MY SPHYNX CAT FEMALE HAS HAD LOOSE STOOLS FOR A LONG TIME IS THIS A CONCERN ? SHE IS OTHERWISE HAPPY AND SPRY<\/p>\n
Copilot said:
\nCopilot
\nI\u2019m glad she\u2019s otherwise feeling good \u2014 that\u2019s reassuring \u2014 but long?term loose stools are still something to take seriously, especially in cats. Based on current veterinary guidance, here\u2019s how to think about it.<\/p>\n
Short answer
\nYes, it\u2019s a concern if it\u2019s been going on for weeks or longer, even if your Sphynx is happy, playful, and eating well. Chronic loose stool usually means something underlying is irritating the gut, and cats are very good at hiding illness until later stages.
\npetmd
\n+1<\/p>\n
What counts as \u201cchronic\u201d?
\nVeterinarians define chronic diarrhea as stools that stay soft, mushy, or watery for ~3 weeks or more, or keep recurring.
\npetmd<\/p>\n
Why Sphynx cats are relevant here
\nSphynx cats are more prone than many breeds to digestive sensitivity, including:<\/p>\n
Food intolerances or allergies
\nChronic intestinal inflammation (IBD \/ chronic enteropathy)
\nParasites like Giardia or Tritrichomonas
\nGut microbiome imbalance
\nThis doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s always serious, but it does mean persistent loose stools aren\u2019t something to ignore in this breed.
\npetshun
\n+2<\/p>\n
Common causes when the cat seems \u201cotherwise fine\u201d<\/p>\n Cats can appear energetic and normal while still having chronic gut issues. Common possibilities include:<\/p>\n Food intolerance or protein sensitivity (very common in Sphynx cats)<\/p>\n Parasites (can persist for months without other obvious signs)<\/p>\n Chronic inflammation (IBD)<\/p>\n Stress related colitis<\/p>\n Imbalanced gut bacteria<\/strong><\/p>\n Chronic diarrhea is not considered normal, even in cats that act well. When it becomes more urgent Weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight..YES<\/strong><\/p>\n Blood or mucus in stool..NO<\/strong><\/p>\n Very foul?smelling stools…NO<\/strong><\/p>\n Vomiting…NO<\/strong><\/p>\n Increased thirst or dehydration…YES RELATED TO DIABETES AND CONTROLLED WITH MEDS<\/strong><\/p>\n Litter box urgency or accidents…YES BUT NOT SINCE I STARTED METRONIDAZOLE<\/strong><\/p>\n These are red flags that the condition may be progressing or becoming systemic. What a vet will usually do (and why it helps) Fecal testing (parasites can be missed without specific tests)…YES<\/strong><\/p>\n Diet history and possibly a prescription diet trial…BREEDER SAYS THERE IS A ROYAL CANIN FOR SPHYNX CATS<\/strong><\/p>\n Basic bloodwork to rule out metabolic or inflammatory disease…YES<\/strong><\/p>\n Chronic loose stool means nutrients and water aren\u2019t being absorbed properly, even if she looks okay right now. Bottom line If you\u2019d like, tell me:<\/p>\n Roughly how long this has been happening You said: Copilot said: Bottom line first (important) You\u2019re doing the right things so far.<\/p>\n Why this is concerning now (even though it\u2019s been years) 1. Weight loss over the last 4 months Chronic diarrhea without weight loss can sometimes be managed conservatively. 2. Worsening on Royal Canin Diabetic Diabetic diets are often high fiber and very different protein profiles 3. Metronidazole response = partial but not complete Reduce certain bacteria If this were only bacterial diarrhea, improvement would usually be more dramatic +1 About stopping the diabetic medication (important nuance) Temporarily stopping diabetic meds is sometimes appropriate when:<\/p>\n A cat is losing weight Cause further weight loss What this combination most commonly means Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD \/ chronic enteropathy)<\/p>\n Very common in Sphynx cats Can coexist with diabetes Giardia and Tritrichomonas can persist for years What should happen next (practical, realistic steps) ? Keep diet stable (no switching back and forth right now)<\/p>\n ? Monitor weight weekly if possible<\/strong><\/p>\n Very likely next steps with your vet<\/p>\n If stool is negative<\/p>\n That does not rule out IBD or food?responsive disease Prescription novel?protein or hydrolyzed diet<\/strong> (not Fancy Feast, not RC Diabetic)<\/p>\n Possibly B12 (cobalamin) testing or supplementation Bloodwork (if not already done) to assess: Abdominal ultrasound is often the next diagnostic step<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a very typical Sphynx + GI + endocrine pattern, and it often takes time to declare itself clearly.