Detailed Screen

Feline Diarrhoea Panel

Further information

Our Feline Diarrhoea Panel uses specialist qPCR testing to screen a single faecal sample for eight selected infectious targets associated with gastrointestinal disease in cats.

Persistent or recurrent diarrhoea may have several possible causes. By examining viral, bacterial and protozoal targets together, this panel supports a more informed investigation of your cat’s digestive health.

What does the Feline Diarrhoea Panel include?

The eight-target qPCR screen includes:

  • Viruses: Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) and Feline Coronavirus (FCoV).
  • Bacteria: Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Clostridium perfringens type A.
  • Protozoa: Tritrichomonas foetus, Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp.

Who is this test suitable for?

We recommend considering this panel where several potential infectious causes of gastrointestinal signs need investigation. For example, it may be useful for:

  • Cats with persistent or recurrent diarrhoea.
  • Cats with unexplained soft stools or other gastrointestinal signs.
  • Kittens or young cats with ongoing digestive concerns.
  • Cats living in multi-cat households or breeding environments.
  • Cats whose veterinary surgeon recommends broader infectious-disease screening.

How does the testing process work?

Your kit includes clear instructions and the materials needed to collect one fresh, representative faecal sample from your cat. You can then return it using the included Tracked 24 postage.

Once the sample reaches our laboratory, the team performs targeted qPCR testing and reviews the findings. We normally email your report within five working days of arrival.

Each target is reported separately as Detected or Not Detected. However, detecting genetic material does not necessarily mean that the organism is causing your cat’s symptoms. Results should therefore be considered alongside clinical signs and veterinary history.

Important: If your cat is significantly unwell, dehydrated, repeatedly vomiting or passing substantial amounts of blood, seek prompt veterinary advice rather than waiting for test results.

Looking for worm count and lungworm screening too?

Our Feline Parasite and Bacteria Panel combines the same eight-target qPCR investigation with a separate feline worm count and lungworm screen. This offers broader parasite screening when additional testing is appropriate.

Our Feline Diarrhoea Panel is a single-sample qPCR test for eight selected infectious targets associated with gastrointestinal disease in cats.

Targeted qPCR Testing

Our laboratory team uses molecular testing to examine the faecal sample for genetic material associated with the listed organisms. Unlike routine microscopy, qPCR targets specific viral, bacterial and protozoal genetic sequences.

Viral Targets

The panel includes Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) and Feline Coronavirus (FCoV). In particular, detecting feline coronavirus in faeces does not, by itself, diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Bacterial Targets

We also screen for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Clostridium perfringens type A.

Protozoal Targets

The protozoal component covers Tritrichomonas foetus, Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp.

Laboratory Reporting

Each target is reviewed and reported separately. A positive result indicates detection of the target’s genetic material; however, clinical significance depends on your cat’s symptoms, history and other findings.

This panel does not include a microscopic worm count or lungworm screen. Clear laboratory results and free after-test advice are included where required.

Our Feline Diarrhoea Panel provides a separate qPCR result for each of eight infectious targets investigated in your cat’s faecal sample.

Viral Results

  • Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV).
  • Feline Coronavirus (FCoV).

Bacterial Results

  • Salmonella spp.
  • Campylobacter spp.
  • Clostridium perfringens type A.

Protozoal Results

  • Tritrichomonas foetus.
  • Giardia intestinalis.
  • Cryptosporidium spp.

Understanding Your Results

We report each target as Detected or Not Detected. A Detected result means the panel identified genetic material associated with that organism in the submitted sample.

Nevertheless, a positive result does not automatically establish the cause of diarrhoea. Likewise, a Not Detected result does not exclude every possible infectious or non-infectious cause of gastrointestinal signs.

Please note: Feline Coronavirus detected in faeces does not, on its own, diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Our laboratory team reviews the results before emailing your report. Free after-test advice is available where required.

qPCR panel: Our laboratory team normally completes, reviews and issues results within five working days of the faecal sample arriving at our laboratory.

Sample collection: Collect one fresh, representative faecal sample from your cat. Follow the collection and return instructions supplied with your kit.

Use-by date: The test must be used before the expiry date printed on the laboratory request form. Please check this date before collecting and returning the sample.

Results: We email the laboratory report once the qPCR testing and review are complete.

If you need urgent testing or want to submit a sample directly to the laboratory, please contact our team for advice before dispatch.

The Feline Diarrhoea Panel kit is prepared for one cat and contains the materials needed to collect and return one faecal sample to our laboratory.

  • Recyclable padded return packaging.
  • Free Tracked 24 return postage.
  • Laboratory request form and clear sample collection instructions.
  • Recyclable faecal sample collection box in a resealable write-on bag.
  • Biodegradable secondary sealable bag.
  • Biodegradable natural wood sampling spoon.

Follow the supplied instructions carefully and return the sample before the kit’s use-by date.

How does it work?

1. Choose and order your test

Select the appropriate parasite test for your animal(s), or use our quick guide to find the most suitable option.

Choose and order your test

Collect the sample using your test kit and return it to our laboratory using the free, 24-hour tracked delivery which is included in your kit.

2. Send your sample

The laboratory team analyses your sample and provides a detailed PDF report via email, with access to our clinical team for further guidance if needed.

3. Receive your results
Choose and order your test
2. Send your sample
3. Receive your results
Related Tests