What are the symptoms of colitis in cats?
The most obvious sign of colitis is diarrhea, possibly outside the litter tray because of the ‘urgency’ to go. The stool is often soft or watery & may contain blood or mucus. Other symptoms may include; • Straining (tenesmus) in the litter tray causing discomfort • Frequent defecation • Diarrhea (the stool may start out normal but finish off loose or watery) • There may be blood or mucus in the stool • Reduced appetite • Constipation • Vomiting • Dehydration • Abdominal pain • Chronic colitis can lead to weight loss • How is colitis diagnosed? Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your cat & obtain a medical history, including symptoms you have noticed. Your veterinarian may be able to determine a cause depending on how the colitis has presented. Was it acute (sudden onset), chronic (lasting several weeks) or episodic (comes & goes). • Fecal test for bacteria, nematodes (worms) & Giardia. • Complete blood count. Most cases will reveal a normal CBC but some cats may h
