Feline Irritable Bowel

Our vet just diagnosed our two sibling kittens with irritable bowel
syndrome (he called it colitis, too). He came to this conclusion after
the kitties (9 months old) had over 4 days of bad diarrhea but a
negative stool sample. Kaopectate didn't help either. He figures it may
be that they just can't tolerate their food anymore (they've been
eagerly eating Science Diet feline growth for over six months).

So now they're eating Science Diet "w/d" and starting to have formed stools
again. Our vet suggested we keep feeding this for a month and then try
other food(s) again and see if they will tolerate it. I'm wondering if
anyone else has had any experience with this? There must be some pretty
big genetic component since both of the kittens are having the same
reaction. We have no houseplants and all cleansers/poisons are in
closed cabinets.

I am having a hard time trying to determine why your vet thinks your cat
has irritable bowel syndrome. As I understand it, your cats had diarrhea
for 4 days, and no intestinal parasites. They were treated with
Kaobiotic, and that didnt' help.

First of all, Feline inflammatory bowel syndrome is only definitively
diagnosed by biopsy and microscopic examination of segments of
intestine. Biopsy is usually done when all other causes are ruled out,
via bloodwork. Second, FIBS is chronic, meaning more than four days in
duration, and is usually characterized by intermittant bouts of vomiting
and diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. Cats this young can develop it,
but it is more commonly seen in middle aged cats. Third, FIBS is treated
with antiinflammatory drugs (corticosteroids) and a diet change.

Also, most intestinal parasites can be missed with just one fecal, and
multiple fecal samples are necessary. Some vets will deworm anyways, and
see if that helps, as it doesn't hurt in most cases