A practical guide to tell mild from serious — but when in doubt, always ask your vet.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual
Veterinary advice recommended today — For most cases, follow the home-care steps below and call your vet the same day if warning signs appear.
Loose stools can follow a diet change or stress, but diarrhea lasting more than a day, with blood or with a cat that seems unwell, should be checked by a vet.
Contact your vet if any of these apply:
Keep water available and offer a small amount of a bland food (plain boiled chicken or a vet gastrointestinal diet). Clean the litter tray daily and watch stool quality.
Your vet may run a stool check and blood tests, and may recommend hydration support and gut-protecting treatment.
For puppies, kittens and senior pets, call your vet the same day. For healthy adults, contact your vet if diarrhea lasts more than 24–48 hours, or sooner if there is blood, vomiting or low energy.
No. Many human anti-diarrhea products are dangerous for pets. Plain, bland food and water are the safest home steps until your vet advises otherwise.
Same symptom in Dog: see Dog Diarrhea — causes and home care can differ by species.
This page is educational triage information, not a diagnosis. Pets vary — when in doubt, ask your vet. In an emergency, contact your local emergency clinic or pet poison hotline directly.