IBD in cats

[lindapalm]

We have had a former feral cat for 9 years, and he was possibly 5 when we found him.  He was diagnosed with IBD or Lymphoma.  The vet determined that from Leos symptoms, and can't be sure without a biopsy, which I don't want to put him through
Leo has always been small, 7-8 lbs, but is now down to 5 lbs.  Several months ago he developed a huge appetite, and would only eat Friskies canned food instead of the Frohms he always ate.  He continued to lose weight, didn't want to eat, and had diarrhea. His blood tests were fine, the vet put him on antibiotics, probiotics, anti diarrhea meds, and gave him a steroid shot
His appetite improved, but the diarrhea never stopped.  Vet wants us to keep him on probiotics, which don't help,  a special food for sensitive stomach, which he won't eat, and start giving him steroid pills, for good.
Is there anything that can be done for diarrhea other than giving him pumpkin, which he won't eat?  Can a cat live a normal life but still have daily diarrhea?

[lindapalm]

His blood tests all came back good, fecal test was normal, so it almost has to be IBD because he has had  every symptom.  He never could eat canned food, always threw it up, so he was on Frohms Duck dry because the pieces were small and he only has 7 teeth left.  He then refused to eat that, and would only eat Friskies canned.  Now he is refusing to eat that, and will only eat Cat Chow indoor formula.  The vet would like him to eat Science diet d/d because its easier on the stomach, but he won't eat the canned or dry, so she said just give him what he wants.

I was giving him probiotics, he wouldn't eat it on his food so I had to dissolve it in beef broth.  Now he got smart and won't drink that.  I'm going to health food store tomorrow and try what you said, I feel bad sitting back and not doing anything so that is a good idea.  Thanks

[opus88]

Poor kitty, yes he can live a normal life even with diarrhea, but he will probably continue to loose weight. Have you tried other foods? You said he was eating friskies, not a fan of that one but it's better than nothing. But try others as it could be what's causing the diarrhea...if he insists on that one at least find the PATE type not those heavy gravy ones. Pumpkin is about only additive for fiber, could try finding some pysillium (sorry for spelling) husk in a health food sore, make sure it's sugar free..there's at least no smell to that so should be able to dissolve that and sneak it into his food. So his sugar levels were good, he's not diabetic right?