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Hello,My cat had surgery exactly one month ago to remove a hair tie that she had swallowed from her small intestine. While she seems fine otherwise (appetite, behavior, water consumption, etc.), I've noticed that since the surgery she has produced loose stools. They are not watery, but are soft to the touch, moist, and are milk-chocolate colored. I do not detect any blood and she was dewormed and her vaccines are up to speed after her surgery. She is an indoor cat, young (2 yrs), who lives with me and one other cat (3 yrs) who is fine. She eats Taste of the Wild dry cat food and again, eats normally and is behaving normally otherwise. Are her now-chronic soft stools a byproduct of surgery, should I be concerned?
Optional Information: Pet's Gender: Female Pet's Age: 2 Already Tried: Monitoring bowel movements, putting out more water for consumption (water consumption remains normal)
Hi there,
I am sorry your girl had to undergo surgery.
Did she take any antibiotics?Does she eat dry food only?
Is she an indoor kitty?
Thanks,
Terri
Hi Terri,She did not take any antibiotics, eats dry food only, and is an indoor kitty. Her scar has healed normally.
Thanks so much for the additional information. It is very helpful.
Please give me a few minutes to type detailed answer.
Regards,
Dear friend,
I am sorry you are worried.
Any surgery is very stressful and irritating to the system
I don't think the soft stools are a cause for concern since there is no diarrhea.
Even though she did not take oral antibiotics her intestinal flora may have been destroyed.
Give her one half tsp of plain yogurt every day for "good"bacteria or a probiotic www.culturelle.com
Get her some safe kitty grass so she will not be motivated to chew non food items.
If you wish to talk further just press reply and I will be here for you.
I hope she will be just fine.
Warmest best wishes,
Experience: Expert in feline health and behavior. 20 years experience with cats.
Terri,Thank you so much for your help. I am SO relieved that her soft stool is not of major concern! Just a clarifying question - her soft stools are not fully formed "tootsie rolls" - the stool takes the shape of urine clumped in litter. Again, when I inspect the stool, it is not complete diarrhea since it the stool is not watery, just soft and sticky. Does your opinion to supplement her diet still hold? Thank you so much!
You are more than welcome! It is my pleasure to help someone as wonderful as you!
I suspect the soft stools are as a result to an irritation to her GI tract due to her surgery.
It can take several more weeks to return to normal
The yogurt should help to restore her intestinal flora.
I would also get her some safe kitty grass so she does not chew non food items.
You can also give her one tablespoon of infant rice cereal or boiled white rice to firm her stool
Your kitties are VERY lucky to have YOU!
DO NOT PRESS ACCEPT AGAIN!
Fondly,