Old cat, diarrhea

[StupidBlanket]

Hi all, just looking for some advice.

Have a senior cat, approximately twelve years old (came to us as stray, so not entirely sure). He's been drinking a lot of water the last 48 hours, and the last two bowel movements (in his tray, that I know of) have been pure liquid. Ringing vet first thing in the morning. Was hoping it was just a bug thing, but now getting concerned that it might be something sinister, like his kidneys.

Is there anything I can do in the meantime that might help him? Do I withold food for time being or anything like that? Apologies if I sound clueless, just don't know what to do!

Thanks in advance.

Personally I’d keep feeding him because when you starve an animal it goes into a catabolic state quickly and they lose condition.

Humans do if they have planned surgery. The fasting knocks them about.

My 14 year old cat was suddenly ill like that last Christmas, couldn't keep anything down and had the most terrible bad stomach I'd ever seen. It was incredibly distressing for him and me. I withheld food but gave access to water, kept him indoors, and made an appointment with vet for the following morning. He was admitted into their care as was dehydrated due to the severe diarrhoea and it took them a couple of days to get things under control. Sadly subsequent tests revealed that he had a large cell intestinal lymphoma which is a rare type of cancer in cats. I hope that won't be the case for your lovely boy but just be prepared it could be something serious.

Vet gave me a prognosis of maybe 3 months which was a massive shock and very upsetting. He started him on chemo tablets, steroids, and a B12 supplement & he responded very well to the medication. It's now December and he's still with us!

He's not been on the cancer meds since August due to having an eye ulcer and he's actually doing really well. Vet thinks it may be some kind of remission but we don't know how long it will last. He is terminally ill but you wouldn't know it to look at him. We're spoiling him and giving him as much love as while we are able. I will keep my fingers crossed that your boy doesn't have anything seriously wrong & back to his normal self again asap.