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My energetic cat has chronic diarrhea; deworming & diet failed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 2 days old | 0 lbs

My cat has had constant runny or squishy stool since I got him. Every vet I go to says to deworm him and I have many times now. Then they say he could have an allergy to his food. So I switched him to a high protein, grain free, expensive food and nope he still has the runs. Then they ask if he has any other symptoms because they say complications with parasites usually cause listlessness, lethargy, and loss of appetite but he has TONS of energy and eats all his food. I don’t know what to do.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2018

Please don't waste your money on those expensive grain free foods. They are not necessary to use except in extreme cases of an actual diagnosed grain allergy which is rare. Grain free diets are now linked to causing heart disease in dogs (we are not sure yet about cats). I recommend you discontinue use of that type of food.

My suggestion would be to use a long term course of a probiotic called Fortiflora. Put one packet on his food every day for at least one month. This will help correct any imbalance in good vs bad intestinal bacteria. DO NOT use human probiotics or things like yogurt. Fortiflora is the best in my opinion and it is palatable so cats like to eat it.

( http://www.allivet.com/p-1890-purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets-fortiflora-cat-supplement-box-of-30.aspx )

As for diet. I would use this one:

( https://www.royalcanin.com/products/royal-canin-feline-care-nutrition-digestive-care-dry-cat-food/2555 )

If your local pet store does not have this food they can surely order it for you or you can order it online.

If these things dont' help, he may have inflammatory bowel disease or something along those lines. You would need to discuss diagnosis and treatment with your vet.

Hope this helps. Best wishes!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 16th, 2019

    I suggest you try using an oral probiotic. You must use one made for cats. I STRONGLY recommend this one:

    ( https://www.allivet.com/p-1890-purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets-fortiflora-cat-supplement-box-of-30.aspx )

    It comes as a box of 30 packets of powder. One packet per day over the food. I would use the whole 30 days.

    Also, please reconsider your use of a grain-free diet. They are not recommend for use unless there is a documented grain allergy (allergy testing done by a veterinary dermatologist). These diets have been shown to cause heart disease in dogs and it is unknown at this time if cats will show any side effects. I would not risk it.

    Hope this helps. Best wishes.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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