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Will a cat die if it keeps having soft poop?

Pet Knowledge
This article is provided by Veterinarian Dr. Sarah Davis
A cat's persistent loose stools may not necessarily lead to death, but it is a health issue that needs attention. Soft stool may be caused by a variety of reasons, including but not limited to food problems, environmental changes, parasitic infections, and cat plague.

1. Food problems:

Food problems are one of the common causes of soft stools in cats. If the food your cat eats is spoiled or rotten, or if the cat's food is changed suddenly, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and lead to soft stools. In addition, cats who eat too quickly or too much may also cause indigestion and soft stools.

2. Environmental changes:

Environmental changes and stress reactions may also cause cats to have soft stools. For example, factors such as moving, changing the environment, or having other pets in the home may make cats feel nervous and stressed, which will affect their gastrointestinal function.

3. Parasitic infection:

Parasite infection is also a common cause of cats having soft stools. If a cat is not dewormed for a long time, parasites may multiply in the intestines, causing malabsorption of nutrients and loose stools. Taking your cat to the pet hospital regularly for physical examination and deworming can effectively prevent parasitic infections.

4. Feline distemper:

When a cat is infected with feline distemper virus, the virus will destroy the cells in the intestine, causing cell necrosis and shedding. This directly affects the cat’s digestive function, making food unable to be absorbed and digested normally. As a result, your cat's stool may change in texture, such as becoming softer or runny. If left untreated, it can have serious consequences for your cat’s health.

When a cat has loose stools, the owner needs to carefully observe the cat’s symptoms and try to find out the possible reasons. If the problem is caused by food or environmental changes, you can try to fix the problem by adjusting your diet or environment. If the problem persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, etc., it is recommended to take the cat to the pet hospital for examination and treatment in time.