Cat with chronic diarrhea

Question
QUESTION: This may be a long question just because I will try to give all the information I can about my cat. I rescued a stray female cat off the street (not spayed) in June 2008. She was estimated at around 1 and a half to 2 years old. She has had chronic diarrhea for 10 months now. The stools are usually very runny or semi-solid (like pudding). They are also very stinky and I have seen some mucous and a little bit of blood, but only a few times in the last 10 months. She is also very gassy and goes to the litter box several times a day(4-7) and only has a small amount of poop.
I took her to my vet immediatley to have her checked for parasites since I did notice she was having loose stools quite frequently. I had 2 fecal samples done on her and they both came back normal. She was put on antibiotics twice. Each time was for about 2 weeks. The diarrhea went away, but returned after the antibiotics were finished. She has also had a blood test, also came back normal. She has also been vaccinated and was spayed a couple months ago.
When I first got her, I was feeding her Wellness canned and dry food (chicken). My vet told me that she may have a food intolerance or Irritable Bowel Syndrome so I was given a special gastro diet. The first one she was eating was called Hypoallergenic Gastro by Medi Cal. She refused to eat this one because it tasted so bad. Then I was given a Purina brand of Gastro food and it was the worst one, it made her stools completely liquid and runny. So back to the vet I went, and she is now on Royal Canin Gastro food for about 4-5 months. She is eating it, but still has loose stools.
In February 2009 my vet offered me some probiotics. It was called Purina Forti Flora. She was on one box (30 day supply) and her diarrhea completley cleared up and she was having near solid stools. But again, as soon as I stopped the probiotics, the loose stools returned. So I went to get another box from my vet, and this time it did not work the same. Her attitude and activity level seems perfectly normal and she doesn't seem to be losing or gaining weight.
The only other option would be an intestinal biopsy, but it is too expensive and I have already spent so much money on special diets and vet visits. I am at the end of my rope here and my next step will be to get rid of her. She doesn't clean herself and always has runny stool on her bottom and then she sits on my furniture and leaves little poo marks behind! Disgusting I know! Any help that you can offer me would be greatly appreciated and very sorry for the long question.

ANSWER: Wow Michelle!!!  You are a wonderful person to help this stray cat become your family member...GREAT job...
Ok, I have a few low cost ideas for you!  I see you have paid a bunch of money and have had only a few results.
So, let's try this:
1.  I would love for you to be your CAT's Chef / try the SoJo home cooking mix - this will be very yum yum good and no junk fillers...
sojo makes you your cat's very own chef - you add the fresh meat or you can lightly cook the meat...It is like a hamburger helper for dogs and cats.
For your cat I would only do red meat 1 x per week. Stick to the white meats...
SoJo is sold in your country...
This is what is looks like : They offer free shipping but only to a USA address:
SoJo for you cat:
http://www.sojos.com/index.aspx?affiliate=petnurse

next,
2.  I think this kids immune system is a MESS???  How about the NuVET feline formual - JUST 1/2 the regular cat dosage per day - Don't do the whole cat dosage - you can work UP to that over time.
Just a small 1/2 teaspoon mixed into the SoJo each day - this will help with Digestion and re-build her Shot immune system.
**They do ship to Canada....  Call NuVET 1-800-474-7044 and tell them you are working with Marie Peppers of Ask the Pet Nurse.
Tell them Marie only wants you to do 1/2 the regular cat dosage for 2 months and then you can pop up to the regular amount.
They will help you figure what size bottle to buy ...
NuVET feline is all natural and very safe.
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
USE order code 81098 and ASK about the 15% off on auto ships...



Ok, a good holistic wet food like SoJo and some NuVET feline.
As for a probiotic - I would give 1 billion CFUs of Acidophalus - break into 1/2 and give 1/2 per day - hide is some meat, cheese ?  a pill pocket treat....
YOU can get Acidophalus at any pharmacy or even grocery store.


Good Luck with this...
KEEP me POSTED

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net

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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for replying to my question. I have already started her on Acidophilus, I have just been sprinkling it on her food and she eats it. Its been about a week, I don't really see a dramatic change yet, but it seems to be helping. As for the other options, I appreciate you giving me the links of those products, but I would rather not order anything online. I don't have a credit card and would rather buy something locally. I have a couple pet food specialty stores in my area (Live in Canada) Can I buy products like these at a store, or something similar to these? Thanks for your time and effort.

Answer
Sorry the NuVET will take a check or money order - only sold on-line thru the manufacturer and some holsitic vets..
Also, the SoJo is found in many stores or even Honest Kitchen..See if your local pet shop sells grain free foods.
As for the acidophilus, it takes at least 2-3 weeks to kick in!

BEST wishes....
Marie