Definition or overview
The incidence of colitis in the cats is much lower than in the dog. The disease has a similar presentation to the dog.

In most patients the cause is unknown. In some patients a dietary allergy has been implicated as a cause. Other known causes include infection with salmonella spp. Or candida albicans, feline infectious peritonitis and feline panleukopenia. A few cats have eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

Some cats with colitis may present with fresh blood flecked on normal feces. There is no apparent age, breed, or sex predilection and the history and sign are similar to the dog with diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss being the major signs.

Differential diagnosis
Colonic tumors, parasitic infections

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made via colonoscopy and colonic mucosal biopsy.

Treatment
Sulfasalazine in oral suspension (50mg/ml) is especially useful for accurate dosage in cats
A dose of a 10-20mg/kg q 12h (1/4 of a 500mg sized tablet q12h) for 7-10 days effective in most patients. A few cats seem to be sensitive at the recommended dose and an alternate day dosing schedule is divisible in these patients. Side-effects of Sulfasalazine in cats include anorexia and anemia.

Management
Dietary adjustment is also appropriate is most cats with colitis. A change diet to lamb and rice or to a commercial prescription diet is often effective in patients with plasmacytic-lymphocytic colitis. Prednisone (2mg/kg initially for 3-4weeks, then tapered over a 4week period) is indicated in eosinophilic colitis or if enteritis is also present.