Can cats catch stomach bugs from each other?

[FreckledLeopard]

So, took one of my cats to the vet's last week owing to a period (maybe a few weeks) of very loose stools. Cat is fine in herself, no weight loss, eating normally. The vet gave us some Hill's ID food and a paste to put with it to give the cat to try and "re-set" her gut.

Since then, the poo has continued to be very loose and now two of our other cats are showing symptoms of the same thing. Owing to various factors, all cats are indoor at present, using litter trays.

I've called the vet back to discuss and am waiting for her to return my call. However, in the meantime, does anyone know if cats can "catch" some kind of bug that causes this runny poo? Cats are all up to date on their vaccinations and worming.

[chockbic]

Do you have to take any samples in?

[TywysogesGymraeg]

People can catch bugs from one another, so I assume cats can too*


*not a vet

[RubbishMantra]

I see they're indoor now, but were they allowed out before? When outside, they spend a lot of time scratching in soil to cover their crap and pee. Snails lay their eggs in soil, which the parasite Giardia lives in. Most common cause of ongoing/recurring squits.

Big yes to getting their poo tested by vets'.

[RubbishMantra]

Oh, and Applaws dry's good, it has pre-biotics in it, to encourage good bacteria in the gut.

[FreckledLeopard]

One cat used to go out a lot. Other cat never went out. She's timid, hates the outside world and is very lazy.

I have one poo-collecting pot for the cat I took to vet's last week. I just shudder at thought of having to force other cat into box, take to vet and get him tested too.

Vet still not phoned so I will update when she does.

[code]

Parasites I would think, giardiasis or TF. Get samples to vets