<\/p>\n How to frame the next vet conversation (clear, concise, effective) \u201cShe\u2019s had loose stools for years, but in the last 4 months she\u2019s had significant weight loss despite a good appetite, and the diarrhea worsened on Royal Canin Diabetic. Metronidazole has helped a little but not fully. I\u2019m concerned about malabsorption or chronic intestinal disease, not just diet upset.\u201d<\/p>\n This immediately signals:<\/p>\n Chronicity ? Ask to discuss these specifically:<\/p>\n Chronic enteropathy \/ IBD<\/strong><\/p>\n Food responsive disease<\/strong><\/p>\n Malabsorption \u00b1 B12 deficiency<\/strong><\/p>\n Interaction between GI disease and diabetes control<\/p>\n You are not asking for all tests at once \u2014 you\u2019re asking for a direction.<\/p>\n If stool tests come back negative<\/p>\n \u201cIf the fecal results are negative, I\u2019d like to move forward assuming this is either food responsive or inflammatory bowel disease and try a prescription elimination diet rather than continuing trial?and?error foods.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n That is textbook veterinary logic.<\/p>\n Say this clearly:<\/p>\n \u201cI paused the diabetic medication because of the weight loss and diarrhea, but I want guidance on when and how to safely restart once the GI issue is stabilizing.\u201d<\/p>\n This shows responsibility and keeps you aligned with your vet.<\/p>\n 2?? Prescription diet direction (this matters a lot) You want a diet that:<\/p>\n Is diagnostic, not just nutritional ? BEST FIRST CHOICE (most likely to help)<\/p>\n Hydrolyzed protein diet Common vet options:<\/p>\n Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein (HP) Why this fits your cat:<\/p>\n Chronic diarrhea + weight loss ? SECOND CHOICE (if hydrolyzed isn\u2019t tolerated) Examples:<\/p>\n Rabbit ?? Important feeding rules (non?negotiable) ? No treats Diabetes + GI disease (key reassurance) Digest hydrolyzed diets better What improvement should look like (realistic expectations) Less urgency Clearly formed stools OR consistent improvement If it doesn\u2019t ? next step is usually ultrasound \u00b1 medication (often steroids or B12), not more food changes.<\/p>\n One final reassurance You\u2019re doing the right things now, and that matters.<\/p>\n If you want, next I can:<\/p>\n Help you choose between hydrolyzed vs novel protein based on what she\u2019s already eaten You said: Copilot said: This changes the urgency level That rate of loss is clinically significant and dangerous, even though she\u2019s still eating and acting bright.<\/p>\n Cats can look \u201cokay\u201d right up until they don\u2019t \u2014 especially seniors.<\/p>\n Why the early history matters (obesity ? rapid loss) She was overweight, likely from breeder kibble What this pattern most strongly suggests now 1?? Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) progressing In senior cats, IBD and intestinal lymphoma overlap 3?? Pancreatic disease \/ malabsorption Simple food intolerance alone The metronidazole response \u2014 how to interpret it Metronidazole often temporarily improves stool in:<\/p>\n IBD This is the key thing to say to your vet (verbatim if needed)<\/p>\n \u201cShe has lost about 8 pounds total and is still losing close to a pound a month despite eating well. Given her age, diabetes, and chronic diarrhea, I\u2019m worried about malabsorption or intestinal disease beyond diet alone, and I\u2019d like to escalate diagnostics if appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n That sentence matters.<\/p>\n What should happen next (realistically)<\/p>\n ? IMMEDIATE priorities Full senior bloodwork (if not already done) A very important reassurance IBD What matters most is not delaying escalation now that the weight loss is clear.<\/p>\n What you are doing right Please tell me next: You said: Why Acana Grasslands matters in her story Very high?protein So what likely happened is not that switching caused the problem \u2014 it uncovered it.