Expert: mpmaltese@gmail.com ( Marie, Cat foods and Recipes ) e-mail me or write here - 1/28/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have a recently neutered (5 weeks ago) SBT Bengal who we adopted two weeks ago from a very reliable breeder who had him checked out for parasites and the whole works. All tests came out fine.  Very healthy besides his diarrhea. Since we have had him, as well as before we got him, he has chronic diarrhea. The breeder well informed us of his condition.  He eats Innovo Evo dry in the AM, Innovo Evo and boiled chicken for early dinner, and a bit more boiled chicken for a late dinner.  Yet he still has diarrhea and has a lot of stools.  Not sure what to feed him to alleviate his problem.  He is very active, outgoing, not over or under weight, just has constant diarrhea.  He has a very good appetite also.  I have read a lot of your suggestions but I'm not sure what would be good for our Bengal.  I am aware of their specific diet needs so I am confused. What do you recommend???

ANSWER: Feline loose stools Giardia;
addition - I would have Ray re-checked for giardia - ( stool sample to the VET) -
I bet he may have it...VERY common - even in the best of condtions- Sometimes it doesn't show up on every test - It may take 2 tests to even show.  ( It's worth the check for peace of mind)
Blessings to you...!

What a cutie Ray is!!!!  Bengals are such special cats.  We have worked with the Bengal cat rescue up in Maryland.  GREAT bunch of people.  Glad you adopted this boy.
Sure, I would love to help.

Please pass my suggestions onto your Vet for approval?  
( I need to say that because I am not a Vet and he does have ? IBS)


Ok, Let's get him onto home-cooked with the Innova EVO dry food  as his "snack" only.
Only feed him about 1/8 a cup of Innova as a snack in the am and 1/8 in the pm as a snack...
( no more than that...)- EVEN LESS if possible


Recipe:
Please do this long term.  
The NuVET supplement must be given daily to balance out the nutrition needs of your cat.... ( home cooking lacks some of his needs -
NuVET supplement will make up for this )


Feed your cat an easily digestible, low-fat diet if the diagnosis for IBS.
Cooked or boiled chicken ,


CAT food recipe:

Meat 98%  ( lightly cook all meats)

   ground raw turkey   1 pound  - cook lightly
OR

   ground raw chicken  1 pound  - cook lightly



Vegetables 1%:


not sure how your cat will do with this:  *( do a test)

 steamed  and puree  ( MUSH)  ( alfalfa sprouts) - Just a teaspoon or less per meal)
Make sure they gets steamed and then mashed up
( No onions for cats...)

A few Teaspoons of this good fiber per day will help the colon:

oatmeal, potatoes,  soy, barley, and oat bran.
( Must be cooked)

YOUR cat will need 1/2 cup of this food 3 x per day .... ( A little more than 1/2 cup or a little Less - YOU will need to work with the amounts.  ) It's hard for me to say the exact amount - every kitty is his own Person( CAT) - See how hungry he does and then adjust.
At least 3 meals per day if you are home.

Remember :    ****Cats mainly need meat:


ANOTHER Option :

You can also use 1/4 teaspoon just 1 x per day of Unflavored Metamucil powder:

Metamucil, made from psyllium husks, and Citrucel, made of methylcellulose, are both soluble fiber, and can be extremely helpful when taken daily (make sure they are NOT the sugar-free varieties, which have artificial sweeteners in them, and can trigger attacks).
Please be aware that although both of these products are marketed as laxatives, they actually help treat and prevent diarrhea as well as constipation.
Soluble fiber alone has this remarkable ability to normalize colonic activity from either extreme. constipation. Soluble fiber alone has this remarkable ability to normalize colonic activity from either extreme.



Here is the NuVET vitamin for Felines:

Offer this 1/2 teaspoon in the morning and 1/2 teaspoon in the evening.
Mix into some of his food or low fat cottage cheese---- ( BETTER to use the food)
Even low fat yogurt is fine to mix the NuVET powder into.

SEE here - NOT sold in stores:

Holistic:   1-800-474-7044  
( Tell them you are working with Pet Nurse Marie -)
 39.00 and 55.00  ( depends on size you order)  

USE order code 81098 for the 15% OFF program )
BEST to call in and talk to the gals.
They can explain the product and it's benefits.

http://www.nuvet.com/81098



Good luck with the home cooking - It will make a big change!
BE your pet's chef...

BEST wishes

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net

my office number
1-803-424-2312

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Another question, we do not have Alfalfa sprouts here in Alaska, they have been recalled by the FDA.  Are clover sprouts a suitable substitute?  If not we only have brocoli sprouts.

I also ordered the NuVet.

Thanks

Answer
Hi again, I lived in Wasilla Alaska for 5 years and Anchorge for 5 years.... Small world.
Glad you ordered the NuVet for your boy.
Yes, the Broccoli sprouts will be fine.  
( it may take a few meals for him to "LIKE" them)
Just work with it and see ......

Keep me posted!

Marie Peppers
mtnmom@gci.net

( SEE - I still have the GCI.net after leaving Alaska 3 years ago)