Feline Diarrhea

Question:

I have a male cat who is 5 years old,  For the past month and a half, he has been experiencing diarrhea.  I have taken him to the vet and they indicated that he had a bacteria in his intestines.  He has been treated three times, yet he still has diarrhea at least three times a day.

He has gained a pound in the last month, he eats well and drinks plenty of water.  He appears perfectly normal, is still a very affectionate cat, but I cannot seem to get him cured.  The most recent treatment was a compound put on his inner ear for 10 days.

He eats Iams Digestive Care and has never had people food.  He is an indoor cat and the other two cats in the household are fine.  I clean the litter box three times a day....and wash his feet and tail to keep him clean.  I have even taken to bleaching my floors to make sure there is no bacteria on the floors.
Help...
Corrine

Answer:

Thank you for inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. This is definitely turning into a chronic and frustrating issue for you! Since I don't know what he was treated with as far as antibiotics and dewormers, I'm hoping they've also covered coccidia (not a bacteria but a protozoa).

First thing is to change his food!! Too many carbohydrates can cause metabolic issues in cats since they are true carnivores. He needs a high protein, moderate fat and low carbohydrate diet to start with. There are now excellent premium pet foods that are organic and well balanced. Two excellent diets for cats are EVO by Innova, and Blue Wilderness by Blue Buffalo. Switching to canned food initially may also help to keep him from dehydrating. Or try looking for prepared dried diets for cats. Much healthier.

Secondly I would advise adding a probiotic to his diet. Lactobacillus species, which is found in yogurt, is key to keeping healthy bacteria in the gut. Gastriplex is an excellent supplement to treat digestive disorders.

I highly suggest stopping bleaching your floors; the chemicals you and your cats are inhaling can cause secondary respiratory issues. Best of luck.

Sincerely,

Colleen Smith, DVM, CVA