats more prone to IBD.
Parasitic infections from organisms like Giardia or intestinal worms can contribute to chronic inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.
Stress
Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Moving to a new home, introducing a new pet or family member or even rearranging furniture can cause significant stress.
This stress can lead to digestive problems.
Stressed cats might also change their eating habits, which can further affect their digestion.
Changes in daily routines, like different feeding times or changes in their owners’ presence, can increase stress levels and impact gut health.
Reducing stress is important for maintaining a cat’s digestive health.
Bowel Incontinence In Cats
Bowel incontinence in cats is when a cat can’t control its bowel movements. Most adult cats can hold their poop until they reach the litter box, but cats with bowel incontinence can’t.
Cats with bowel incontinence don’t always have diarrhea. They might drop small pieces of poop around the house without realizing it.
There are two main types of bowel incontinence in cats:
Sphincter Incontinence
Sphincter incontinence happens when the anal sphincter muscle can’t close properly, causing fecal matter to leak out.
This can also lead to urinary incontinence, where the cat can’t hold its pee.
To locate the anal sphincter muscle, think of the muscle that tightens if someone smacks you on the butt.
This muscle can weaken in older cats, leading to less control over bowel movements. Older cats often have waste stuck to their fur and may smell bad because of this.
Injuries, abnormal growths or spinal cord damage can also prevent the anal sphincter from closing properly.
Reservoir Incontinence
Reservoir incontinence involves the rectum, where fecal matter is stored before being expelled.
If the rectum can’t hold stool properly, the cat feels a constant urge to poop.
This is often caused by diarrhea, IBD, or cancer.
Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse occurs when part of the cat’s rectum protrudes through the anus, becoming visible. This condition can happen when a cat strains excessively while trying to pee or poop.
Several factors can lead to rectal prolapse in cats, including:
- Straining: Excessive effort during bowel movements or urination.
- Parasitic Infections: Parasites can irritate the digestive tract, leading to straining.
- Giving Birth: The physical stress of giving birth can cause prolapse.
- Obstructions: Blockages in the intestines or anus can force the rectum out.
Diagnosing & Treating Leaking Poop In Cats
Diagnostic tests are essential for identifying the cause of your cat’s bowel issues. Blood tests are performed to assess overall health, check for infections, and evaluate organ function.
These tests can help rule out systemic diseases such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, which might contribute to bowel problems.
Fecal tests are conducted to analyze stool samples for parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens, helping identify infections that could be causing the leaking poop.
Imaging techniques like ultrasound and X-rays might also be required. An abdominal ultrasound provides a detailed image of the internal organs.
This allows the vet to examine the intestines and detect abnormalities such as tumors or thickening.
X-rays can help identify obstructions, foreign bodies, or structural changes in the digestive system.
In some cases, an endoscopy may be performed to inspect the intestines and take tissue samples for biopsy.
These biopsies can confirm conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or cancer, guiding the vet in creating an effective treatment plan.
Treatment Options for IBD In Cats
Treating IBD in cats focuses on reducing inflammation and managing symptoms. Each cat’s treatment plan is unique. Here are the main options:
Dietary Management
Special diets can help manage IBD. Hypoallergenic diets use unique protein sources to avoid triggering allergies.
High-fiber diets can help regulate bowel movements. Prescription diets, recommended by vets, are also designed to address digestive issues.
Medications
Several medications can treat IBD. Anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids (prednisolone) reduce inflammation.
Immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclosporine or chlorambucil, are used in severe cases.
Antibiotics like metronidazole manage bacterial infections. Probiotics can help promote healthy gut bacteria.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Reducing stress in the cat’s environment is also essential. Providing a calm, stable environment can help. Using calming products like pheromone diffusers may reduce stress.
Regular vet check-ups are necessary to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Iggy Thorne, also known as ‘Iggy the Explorer,’ is a seasoned writer with a flair for adventure and a deep love for animals.
Not only does he craft captivating stories often set in the great outdoors, but he’s also a dedicated pet owner who has owned and fostered both dogs and cats.
His expertise in animal care extends to volunteering at local shelters, making him a credible voice in pet ownership.
With a unique blend of humor and adventure, Iggy’s writing is as engaging as it is informative.