The study evaluates the consequences for stool quality of different sorbitol supplements in a commercial cat diet in order to determine a safe dose with regard to diarrhoea.

D-sorbitol is a natural polyol that can also be industrially produced by catalytic hydrogenation of glucose.

• Although sorbitol is commonly used by producers of semi-moist petfood, especially as a humectant in place of polyethylene glycol, very few data are available concerning its digestive tolerance in cats. 
   
• It is known that cats cannot digest polyols. Certain polyols could therefore prevent constipation. 
   
• We chose to study the consequences for stool quality of different sorbitol supplements in a commercial cat diet in order to determine a safe dose with regard to diarrhoea.