ibd/ dry food

[chuckstables]

Hi folks,

My parents cat (and my cats biological brother) just got put to sleep due to a very large mass in his stomach/intestinal wall. There was no possible treatment.

They have an 8 year old cat Loki. He was my sisters cat that she left with us when she moved out (she moved back in for 2 years when Loki was 5 months old; then she moved out), as he had bonded with Sam and Theo (I took sam last year when i finally moved out).

Loki has IBD; his poops have always been mushy/gross (and sometimes disturbingly large). He’s not overweight IMO. My parents recently started taking this seriously after seeing Theo go from “fine/healthy” to “losing 3 pounds in 2 weeks and having to be put down”. My dad has decided to switch to a higher protein lower carb dry food.

I’m trying to make them get him wet food, but they won’t. I’ve sent them links about why dry food is bad for cats in general, but nothing. Any suggestions? He finally agreed to try it, but I need some advice on this.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

If it’s IBD you would be best trying a novel protein. Im going to tag @Wendy&Neko as she has had experience with IBD kitties and might have suggestions.".

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Bron is correct. A novel protein diet can be very helpful in controlling IBD. One of my cats has IBD. He grew up eating primarily poultry based canned food. He now eats venison or a rabbit and lamb combo (both from ZiwiPeak). I also make sure that the food doesn't contain gums or carrageenan. Many IBD cats are also prescribed a steroid to help reduce inflammation.

There are a couple of websites that are helpful for understanding the ins and outs of IBD. Raw feeding for IBD cats is one. It has great information on supplements and other issues regardless if your parents opt for a raw diet. Wendy has a link for another online resource.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Here is another good website for IBD cats IBD Kitties. Novel proteins and a good probiotic (I give Visbiome, designed for IBD) to my ibd cat. Novel proteins means a meat they haven't eaten before. Mine can't eat fish, beef, venison and limited chicken.

Based on the poop description, I might suggest your parents get a GI panel done for Loki. It can give clues as to what is happening inside the bowels.