Diarrhea Questionnaire and Checklist for Cats

Diarrhea is a sign of disease, rather than a specific diagnosis. In order for us to narrow down the cause of diarrhea in your cat, please answer the following questions as accurately as possible. If you are not certain about the answer, please indicate 'approximately' or 'not sure'.

1)  When did you first notice unusual stools?

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• It may help to look at a calendar, or try to relate it to significant events or occasions such as holidays.
• On the calendar note any other changes in your cat's routine or household routine

Please use the following questions to help you describe the nature of the bowel movements.

2) How frequently is your cat having bowel movements?

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3) Are the stools semi-formed (soft but retain the cylindrical shape), unformed, or liquid? See illustration below to help you determine the consistency.

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4) What is the dominant color (yellow, brown, black, etc.)?

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5) Is there any evidence of blood? Fresh blood will be red, often in streaks on the surface of the stool; a black or tarry-looking stool indicates older blood that has been partially digested. If so, is it fresh or older blood?

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6) Is there mucus in the stool? Mucus gives the stool a glistening or shiny appearance, and it may look like a coating of egg whites on the surface. Yes  /  No

7) Is there undigested food present in the stool? Yes  /  No

8) How powerful is the smell?

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Please answer the follow to describe your cat's feeding habits.

9) What is your cat's normal diet? Please includie brand and type (e.g., semi-moist, canned, dry).  When was the last time you opened a new bag or case?

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10) How often do you feed your cat?

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11) How is your cat's appetite?

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12) Has the diet changed within the past two months? Yes  /  No

13) Do you feed your cat milk? Yes  /  No

14) Have you fed your cat table scraps within the past two weeks? If so, what?

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15) Does your cat go outside? Yes  /  No

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16) Has your cat raided the garbage can recently? Yes  /  No

17) Does the cat hunt and eat its prey? Yes  /  No

18) Does the cat get food from anywhere else such as from a neighbor? Yes  /  No

19) Does your cat have access to any plants? If so please list them.

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Please answer the following questions about your cat's past medical history, including any other health problems?

20) If your cat was previously treated at another clinic, do you have the medical records? Yes  /  No

21) If your cat was previously treated at another clinic, when was it last vaccinated?

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22) Are there any other signs of illness? If so, what are they?

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23) When did you first notice any other signs of illness?

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24) Has there been any weight loss? If so, over what period?

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25) Have you seen any vomiting? Yes  / No

26) Is your cat on any medications or supplements?  What and how often does your cat receive these?

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27) Is there a chance your cat may have accidentally been exposed to any medications? Yes  /  No