Lactulose and diabetic cats

[Just-As-Appy]

I used lactulose on a previous non-diabetic cat as a stool softener. I'm wondering if there are problems with giving this to a diabetic on a short term basis. Do others have experience with lactulose?

 

[Karen & Smokey(GA)]

I would choose something else for a diabetic cat.

Lactalose contains milk-sugar.

Besides, it's terribly sticky and expensive compared to something like
Miralax.

Miralax is a white tasteless, odorless powder you can mix right
into wet food.

1/8 teaspoon to 1/3 teaspoon 2x/day.

Available at most chain store pharmacies (WalMart, CVS, Walgreens) as their own
brand. Look for 'polyethlyene glycol'.....ask the pharmacist if you can't find it.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Lactulose is a non-digestible sugar so it is not absorbed into the body and does not raise blood sugar. However, it is not pure lactulose and does contain some lactose so it will raise blood sugar a little.

 

[tuckers mom]

If you haven't checked with your vet, you might want to do that first, just to be safe. If you do add Miralax, increase the amount of water your cat takes because Miralax, like Lactulose, draws water into the colon and away from other organs of the body.

 

[Just-As-Appy]

The moisture draw with Miralax was my concern. I thought that lactulose might not be as harsh.

 

[Lisa dvm]

The moisture draw with Miralax was my concern.

That is the point of a laxative - to increase fecal water content.

I strongly favor Miralax over lactulose. It is much easier to give...much cheaper...has zero effect on BGs.... is easier to source....does not create a sticky mess on you and the cat....and the cat readily eats it in canned food.

Most of the feline vets on VIN also favor Miralax over lactulose.