And now, constipation!

[Paula and Sammy(GA)]

Hi everyone, my Sammy was adjusting to 3 units of PZI insulin, and seemed to be doing well. I was housesitting (my job) over the holiday post week, and was still driving back and forth to make sure he ate and got his insulin. I was about to start his BG measurements. But I noticed his stool was extremely dry, and caught him trying but having no luck. I manually removed some of the stool from his rectum (the things we do for our kitties) and he did have a BM. I have started him on Miralax which after a few freaky days has worked. Sam likes one type of raw food, containing bone. I know it's good for him, and he still gets a FF can first thing. But I am worried it is contributing to his constipation. Poor guy just can't get a break! Any advice? TIA.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

In addition to the Miralax, I would add more water to his food. My cats were never a fan but either canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or baby food zucchini can help with either constipation or diarrhea.

Any change in food can throw their system off. If he was doing well on raw, there's no need to use canned food. A raw diet is fine was long as it's nutritionally complete.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Daniel has what our vet thinks is mega colon. At his age the surgery would be life altering.
When he's in a fowl mood it's easy to see why. A rock hard little turd hanging halfway out his butt.
He loves anything dairy (cats are all lactose intolerant) so we mix up some PEG with non flavored lactose free probiotic yogurt, put it in a dark colored dish so he can see it better, then let him eat on the counter where the others won't bother him. Too much equals diarrhea so you'll have to find the right balance.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

You can also try adding some fiber to his diet and S Boulardii, which is a good probiotic for the GI tract

 

[Paula and Sammy(GA)]

In addition to the Miralax, I would add more water to his food. My cats were never a fan but either canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or baby food zucchini can help with either constipation or diarrhea.

Any change in food can throw their system off. If he was doing well on raw, there's no need to use canned food. A raw diet is fine was long as it's nutritionally complete.

He does like Blue Ridge kitty mix, and I was feeding him rabbit as well but concerned about the bone ratio. And there's been difficulty getting these only two varieties he will eat. He is doing better with the miralax, and I do add water to all the wet food as well (I'm kinda keen on the subject of hydration!). I just wonder how long he can stay on this and how long term use might affect his overall issues, like the cushing from past steroids and his asthma. Never a dull moment! And thank you so much.

 

[Paula and Sammy(GA)]

You can also try adding some fiber to his diet and S Boulardii, which is a good probiotic for the GI tract

I've been feeding fortiflora every time he eats raw as it enhances the taste apparently and is good for him. Thank you for your help. I don't know how else to sneak some fiber in there? He has access to kitty grass. Any fiber recomendations other than pumpkin (doesn't like and too much sugar for him). Thank you!

 

[Paula and Sammy(GA)]

Daniel has what our vet thinks is mega colon. At his age the surgery would be life altering.
When he's in a fowl mood it's easy to see why. A rock hard little turd hanging halfway out his butt.
He loves anything dairy (cats are all lactose intolerant) so we mix up some PEG with non flavored lactose free probiotic yogurt, put it in a dark colored dish so he can see it better, then let him eat on the counter where the others won't bother him. Too much equals diarrhea so you'll have to find the right balance.

Ah. I will try this. Yep, had a little firm butt nugget dangling before the miralax started it's magic! Ah, cat joy. hee hee

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

It is magic! Like finding a gas station bathroom that doesn't make you think "no thanks, I'll take my chances in the car".
I don't need to see card tricks, disappearing elephants or a woman cut in half. I'd pay to see Presto! This washroom is now clean!

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

I've been feeding fortiflora every time he eats raw as it enhances the taste apparently and is good for him. Thank you for your help. I don't know how else to sneak some fiber in there? He has access to kitty grass. Any fiber recomendations other than pumpkin (doesn't like and too much sugar for him). Thank you!

S Boulardii as I’ve mentioned is the probiotic most of us give because it controls the bowel movements. It’s not the same as fortiflora. You want to add 1/8 of a teaspoon of Psyllium Husk Powder, aka fiber. I got both on Amazon

 

[Paula and Sammy(GA)]

S Boulardii as I’ve mentioned is the probiotic most of us give because it controls the bowel movements. It’s not the same as fortiflora. You want to add 1/8 of a teaspoon of Psyllium Husk Powder, aka fiber. I got both on Amazon

Ah! Thank you so much for the clarification and where to find these. I am ordering some right now!

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Just clarifying a few things. What I call PEG is Polyethylene glycol and until just now is what I thought was exactly the same as MiraLax.
When I Googled "what is in Mirilax" I got this.
MiraLax contains polyethylene glycol 3350 (“PEG 3350”), a compound of the highly toxic chemicals ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG), ingredients found in automotive antifreeze and brake fluid. To be fair a lot of things we eat everyday are toxic to some degree. There's Roundup in your bread, heavy metals in seafood and since "organic" means nothing legally in Canada who knows what's in the strawberries we just bought. As with everything in life, use in moderation.
One possible side effect of Polyethylene glycol 3350 for cats is hyperkalemia, too much potassium in your blood. I could not dig up what the odds were.
But wait, there's more! My alternate miracle working vet told me PEG can give cats gas. He was busy that day so out the door I went.
I mean WTF I avoided the nasty surgery by giving Daniel the cat brake fluid and at the same time blaming the dog for cutting the cheese.
That canned pumpkin is starting to look better every minute.

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

how much miralax does one add to a portion of food for kitty?

Hendrick has been diabetic for a year now, OTJ for six months or so and has just started having some issues with constipation.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

I was adding 1/8 of a teaspoon