The Scoop on Poop

[Perseus]

Starting this topic for any info on good or bad poops.

"Rufus is on a very good probiotic and I have upped the dosage a bit and that seems to be helping."
meatball, one of the other groups I joined, FAF on Yahoo (Feline Assisted Feeding) has a long topic going on poop/diarrhea.  Some of the members are saying probiotics have caused the diarrhea; once they stopped it cleared up.  Also, they all seem to recommend pumpkin for diarrhea, too.  I've used it for constipation but didn't know it helps with diarrhea, too.  You may want to take a peek at the group.

ETA:  I asked the FAF group for their opinions on how long you can give pumpkin in their diets.  The answer overwhelmingly was indefinitely.  I asked because I want to keep my two kittens on daily pumpkin as they are eating a partially raw diet now and need extra fiber.

[kaffe]

I have found pumpkin and squash to be an exellent poop-regulator-conditioner.  I try to include pumpkin or squash in almost every recipe I make for the kitties. 

[Bonkers]

  I have used pumpkin and squash also for when my raw fed kitty seems to be a tad behind (no pun intended  ) in his poos. Although pumpkin is not recommended for use with a diabetic cat. Many experts recommend using psyllium husks. I have also read that tiny amounts of rice bran or oat bran can be used to add fiber also.

[Bonkers]

  Now as GreyGhost has mentioned on another thread, slippery elm is a wonderful natural herb that that an also be used as a remedy for diarhhea or constipation as it will coat and sooth the digestive tract. It is also good for kitties that often get UTI's and will help to reduce stomach acid in cats that are suffering from CRF. I always have some on hand in case my IBD kitty gets a tummy ache and he actually likes the taste of it!  http://www.felinecrf.org/holistic_treatments.htm#SEB

[meatball]

Hi Bonkers, Any place in particular that you purchase your Slippery Elm?
Thank you

[Bonkers]

Hi meatball!  I use Nature's Way brand of Slippery Elm Bark which I purchase at my local health food store. These are capsules which can easily be opened.

[meatball]

Thanks Bonkers   

Check out this place

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search/search.php?keywords=slippery+elm

[Bonkers]

  Can't tell by looking at their website where the slippery elm is sourced from but this company does not manufacture it. You would want to use the powder form. I am pretty sure the Nature's Way could also be purchased on line.  http://www.naturesway.com/?tid=1

[GreyGhost]

If you have an Elliot's in your area that where I get mine. I use the powder since I make cheese balls with it. I would think any health food store would have capsules and/or  powder.

[Perseus]

  Now as GreyGhost has mentioned on another thread, slippery elm is a wonderful natural herb that that an also be used as a remedy for diarhhea or constipation as it will coat and sooth the digestive tract. It is also good for kitties that often get UTI's and will help to reduce stomach acid in cats that are suffering from CRF. I always have some on hand in case my IBD kitty gets a tummy ache and he actually likes the taste of it!  http://www.felinecrf.org/holistic_treatments.htm#SEB

Slippery elm has to be used with a little bit of caution.  Because it does coat the digestive tract including the stomach, it can also  interfere with the absorption of any drugs the kitty is on.  The same is true of any petroleum-based product like Laxatone (contains white petroleum).

See the benefits and cautions when using slippery elm here:

http://www.littlebigcat.com/?action=library&act=show&item=slipperyelm