The effects of diets varying in fibre sources on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats
Donadelli, R.A. et al.
2019
Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition

The study evaluated the effects of Miscanthus grass as a fibre source in cat diets, on nutrient digestibility, stool quality and hairball management.
For the digestibility experiment 12 cats were fed for a 9-days adaption period followed by a 5-day collection period; for the hairball trial cats had a 16 days adaptation period.
Ingredient composition of experimental diets was similar; for the digestibility study cats were fed one of the following fibre sources: Cellulose (CED), Miscanthus (MGD) (insoluble) or beet pulp (BPD)(soluble). Cats fed with BPD presented differences in faecal consistency (softer stools and increased faecal moisture) and higher dry matter, organic matter, gross energy and total dietary fibre digestibility. However, crude protein digestibility was lower in cats fed with BPD.
Less total hair weight and hair clumps per gram of dry faeces were reported in cats fed Miscanthus.
Miscanthus grass showed similar digestibility coefficients than cellulose and may have a beneficial impact in hairball management. It can be used as a fibre source in cats diet.