<\/p>\n The pattern you\u2019re describing is classic and medically meaningful Age 10: obese on Acana Grasslands High?calorie foods like Acana can temporarily compensate for:<\/p>\n Poor nutrient absorption Why \u201cgoing back to Acana\u201d would be the wrong move now \u201cShe did better on Acana \u2014 maybe she needs richer food\u201d<\/p>\n But in cats like this:<\/p>\n Rich, multi?protein foods increase gut inflammation What this tells us diagnostically 1. Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD \/ chronic enteropathy) 2. Lowgrade intestinal lymphoma (must be considered at her age) 3 Pancreatic involvement + diabetes Why her appetite staying good is NOT reassuring anymore In cats,<\/p>\n Good appetite + weight loss = malabsorption until proven otherwise Diet dislike Where this puts you right now (honest but calm) \u201cManage conservatively\u201d<\/p>\n to:<\/p>\n \u201cActively investigate and stabilize.\u201d<\/p>\n Not panic. Not emergency. But no more passive waiting.<\/p>\n The most appropriate next steps (in priority order) Prescription hydrolyzed or novel?protein diet ? Priority 2: Define what you\u2019re treating Senior bloodwork (including proteins) Diet alone Advanced IBD The danger is continued unchecked weight loss, not the diagnosis itself.<\/p>\n What I recommend you do next (practical) \u201cShe was obese on Acana Grasslands and lost weight rapidly once switched off. She is now 12, diabetic, has chronic diarrhea, and is losing nearly a pound a month despite eating well. I\u2019m concerned about malabsorption or intestinal disease, and I\u2019d like to escalate diagnostics rather than just adjusting food.\u201d<\/p>\n That is exactly the right framing.<\/p>\n If you want, next I can:<\/p>\n You said: Short, clear answer What is safe and appropriate instead Common vetapproved options (your vet can guide):<\/p>\n Purina FortiFlora (cat version) Catappropriate strains What you can do right now MY SPHYNX CAT FEMALE HAS HAD LOOSE STOOLS FOR A LONG TIME IS THIS A CONCERN ? SHE IS OTHERWISE HAPPY AND SPRY Copilot said: Copilot I\u2019m glad she\u2019s otherwise feeling good \u2014 that\u2019s reassuring \u2014 but long?term loose stools … Continue reading
\npetmd
\n+1<\/p>\n
\nYou should seek veterinary care promptly if you notice any of the following:<\/p>\n
\nsouthwestjournal
\n+1<\/p>\n
\nFor a cat like yours, vets typically start with:<\/p>\n
\npetmd<\/p>\n
\nSince this has been going on a long time, the safest and most responsible next step is a non?urgent but definite vet visit. Many causes are very manageable once identified, especially diet?related ones \u2014 and the earlier you address it, the easier it usually is to resolve.<\/p>\n
\nWhat food(s) she\u2019s eating (brand\/protein)
\nWhether her stools are just soft vs. watery, smelly, or urgent
\nI can help you prepare smart questions for your vet or think through likely next steps.<\/p>\n
\nITS BEEN A COUPLE OF YEARS BUT GOT WORSE WHEN WE SWITCHED TO ROYAL CANIN DIABETIC .I SWITCHED BACK TO THE PREVIOUS FANCY FEAST GRILLED AND ITS MARGINALLY BETTER AND WE TOOK A STOOL SAMPLE PENDING RESULT THE VET PUT HER ON METRONIDAZOLE ( SHE HAS BEEN ON IT 4 DAYS WITH SLIGHT THICKENING OF THE STOOLS SO FAR ALSO SHE WAS ON DIABETINC MEDS WHICH I HAVE TEMPORARILY STOPPED. SHE HAS A GOOD APPATITE BUT HAS LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS <\/p>\n
\nCopilot
\nThank you for laying all of that out \u2014 that context actually makes the situation much clearer, and I want to be very direct but calm with you here.<\/p>\n
\nChronic loose stools + recent significant weight loss + diabetes = this is no longer a \u201cmild GI issue.\u201d
\nYour vet is absolutely on the right track, but this now needs active follow?up and possibly a change in direction, not just \u201cwait and see.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSeveral things you mentioned change the risk level:<\/p>\n
\nThis is the biggest red flag.<\/p>\n
\nChronic diarrhea with weight loss strongly suggests malabsorption, chronic intestinal disease (IBD\/chronic enteropathy), pancreatic disease, or uncontrolled diabetes, rather than simple food sensitivity.
