New Cat With IBS

Tabs89

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I just adopted a cat with IBS and would like to know other people's experiences with IBS in their cat. My new cat is an absolute sweetheart, and over 10 years old. I want to make sure he's comfortable and try to control this. What products have helped you with your IBS cat and do you have any advice for a new IBS cat owner?
 

LTS3

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Here are two good web sites with tons of info:


IBS and IBD are generally treated the same way. Every cat is different so it may take time to figure out what works best for your cat. It's generally a novel protein diet and steroids to control inflammation as needed.

My cat's IBD is managed with diet and prednisolone. I've always feed him a commercial raw diet so it was no major change to feed him only rabbit. In the beginning the vet had my cat on a bunch of different meds: antibiotics, antacid, pred. My cat only needs a small dose of pred every other day to control symptoms. He also gets monthly B12 injections. Along the way, I discovered that chicken and pretty much al poultry and beef will cause a flare up. When he does have a rare flare up, I have vet-approved Cerenia and antacid on hand to give if needed.

You don't need (junky and expensive) prescription hydrolyzed food or anything. If the vet insists, just give a polite and firm NO and leave it at that. There are limited ingredient diet foods in a novel protein that you can feed. The Rawz brand of canned foods are often suggested. It's bland-ish and filler free. There are other brands out there that cost less and more widely available. Home cooked and raw diets are also options.
 

Astragal14

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It's wonderful you've adopted a senior cat!!!

Is he presenting any symptoms right now? What kind of food does he eat, and is he taking any medications or supplements?

My 9 year old boy has IBD and we've been managing it with diet and supplements for a few years. A lot of trial and error to find his trigger foods in the beginning helped us create a list of ingredients to avoid. We also did a lot of research with some veterinary nutritionists and it was incredibly helpful. Most days he's his usual spunky self 😻
 
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Tabs89

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It's wonderful you've adopted a senior cat!!!

Is he presenting any symptoms right now? What kind of food does he eat, and is he taking any medications or supplements?

My 9 year old boy has IBD and we've been managing it with diet and supplements for a few years. A lot of trial and error to find his trigger foods in the beginning helped us create a list of ingredients to avoid. We also did a lot of research with some veterinary nutritionists and it was incredibly helpful. Most days he's his usual spunky self 😻
I've only had him for 48 hours now, but he is having liquid diarrhea (mostly in the box). Otherwise I think he's doing well, he could maybe be a little more spritely, but I bet he doesn't feel the best because of the diarrhea. He was sent home with Purina HA and Hills Z/D food for his diet. I'll be taking him to the vet on Monday for his first vet visit and hope to start him on prednisolone and a probiotic. He loves company, eating and looking outside on his perch, so I think he's okay for right now. I just want to make sure he's comfortable and happy.

He is the biggest sweetheart and you can tell how much love he has in his heart! I love senior cats and I knew I wanted a cat-friendly senior male cat to contrast with my 8 year old, submissive female cat. His IBS/intestinal lymphoma an 4/6 grade heart murmur is just extra.
 

Astragal14

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He sounds like an amazing kitty! Being in a new home only 48 hours probably isn't helping the diarrhea, either. I hope he feels better after his vet visit and a little time to settle into his new home. Have you heard of Visbiome probiotic? The ER gave this to my cat when he had to stay there during a really bad IBD episode, it's the most amazing probiotic! And I've seen it recommended by several veterinary nutritionists since then. It's done wonders for my kitty!
Visbiome® Vet
 
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