Loose Stool

Find out what a vet recommends for dealing with loose stool.

By Elaine Wexler-Mitchell, D.V.M.

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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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Loose Stool

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CatChannel Editor    Irvine, CA 2/28/2013 4:36:40 PM Barbara -- Talk this over with your vet. Loose stool could indicate an underlying illness, and must be checked out to know the root causes. If your vet recommends psyllium, he or she can give you specific information. Barbara    Iva, SC 2/27/2013 5:53:32 PM I would like some details on what kind of psyllium supplement to give. My cat has recently been having very soft stools. (They used to be pretty firm.) I've been giving her fortiflora but they're still soft. She has no tail (none) and has a bit of trouble eliminating her poop after she goes - and then it gets everywhere later on - it drops on the floor or she'll rub up against the wall trying to get rid of it. Needless to say, it is a real mess. Are there any other remedies that would help? She does not seem to act sick. Janet    Bethlehem, PA 9/8/2012 5:00:41 AM good article, thanks Linda    Union, NJ 7/6/2012 5:22:07 PM The vetasyl capsules are not to be given whole. They are to be opened up. This is done easily, becauese they are designed for this. Then, you can mix 1/2 a capsule to start and see how the cat tolorates it. Then, gradually mix more in the food as needed. The directions are on the bottle. It is a good product, I used it on a few of my cats over the years.