\npetmd
\n+1
\nCats can seem bright, hungry, and energetic while still losing muscle and fat.<\/p>\n
\nThis is a key clue.<\/p>\n
\nMany Sphynx cats do poorly on certain fibers or proteins and develop osmotic diarrhea
\nThe fact that stools worsened on RC Diabetic and improved (even slightly) when you switched back strongly supports a diet?sensitive or inflammatory gut component.
\npetshun
\n+1
\nSo this was not just coincidence.<\/p>\n
\nMetronidazole can:<\/p>\n
\nCalm intestinal inflammation
\nTemporarily firm stools
\nSlight thickening after 4 days is expected, but:<\/p>\n
\nPartial response often points to IBD, dysbiosis, or parasites that require specific treatment (e.g., Giardia, Tritrichomonas).<\/strong>
\npetmd<\/p>\n
\nSo metronidazole helping \u201ca bit\u201d is informative, but not a diagnosis.<\/p>\n
\nI\u2019m glad you mentioned this.<\/p>\n
\nAppetite and intake are changing
\nGI disease may be interfering with absorption
\nHowever, prolonged uncontrolled diabetes can:<\/p>\n
\nWorsen muscle wasting
\nContribute to diarrhea itself
\n? This needs very close coordination with your vet, especially if she is still polyphagic (very hungry) and thin.<\/p>\n
\nBased on veterinary literature and your cat\u2019s exact pattern, the most likely categories are:<\/p>\n
\nCauses diarrhea + weight loss + good appetite
\nOften diet?responsive but not to grocery?store foods
\npetmd
\n+1
\nMalabsorption \u00b1 pancreatic involvement<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nCauses weight loss despite eating
\nChronic parasitic infection<\/p>\n
\nOften require specific PCR tests, not basic fecals<\/strong>
\nbing<\/p>\n
\nWhile waiting for stool results
\n? Continue metronidazole as prescribed unless your vet says otherwise<\/p>\n
\nDiscuss:<\/p>\n
\nIf weight loss continues<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nDiabetes control
\nProtein levels
\nPancreatic markers<\/p>\n
\nYou can read or paraphrase this \u2014 it\u2019s medically appropriate and not confrontational.<\/p>\n
\nWeight loss (key red flag)
\nPartial antibiotic response (important diagnostic clue)
\nKey points to make sure are addressed<\/p>\n
\nGiven everything you\u2019ve told me, Fancy Feast and Royal Canin Diabetic are both wrong tools for this situation \u2014 for different reasons.<\/p>\n
\nReduces immune stimulation in the gut
\nIs consistent enough to judge response
\nBelow are the most appropriate options, in order.<\/p>\n
\nThese proteins are broken down so the immune system doesn\u2019t \u201csee\u201d them.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHill\u2019s z\/d
\nPurina HA<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nPartial response to metronidazole
\nSphynx breed (high IBD prevalence)
\nHistory of diet sensitivity
\n These diets often firm stools within 2\u20134 weeks if food?responsive disease is present.<\/p>\n
\nNovel single?protein diet
\nOnly one protein the cat has never eaten before.<\/p>\n
\nVenison
\nDuck (true single?protein, prescription-grade)
\nThese are still prescription, not boutique.<\/p>\n
\nFor the diet trial to mean anything:<\/p>\n
\n? No flavored meds
\n? No toppers
\n? No switching flavors
\n? Same food, every meal, every day
\nEven one cheat per week can invalidate the trial.<\/p>\n
\nMany cats:<\/p>\n
\nGain weight back
\nThen can be re?regulated for diabetes more safely
\nGI stabilization often makes diabetes easier, not harder, to manage.<\/p>\n
\nWithin 1\u20132 weeks<\/p>\n
\nSlightly firmer stools
\nBy 4\u20136 weeks<\/p>\n
