I learned about giving pumpkin to kittens and cats with diarrhea in this Facebook group, from Pat Johnston. Ive used it and it works well, but I always wondered how. I just read about it on the Healthypets site. Canned pumpkin (100% pumpkin without added spice, etc.) is especially rich in soluble fiber. The type that dissolves in water to form a viscous gel, which coats and soothes irritated bowels. Soluble fiber delays gastric emptying, slowing down GI transit times and the number of episodes of diarrhea. When animals have diarrhea, they can lose important electrolytes, including potassium, which puts them at risk of dehydration. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can result in cramping, fatigue, weakness, and heart rate irregularities. Pumpkin is an excellent source of potassium. Pumpkin is also safer for diabetic cats, and pumpkin extracts may actually restore beta cell function – beta cells are the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 07:26:54 +0000
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