Understanding Diarrhea in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and At-Home Testing with Kedi Labs

Anyone who has every dealt with a litter box knows that loose stools and diarrhea are a frequent health concern for kitties. While it can be distressing to see your cat in discomfort, understanding the causes and knowing how to test can make a world of difference.

What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea in cats is characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. It can vary in severity from mild, temporary episodes to severe, persistent conditions that require immediate veterinary attention.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Cats:

1. Dietary Changes or Indiscretions: A sudden change in diet or consuming spoiled food can upset a cat's stomach.
2. Parasites: Internal parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and giardia can cause diarrhea.
3. Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
4. Medications: Some medications can have diarrhea as a side effect.
5. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain cancers can cause diarrhea.

Symptoms to Watch Out For:
While diarrhea is the most obvious sign, other symptoms can accompany it:

• Dehydration
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Weight loss
• Increased thirst

Kedi Labs At-Home Testing:
One of the challenges cat owners face is the stress associated with taking their pet to a vet, especially for something as routine as a stool test. Kedi Labs offers a solution to this with their range of at-home testing kits.

Available Tests from Kedi Labs:

1. Parasite PCR Panel: This test can detect the presence of 20 common parasites including roundworms, tapeworms, toxoplasma and Giardia.
2. Diarrhea PCR Panel for cats: If you suspect a bacterial cause for the diarrhea, this test can help identify the specific bacteria.
3. Giardia Rapid Test: This test can accurately detect Giardia infections in cats in 10 minutes!

How it Works:

1. Order the Kit: Choose the appropriate test based on your cat's symptoms and order it from Kedi Labs.
2. Sample Collection: Using the provided tools, collect a stool sample from your cat.
3. Send it Back: Use the pre-paid packaging to send the sample back to Kedi Labs. Kedi Labs includes FREE pre-paid FedEx Priority Overnight Shipping to the lab so you get your pet's results back ASAP!
4. Get Results: For most tests, you will get your results back within 24 hours! Some tests may take up to 72 hours but you will ALWAYS receive detailed, pet-owner friendly results from Kedi Labs. We also have a vet care team available to help with any questions or concerns that you might have at no additional cost. 

Diarrhea in cats, while common, should never be ignored. It's essential to understand its causes, monitor symptoms, and seek appropriate testing and treatment. With Kedi Labs' at-home testing kits, cat owners can now take proactive steps in their pet's health, ensuring they get the best care possible without the added stress of frequent vet visits.