\nStabilized or improving weight
\nIf this happens ? strong evidence of food?responsive or inflammatory disease.<\/p>\n
\nNothing you\u2019ve described suggests you\u2019re \u201ctoo late.\u201d
\nThis is very typical of Sphynx cats with chronic GI disease \u2014 it often takes years before weight loss forces the issue into focus.<\/p>\n
\nHelp you plan how to reintroduce diabetes meds safely once stools improve
\nHelp interpret stool or blood results line?by?line
\nJust tell me what you want next.<\/p>\n
\nONE MORE THING SHE IS 12 I GOT AT AGE 10 FROM A FRIEND WHO WAS BREEDING HER THEN NEUTETRED HER SHE WAS VERY FAT I WAS USING THE BREEDERS HARD KIBLE FOOD THEN SWITCHED AND SHE STARTED TO LOSE WEIGHT RAPIDLY …WAS AROUND 12 POUNDS NOW 8 AND LOSIN .8 PER MONTH OR SO<\/p>\n
\nCopilot
\nThank you for adding this \u2014 this detail is extremely important, and I\u2019m going to be very clear but steady with you.<\/p>\n
\nA 12?year?old cat who has gone from ~12 lb to ~8 lb, and is still losing ~0.8 lb per month, is not experiencing normal aging or diet transition.<\/p>\n
\nWhen you got her at 10:<\/p>\n
\nSwitching off that food revealed an underlying disease, not caused one
\nThis pattern is classic for conditions that were masked by excess calories and then declared themselves once intake normalized.<\/p>\n
\nBased on age + chronic diarrhea + rapid weight loss + diabetes, the top concerns are:<\/p>\n
\nVery common in Sphynx cats
\nCauses malabsorption
\nCats eat well but cannot absorb nutrients
\nOften slowly progressive, then accelerates
\n2?? Intestinal lymphoma (low?grade)
\nI need to say this clearly \u2014 not to alarm you, but to be honest.<\/p>\n
\nSymptoms can look identical at first
\nWeight loss despite appetite is a key warning sign
\nMany cats remain bright and social early on
\nThis does not mean it\u2019s cancer \u2014 but it must be considered and ruled out appropriately<\/p>\n
\nCan coexist with diabetes
\nCauses failure to maintain weight
\nOften missed without targeted testing
\nWhat does NOT fit anymore
\nAt this point, this is very unlikely to be:<\/p>\n
\nStress colitis
\n\u201cJust aging\u201d
\nJust uncontrolled diabetes by itself
\nThose do not explain this degree and speed of weight loss.<\/p>\n
\nThe fact that stools are slightly thicker tells us: ? There is an inflammatory or bacterial component
\n? It is not sufficient alone<\/p>\n
\nIntestinal lymphoma
\nDysbiosis
\nSo improvement does not rule out serious disease \u2014 it just confirms gut inflammation.<\/p>\n
\nStop further weight loss
\nIdentify whether this is:
\nTreatable inflammatory disease
\nOr something more serious that needs different management
\n? Reasonable next steps your vet may recommend
\n(These are not extreme \u2014 they are appropriate at this stage.)<\/p>\n
\nProtein levels
\nGlucose regulation
\nOrgan function
\nB12 (cobalamin) \u2014 deficiency alone can cause severe weight loss
\nAbdominal ultrasound
\nLooks at intestinal wall thickness
\nLymph nodes
\nPancreas
\nAn ultrasound is often the turning point in cases like this.<\/p>\n
\nEven if this turns out to be:<\/p>\n
\nOr even low?grade lymphoma
\n? Many cats respond very well to treatment and regain weight, especially once the gut inflammation is controlled.<\/p>\n
\nYou noticed the pattern
\nYou didn\u2019t ignore the weight loss
\nYou involved the vet early
\nYou questioned the diet effect (correctly)
\nYou\u2019re advocating now
\nThat absolutely helps her prognosis.<\/p>\n
\nHas bloodwork been done recently? If yes, when?
