Q. How can I firm up my cats stool?

Elaine Wexler-Mitchell, D.V.M., says: Cats normally have firm, formed stool. Soft stool results from intestinal parasites, food intolerance, dietary indiscretion (eating things your cat shouldn't), inadequate fiber intake, stress, and disease such as colitis. Many owners feed their cats a variety of foods, treats, and table scraps. Although your cat may enjoy eating these items, they are not equally well digested thus lead to variations in stool. Cats who go outside may ingest food they hunt or eat another cats food at a neighbors home, which may also cause soft stool.

If you are unable to identify food items that trigger soft stools, and you cannot control stool consistency with one particular diet, you can try giving your cat a pet psyllium fiber supplement such as Vetasyl. If stools are still soft, ask your vet to check your cat for intestinal parasites and other health problems.

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