I think Xavier may have IBS/Collitis? *UPDATE*

[katladyd]

I would be careful putting a cat on dry only. My vet has warned me that, especially in males, a diet of only dry can often lead to urinary tract blockages. I have to feed both my cats wet in addition to their dry because of this. One of my cats gets a blockage whenever he decides to eat only dry. This is a massive vet bill to correct, so I would ask your vet about it.

[GILL]

I have too agree about the pouch. Our CREW gets a mix of canned and dry every morning and we free feed dry 24/7. Over the last 25+ years we have had 0 problems. The Crew is strictly indoors so we don't have to worry about out side problems. There is nothing like a good dry and wet food always check the ingredients.

[Freedom]

I would stop the pouches as well. Definitely sounds like a soft food issue; until you add in that he goes out. THEN you have 2 factors involved.

Thing is, as he goes out and hunts, if he doesn't like the dry you offer he can go get something himself, which may or may not be good for him.

Good luck with this, let us know what the stool sample indicates!

[Medusa]

Have you considered a pro-biotic such as Forti Flora to sprinkle on Xavier's food? My RB Puddy had this problem occasionally and Forti Flora took care of it. Cats usually like the flavor and you can sprinkle it on dry food as well.

[CultureJunky]

Thank you for all your excellent advice. I will definately ask a lot of questions when I take him to the vet. I think I will write a list of things, so I don't forget to ask certain questions.
Thanks Guys.

[CultureJunky]

Xavi has an appointment at Cardiff Cat Clinic at 5.45 on Monday. I'll let you know how it goes. Cardiff Cat Clinic are very good, being a cat only practice. The vet is very lovely and gentle with the cats and he was where I took Jack in his last days, I transferred Jack there because I was unhappy with the other vets who had operated. He was wonderful with him, and made him comfortable before he was PTS.
I would trust him with any cat.

[CultureJunky]

Xavier is fine. The vet says that he has a bacteria infection and has prescribed anti-biotics for him. He has a week's course of 1 tablet twice daily. He said this particular bacteria is common in cats that come from rescue places and also with Xavi's feral background. It clears itself eventually apparently but the anti-biotics should clear it up completely.

He said the bad smell should go quite quickly and his stools should return to normal. He said that usually with collitis you don't get a foul smell, so he ruled that out.

He also said that Xavi is in fantastic condition, and is going to grow a lot more! I can't wait for him to grow into his paws

He was excellently behaved and just sat there on the counter for the vet to examine him, and he even let them smoothe him. He was a little treasure and I'm so proud of him

Kate