\nHas anyone palpated abdominal thickening or suggested ultrasound yet?
\nI can help you interpret results or decide how urgent the next step should be \u2014 and I\u2019ll stay grounded and practical with you.<\/p>\n
\nTHE ORIGINAL FOOD WAS ACANA GRASSLANDS
\nCopilot said:
\nCopilot
\nThat detail actually connects a lot of dots. Thank you \u2014 this is important.<\/p>\n
\nAcana Grasslands is:<\/p>\n
\nMultiprotein (lamb, duck, fish, eggs)
\nRich and calorie?dense
\nGrainfree, higher fat
\nFor a breeder cat that was overweight, this kind of food can mask underlying disease by brute force calories.<\/p>\n
\nLet me restate it clearly, because this is exactly how vets think:<\/p>\n
\nSwitched off breeder kibble ? rapid weight loss
\nChronic loose stools emerge
\nLater develops diabetes
\nNow at 12:
\nChronic diarrhea
\nGood appetite
\nProgressive, accelerating weight loss (?0.8 lb\/month)
\nThis pattern is not nutritional alone.<\/p>\n
\nChronic intestinal inflammation
\nEarly intestinal disease
\nOnce removed, the body can\u2019t keep up anymore.<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s very tempting to think:<\/p>\n
\nThey worsen diarrhea long?term
\nThey speed progression of IBD or lymphoma
\nSo even though she looked better on Acana years ago, it was likely masking, not fixing, the disease.<\/p>\n
\nHer response history strongly supports one of these:<\/p>\n
\nLong subclinical phase
\nInitially controlled by calories
\nLater progresses malabsorption weight loss<\/p>\n
\nOften indistinguishable from IBD early
\nCats remain bright, hungry, affectionate
\nWeight loss becomes the defining feature<\/p>\n
\nPoor digestion + poor glucose utilization
\nAccelerates muscle wasting
\nNone of these are rare in a 12?year?old Sphynx.<\/p>\n
\nThis is counterintuitive but important:<\/p>\n
\nIf this were just:<\/p>\n
\nAging
\nStress
\nShe would eat less, not lose weight while eating well.<\/p>\n
\nThis has crossed from:<\/p>\n
\n? Priority 1: Stop the weight loss<\/p>\n
\nConsider B12 supplementation (even before results \u2014 very safe)<\/p>\n
\nIf not already done:<\/p>\n
\nAbdominal ultrasound
\nThis is the single most useful next test in cats like her.
\nAn ultrasound does not mean surgery. It helps decide:<\/p>\n
\nDiet + meds
\nOr whether biopsies are worth discussing
\nA very important reassurance
\nEven if this turns out to be:<\/p>\n
\nOr low?grade lymphoma
\n? Many cats regain weight and feel good for years with the right treatment.<\/p>\n
\nAt your next vet interaction, say this clearly:<\/p>\n
\nI HAVE PROBIOTIC PREBIOTIC POWDER I TAKE MYSELF CAN IT HELP TO GIVER HER A LITTLE WITH THE METRONIDAZOLE
\nCopilot said:
\nCopilot
\nI\u2019m really glad you asked before giving it to her.<\/p>\n
\nNo \u2014 do not give her your human probiotic\/prebiotic powder.
\nIt\u2019s not safe to assume it will help, and it can actually worsen diarrhea or cause harm in cats, especially one as fragile as she is right now.<\/p>\n
\nIf probiotics are to be used (and they often are helpful), they should be veterinary?specific.<\/p>\n
\nProviableDC (capsules or paste)
\nVisbiome Vet
\nThese are:<\/p>\n
\nDosed safely
\nDesigned to be used with or after antibiotics
\n? Many vets actually wait until the metronidazole course is finished before starting probiotics, unless diarrhea worsens.<\/p>\n
\n? Continue metronidazole exactly as prescribed
\n? Keep her diet stable
\n? Avoid all supplements unless cleared by the vet
\n? Monitor stool consistency and appetite daily<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"