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Why does my cat have loose stools, litter box issues, and eat a lot?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Devon Rex | Female | spayed | 12 years and 9 months old | 7 lbs
Nearly 13 year old Devon Rex female neutered house cat. She has had loose, very smelly stools for approx 8 weeks and constantly poos outside the litter tray but will wee in it, no incontinence. Multiple visits to the vets, full bloods taken (vet text attached with results). I have wormed with solution on back of the neck and orally, no worms present. Very clingy, very vocal, eating loads. Vet thinks it’s gut related but now wondering if it could be something else. Is she in pain? thanks, Laura
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on October 31st, 2017
Intestinal worms and intestinal parasites can be a cause of loose stools. If she has been tested for parasites and is negative for them, then this can be ruled out. It cannot be entirely ruled out with worming treatment alone. A fecal test is needed.
There are other causes such as a bacterial or viral infection, a food allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and certain types of cancers, especially cancers of the gastrointestinal system.
Eating more than normal as mentioned in your question may indicate an endocrine disorder such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Both of these can also cause loose stools.
Diarrhea or lose stools can be uncomfortable to pass. Cats do not show their pain very well to us at all so it can be hard to determine if Maisie is in pain, but if she is more vocal than usual, and very attached to you lately and this is not her normal behavior, then yes, it may indicate she is not feeling very well and is uncomfortable.
I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. No test results came through, & you do not indicate if antibiotics were tried. If not, sometimes this is necessary.
Some cats do well by switching to a "stress diet". Royal Canin Feline Veterinary Diet Stress has actually helped quite a few cats with chronic diarrhea. I also like to put these cats on a probiotic. Purina FortiFlora is a very good one. If you try the diet & probiotic, you need to give it at least a month to see if it helps. Otherwise, the next step is either an ultrasound of the intestines, or possibly even a biopsy to diagnose why the diarrhea is so persistent. Thank you.0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 3rd, 2018
Have you tried a diet change? You can change to intestinal formula or hypoallergenic formula to help. Canned food would be ideal as it has a higher water content to help. Have you or your vet consider a prokinetic (metoclopramide or cisapride) to help the intestines keep things moving to help her go? You may need an ultrasound to see the thickness and look inside the intestines or consider a biopsy if getting no answers or help with medications.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on December 8th, 2017
I would feed Millie which ever one is her regular food. You don't want to risk upsetting her tummy further by giving her something new. If she will eat it, you could try giving her boiled white chicken and white rice. This is a bland diet that will allow the intestines to relax. You can also add in a probiotic which typically helps. If the diarrhea lasts beyond 48 hours, take her into the vet. Make sure Millie is drinking enough water and monitor her for other signs of illness. Hope she clears this up quickly!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on December 27th, 2016
Try adding one half to one teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) to Penny's meals once or twice daily. The additional fiber may firm up her stool. Provide additional litter boxes for her as well.
If the soft stool persists, she will need to be rechecked by your veterinarian. Discuss allergy testing, food elimination trials and hydrolyzed diets. Advanced diagnostics such as endoscopy and intestinal biopsies may be necessary to diagnose IBD or other inflammatory conditions.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful