Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Does adding wet food count as a diet change causing cat diarrhea?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 years and 6 months old

My cat has diarrhea. He has been meowing a lot this morning. He isn't lethargic or anything. Does a change in diet include wet food?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 17th, 2017

Yes that would be counted as a change in diet. Any sudden change in diet could precipitate diarrhea. I recommend returning to his normal diet and then gradually over a week transition to any new diet including wet food. If his diarrhea becomes bloody, increases in amount or he becomes weak or lethargic he needs to be checked out by your veterinarian.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If your kitty hasn't had wet food before, then adding wet food would be considered a "change in diet" and could cause stomach upset. If you have recently switched his food, I would try to go back to his original food for a week or two and slowly reintroduce the new food. You can also pick up a probiotic from your vet or the pet store that can sometimes help with diarrhea. If he isn't having improvement within a few days or develops vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, or blood in the stool, he should see his vet for an exam.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored