61 Comments

Update: Last night's enema helped him clear his bowels and he got better right away. I searched for pumpkin seeds last night but could not find them. He has been treated for parasites. I am hoping a Pottenger (raw) diet over time will restore his gut function.

Expand full comment

Raw diet Celia...best for our kitties. My sweet little Missy lived for 22 and a half years on a raw diet. She passed away from just being an old girl. Goodness me, I miss her with all my heart 😭

Expand full comment

Not the seeds, the pumpkin's fruit. It does help.

Expand full comment

Celia, don’t give Rafa an enema… lord. Give him some pumpkin to eat instead. Let him get well. Trust the vet, who is good! I knew he had an infection and a swollen belly with parasites when you first discussed his issues a couple posts ago. Do not do that to that poor little kitten. You could puncture his bowel and you will traumatize him. Good Lord.

Expand full comment

Right was just going to say pumpkin

Expand full comment
Aug 25Edited

Canned PLAIN pumpkin puree is fine. Be aware that pumpkin pie "filling" contains spices. Make sure there are NO spices in the canned pumpkin you buy.

Adult cat would get 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day, so guessing the dose for a kitten would be about 1/4 teaspoon mixed into canned or fresh food once per day for 2-4 days until you see results (poop). Longer that that he should go to the vet. Could be impacted stool which can cause serious problems.

Expand full comment

Yup

Expand full comment

Pommegranate seeds were helpful for me once upon a time. I've never heard of them being used on cats.

Expand full comment

I too was just going to suggest some canned organic pumpkin! It's amazing how it helps pets with bowel problems, either constipation or diarrhea. He's a precious cutie. Sending a prayer that all goes smoothly for Rafa and for his loving two legged mum! All the Best.

Expand full comment

Another yes on pumpkin.

Expand full comment

Very good for dogs, cats and people.

Expand full comment
Comment removed
Aug 22
Comment removed
Expand full comment

I’d have to check. Not sure. Probably fine. I remember when I learned grapes were toxic to dogs, that it can put them into renal failure, I was surprised. But for cats a bit of prune or raisin might be ok. I know that pumpkin is the go-to bowel soother and helps constipation in dogs and cats. I certainly would not try an enema on a tiny, ill kitten. That’s why the vet didn’t do it! And it will unnecessarily traumatize him. A bowel perforation would indeed be deadly.

Expand full comment

I've read that grapes, raisins, prunes are NOT to be fed to cats. They're poisonous to them.

Expand full comment

Good to know. Pumpkin is best. So soothing and full of good things for a tiny body, too. Hope Rafa is better by now. Thanks, Sue.

Expand full comment

Those cats are precious, I wish Rafa all the best, kind regards!

Expand full comment

Poor punkin! He is sweet as can be! I will keep you all in my prayers.

Expand full comment

I hope everything works out, in the end!🐾

Expand full comment

I thought we agreed I would do the cringing humor.

Expand full comment

"HALT! ...Who goes there, friend or enema?"

Expand full comment

My aging cat had trouble pooping due to kidney disease; a vet told me to put a bit (~1/8 teaspoon) of powdered laxative into her food and that worked. Good luck with Rafa.

Expand full comment

Rafito bonito.

Expand full comment

You are always a hit in public places with a cat in a carrier. :-)

Sending love and continued prayers. Thank you so much for all you are doing for little Rafa.

Expand full comment

Have you tried massaging his stomach, first looking up which way cat's intestines travel? To try get things moving.

Expand full comment

i would think giving him something orally would be easier than sticking an enema up his butt. poor baby. i share your anxiety.

Expand full comment

Yes, I agree with one other comment…don’t try giving this little baby an enema. He’s too small and you don’t have any experience in this area.

I like the pumpkin idea instead.

Expand full comment

Little cat has great luck.

Expand full comment

Inside every great Journó, there's a crazy cat lady.

Expand full comment

I love you Celia and your content …and cats. Rafa has a loving human like you to make her all better again.

Expand full comment

Hope you read the comments before you give the enema! I use pumpkin everyday with my dog ( freeze dried pumpkin). It works like a charm for getting them to have regular poops. You can used the canned but I ended up throwing it out because it ruined before I could use it all. You can order freeze dried from Amazon ( don’t know about Spain, but surely you can). Keep us updated !

Expand full comment

I am an animal person!!

Can you wait a bit to see if Rafa has a stool? Sometimes it takes a day or two…!

Just sayin….

Expand full comment