Cat diarrhea can range from a mild dietary upset to a sign of infection or disease, and the duration and accompanying signs determine urgency.
Quick Answer
When a cat has diarrhea along with shaking or tremors, the combination may indicate a more significant underlying condition. Shaking or tremors alongside another symptom may indicate pain, fever, toxin exposure, neurological involvement, or significant distress. This combination warrants prompt veterinary attention, as some causes can be serious. A veterinarian can assess the cat and determine the appropriate course of action. Cat diarrhea may be caused by dietary changes, food intolerance, infections, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, or stress. A single episode of soft stool may resolve on its own, but persistent diarrhea, diarrhea with blood, vomiting, lethargy, or reduced appetite requires veterinary evaluation. Cats can become dehydrated quickly. Contact a veterinarian if both signs are present, especially if either is severe or worsening.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
Answer a few questions about your cat's signs and receive general guidance on how urgently to seek veterinary care.
This tool does not diagnose conditions or replace a veterinarian.
What Diarrhea Can Look Like
Diarrhea in cats is stool that is softer, looser, or more liquid than normal. It may range from soft-formed to watery. The color may vary, and it may contain mucus or blood. A cat with diarrhea may have increased frequency of defecation, accidents outside the litter box, or strain in the box. When diarrhea occurs alongside shaking or tremors, the combination provides important information about what may be happening. Shaking or tremors alongside another symptom may indicate pain, fever, toxin exposure, neurological involvement, or significant distress. This combination warrants prompt veterinary attention, as some causes can be serious. A veterinarian can assess the cat and determine the appropriate course of action.
What May Be Associated with Diarrhea
Similar signs can have different causes, and the following are possible explanations a veterinarian may consider.
Dietary Changes
A sudden change in diet, new treats, or eating something unusual can cause diarrhea. Cats have sensitive digestive systems.
Food Intolerance or Allergy
Some cats develop diarrhea in response to specific ingredients. Food allergies may also cause skin signs.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, Giardia, and coccidia can cause diarrhea, particularly in kittens and outdoor cats.
Infections
Viral, bacterial, and protozoal infections can cause diarrhea. Panleukopenia is a serious viral infection that produces severe diarrhea, especially in unvaccinated kittens.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBD is a chronic condition causing persistent or recurrent diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
The Combination of Diarrhea and Shaking
Shaking or tremors alongside another symptom may indicate pain, fever, toxin exposure, neurological involvement, or significant distress. This combination warrants prompt veterinary attention, as some causes can be serious. A veterinarian can assess the cat and determine the appropriate course of action. The presence of both signs together may narrow the list of possible causes and help a veterinarian prioritize diagnostic steps.
What to Monitor
Tracking details helps a veterinarian assess the situation.
- Frequency and consistency of stools
- Color: Brown, yellow, green, black, or red
- Presence of blood or mucus
- Whether the cat is also vomiting
- Appetite and water intake
- Energy level: Alert, lethargic, or hiding
- When each sign started and whether they began at the same time
What You Can Safely Do Next
For a cat with mild diarrhea that is otherwise normal, ensure fresh water is available. Do not withhold food for more than 12 hours in cats, as they can develop hepatic lipidosis if they stop eating. Do not give human anti-diarrheal medications. If diarrhea persists beyond 24 to 48 hours, contains blood, or is accompanied by vomiting or lethargy, contact a veterinarian. When diarrhea and shaking or tremors occur together, do not delay in seeking veterinary guidance, as the combination may indicate a more significant issue.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Some situations require immediate veterinary attention, while others may allow for monitoring. When in doubt, contacting a veterinarian is the safest approach.
Emergency Signs
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately if you observe any of the following:
- Diarrhea with profuse blood or black, tarry stools
- Severe, watery diarrhea with dehydration
- Diarrhea with repeated vomiting
- Lethargy, collapse, or weakness
- Known or suspected toxin ingestion
- A kitten with diarrhea
These signs may indicate a serious condition that requires prompt evaluation. In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 888-426-4435 if toxin exposure is suspected. In the UK, contact your veterinarian or the Veterinary Poisons Information Service for guidance.
Non-Urgent Signs
The following may warrant a routine veterinary call rather than emergency care:
- A single episode of soft stool in an otherwise normal cat
- Mild diarrhea that improves within 24 hours
- Diarrhea following a known dietary change with no other signs
When diarrhea occurs alongside another sign, veterinary evaluation is recommended sooner rather than later, as the combination may indicate a more significant condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait before taking my cat to the vet for diarrhea?
If diarrhea persists for more than 24 to 48 hours, contains blood, is accompanied by vomiting, or the cat is lethargic or not eating, contact a veterinarian. Kittens and senior cats should be evaluated sooner.
Can I give my cat human diarrhea medication?
No. Human anti-diarrheal medications can be toxic to cats and should never be given without veterinary guidance. A veterinarian can recommend safe options if needed.
What does it mean when my cat has diarrhea and shaking or tremors?
The combination of diarrhea and shaking or tremors may indicate a more significant issue than either sign alone. Shaking or tremors alongside another symptom may indicate pain, fever, toxin exposure, neurological involvement, or significant distress. This combination warrants prompt veterinary attention, as some causes can be serious. A veterinarian can assess the cat and determine the appropriate course of action. A veterinarian can assess both signs together and recommend appropriate diagnostics and care.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
If you are concerned about your cat's diarrhea and shaking or tremors, use the symptom triage tool to get general guidance on how urgently you should seek veterinary care based on the signs you are observing.
This tool provides general information and does not replace a veterinarian's diagnosis.
Sources
- Cornell Feline Health Center. "Gastrointestinal Disorders in Cats." Retrieved July 2026.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. "Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Cats." Retrieved July 2026.
- VCA Hospitals. "Vomiting in Cats." Retrieved July 2026.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. "Poisonous Substances and Pet Safety." Retrieved July 2026. Phone: 888-426-4435.
Disclaimer
This article and the PawAI Symptom Triage tool provide general information and do not replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If your cat shows emergency signs, contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.