Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat has chronic diarrhea, losing weight. Vet can't help. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 11 years and 11 months old

Cat has perpetual diarrhea. Has for years, but it never bothered him until recently (about 9 months ago). I have taken him to the vet on multiple occasions. They have done blood tests as well. Found nothing. He has lost weight, and is now pooping in bed, and elsewhere. He is about 11 years old. We've tried steroids from the vet, feeding him chicken and rice, pumpkin, everything. What else can I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on December 3rd, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Ed! I recommend discussing the following with your Vet: Hydrolyzed prescription diet (Hill's z/d, Royal canin HP, Purina HA), Purina fortiflora (probiotic), metronidazole if it hasn't been tried. If it has then I would try tylosin. I recommend a fasted Malabsorption/maldigestion profile. Your Vet can also do a trial of pancreazyme. If all that has been tried then I recommend referral to an Internal Medicine specialist for an ultrasound and possibly intestinal biopsies. I hope this helps and I wish Ed the best!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 6th, 2018

    He could have inflammatory bowl disease and/or a food allergy. You could try him on a hypoallergenic diet, like z/d or d/d for 8 weeks and see if that helps. Your vet could also try him on metronidazole and/or prednisolone and see if that, helps. Adding a probiotic like Fortilflora or Proviable may help, too. If you want a definitive diagnosis then you could talk to your vet about getting intestinal biopsies to diagnose the exact cause.

    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
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
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
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
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