Expert: KC - 3/31/2008

Question
Hello,
My cat has had loose stool for about 2 months now and I'm getting desperate! I tried rice cereal, antibiotic series (10 days) and neither has worked. I had to start feeding her wet food due to her diabetes and I think she may just be having a hard time adjusting, but 2 months?!
One of the suggestions on this site was to feed cat "chicken necks" to help firm up the stool. Isn't there a danger of choking? And where would one get chicken necks? I'm willing to try anything as long as it's safe. Any ideas on this?

Answer
Hi Mione,

Please see my past AllExperts questions regarding food brands, feeding schedule, and diet for cats...in particular for diabetic cats.  http://en.allexperts.com/q/Cat-Food-3490/indexExp_83830.htm

On the proper diet she should not have diarrhea.  If she has a sensitive stomach, try the Nature's Variety rabbit formula in either the canned or frozen raw.  It greatly helps with diarrhea if it's food/allergy related.  Their foods are also wonderful for diabetic cats, as they DO NOT contain any by-products, grains, etc.  Rice cereal is horrible...especially for a diabetic cat.  The rice contains pure carbohydrates...which will cause a huge blood glucose peak.  I encourage people with diabetic cats to feed only truly premium foods (NOT Science Diet, Eukanuba, etc.).  Nature's Variety and Wellness are among the best, in my opinion.  A proper feeding schedule and diet may completely eliminate the need for insulin and basically CURE your cat.  You just have to stick to the diet so as to never have a relapse.  You want to go with a wet and/or raw food only.  Dry foods contain more sugars and grains...and in the cheap commercial brands (including Science Diet m/d for diabetic cats).  They are terrible for healthy cats, let alone those who already suffer from diabetes and obesity.  You should only be feeding twice per day, roughly 12 hours apart.  She must never be given treats or have free choice of foods.  I also highly recommend PZI brand insulin for cats...it better regulates their blood glucose level than any other brand.  Try one of the canned foods that I mentioned and during mealtimes, you can offer raw chicken wings, necks, cut up chicken, beef, etc.  Chicken necks are available at my grocery stores.  ...and no, choking isn't a concern unless she has dental problems.  Raw bones are fine...just DO NOT give cooked bones as they splinter and can become stuck in their mouth/throat.  However, cats who are used to cheap dry foods are very difficult to change to a raw diet...as they are so addicted to the sugars and flavorings that are added to the 'junk' foods.  If after a week on the new diet the diarrhea hasn't cleared up, consider having lab tests run to rule out other problems.  You also may want to have her tested for protozoan parasites such as giardia and coccidia...which require a special wormer.        
I hope this helps...best of luck with your cat!