My senior indoor cat has smelly diarrhea. What could be causing it?

Poor Lucky! I'm glad to hear that he still seems to be acting and eating normally despite this ongoing diarrhea. Some possible causes of persistent diarrhea include parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal cancers, liver disease, food allergies, among others. You can try transitioning his diet to a novel protein diet ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=34182 ) with one protein source and one carbohydrate source to limit the ingredients that he is exposed to. Mix his old and new foods together over 5-7 days, then exclusively feed a new diet for at least 8-12 weeks to determine if the change has been effective. Also adding a probiotic ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21478 ) may be beneficial. However, if his diarrhea continues or worsens, Lucky will need to go to his vet for further evaluation and testing. I hope that all goes well!

Poor Milo. This frequent diarrhea in a cat his age could be caused by stress, pancreatitis, or hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can be common in senior cats. He needs to see a vet for this problem, and I recommend getting a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis done. These tests are tailored to senior cats and look for diseases like hyperthyroidism. Once the cause of the diarrhea is found, the vet can discuss treatment options. Please take him into a vet in the next few days. I hope this helps!

Chronic diarrhea in an older cat with vomiting can be a sign of an inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal cancer. The only way to differentiate between the two disease is a surgery to take biopsies of the intestines and have them analyzed. Based on the diagnosis, the diet may be changed or vitamin supplements or steroids may be added to manage her symptoms. They will check for parasite and check her labs for any renal or endocrine disease

Diarrhea can be a sign of a number of different diseases ranging from hyperthyroidism to infections to inflammatory bowel disease or even intestinal cancer. Some of these diseases can be fatal if left untreated, and regardless of the cause of the diarrhea if it goes on it could lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. I think you need to see a veterinarian - you could look into Care Credit as a payment option, or you could ask your local shelter if there is any subsidized veterinary care near you. www.carecredit.com

Hi. Poor Misty. Many times plder kitties can have diarrhea from 2 of the most common causes. Irritable bowel syndrome, or GI lymphoma (gastrointestinal cancer). Unfortunately that is on the list due to age. Of course parasites or overgrowth of bacteria should be ruled out by a fecal float and culture. As far as IBS, the signs can be just like your kitties. It is treated via a diet change to a prescription bland food, and steroids. Lymphoma looks exactly alike, except it doesn't respond to treatment as long as IBS. The only way to definitively diagnose is a GI biopsy. That is onvioulsy intense. So many choose to do the diet and steroids and hope for the best. Others do the biopsy and if cancer, may consult w an oncologist. I would recommend starting with an exam, fecal float, fecal culture, xrays of abdomen, and if all normal, diet change and steroids.

Causes of diarrhea and vomiting at this age include pancreatitis, IBD, Lymphoma and other types of cancer. it is not easy to diagnose those conditions, she will need some specific blood tests and a specialist ultrasound to start with.

Diarrhea and a decrease in appetite could be a sign of a number of different problems. Intestinal parasites are possible, even for indoor cats, as are some infections or diseases like colitis or inflammatory bowel disease. If the diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours or seems to be getting worse, or if her appetite does not improve during that time I'd recommend seeing your veterinarian. They may treat her symptoms or recommend some testing like blood work or a fecal analysis depending on what they find during a physical examination.