I have an 18 month old himmie that has chronic loose stools. Fecal is negative, and I have tried her on several different foods to get her stool to firm up. No success:( I would prefer to use natural remedies, and have tried pumpkim but she won't eat it. Her weight is stable, bit of note, is that she hasn't come in to heat since this started, about 6 months ago (she has never been bred). Vet has no other suggestions. I am hoping someone else does. She can't even make it to the litter box at times, and her bottom is red. I know I need a new vet, but otherwise, does anyone have any other suggestions?

My Bogart had chronic loose stools as well. Smelly and pudding-like. Once I had to deal with explosive diarrhea. He was also very withdrawn, although I did not realize how much until he was treated and he became himself again. I had only had him a short while. I took him to the vet who gave him an antibiotic but, 5 days after the last pill, the loose stools came back. High fibre food alone proved no solution either. He had gained a small amount of weight -- a good sign. Fecal tests were done and were negative. The only way the vet said he could diagnose what was wrong was to get a blood analysis and a colonoscopy. I was terrified, but otherwise it would mean hit and miss dietary changes (results would only be known after around 6 weeks after each dietary change) and continuing pain for the cat. It turned out to be ulcerative colitis which we treat with a drug * and a high fibre diet. It cannot be cured, but it can be controlled and we are working on reducing the medication it takes to control it. While your cat may very well have some other problem, I think only diagnostic tests will determine exactly what ails her.

You say fecals are negative but have you had him tested for Tritrichomonis Foetus? It is a special test and handled differently at only a couple of labs. I know about this as mine have it, smelly, pudding stools are classic. Many of these cats are diagnosed as IBD, colitis etc and end up taking uneccesary meds.

http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/docs/personnel/gookin_jody.html

http://www.tffelines.com/whatistf.html

Here are links to the most accurate information. Dr Gookin has done the research into this and if you look on her link under owners guide to T Foetus you will find good info. Dave Dybas HighgaitsPaws Abbyssinians is also good at helping. My Vet and I worked directly with Dr. Gookin on this as it is relatively new and not many vets really understand it. Sadly most dismiss it as a possiblity but it is more common than thought and getting more so. It is in a lot of catteries, shelters etc.

As a footnote, mine were unable to take the meds, so they are now 4 yrs old. and they still have bouts if I mess with thier food or they get upset but it is not often and clears on it's own. They have not had a major problem for several months. They are however contagious and will be the rest of thier lives.

I suggest you have the test, even if your vet is doubtful, but read the info first. It is tricky to get it right, do not medicate without the test as the meds can be a problem. Most cats tolerate it okay and just need to be watched closely, mine are the minority. good luck

What kinda of ffod have you tried?
Are you slowly transitioning the old food to the new food?
Where did you get him/her from?
Have you heard about Fortiflora? http://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/Fe ... x?prod=240