Any cat experts out there? Problem with my cat.

[pedinurse]

I couldn't remember my username info so had to create a new account. I called the closest animal hospital which is far from where I live, and they weren't particularly helpful (as I was expecting since they can't see him to evaluate). I could or could not bring him in, and keep an eye on him is what they told me.

So a few days ago my cat peed outside the litter box for the first time in awhile. He has occasional behavioral issues, and also has a hx of UTIs as well as a p/u surgery so he can't block again. I decided to just keep an eye on him and see if he did it again before I took him to the vet, as the last three times I brought him thinking he had a UTI it was just him being behavioral.

Then tonight I heard a growl...it was my cat trying to defecate. His stools were small, round, and very formed. He then walked into the living room and pooped on the floor twice before going to hide in the corner. His stools were hard and mucousy, but no blood. He is also licking the base of his tail. I am going to call the vet first thing in the morning, but what I'm wondering is can it wait until morning? He could just be constipated but I don't want to give him anything for it in case something else is wrong. He's eating ok, not quite as much as normal, but he did eat tonight and we have a Drinkwell water fountain for them so they always have fresh water. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Lauren8211]

I'm no expert, but I have tons of experience with constipated cats!

It does not sound like an emergency. If the cat was straining and nothing was coming out, I'd say get to a vet ASAP. If the cat is pooping, it's probably not dire, but the mucous might require a stool sample at the vet the next time you go in.

Obviously you should trust your instincts, but if the cat otherwise seems OK, it can probably wait.

Hope kitty feels better!

 

[pedinurse]

Thank you so much for your response. I knew I could count on PS at this hour! I'll call the vet in the morning.

 

[dragonfly411]

Pedinurse - keep us posted! I agree it sounds like mild constipation, and he might even have some irritation (maybe he ate something wonky?), but if he is eating, drinking, and still able to pass stool then I think you are ok maybe even to watch and see how he does.

 

[JewelFreak]

PediNurse, do you have any Petromalt or other hairball remedy handy? I give it to my cats twice a week. If you're not familiar w/it, it's basically petroleum jelly with malt flavoring, good for hairballs. That in fact may be your cat's problem. Squeeze an inch of it out of the tube -- some cats will lick it up, but one of mine hates it. I roll it into a ball & stuff it down his throat. You can get it at PetSmart or any pet supply store. I'd recommend giving him a good glob of it today & see if it helps.

As to behavior issues -- if it's not a urinary tract problem -- those generally come up when there's a change in a cat's routine. They're, as you probably know, extreeeemely routine oriented. A new baby, another pet, a change in your working/home hours...anything like that can make them feel insecure. They can't tell you, so they show you "NOTICE ME, I GOTTA PROBLEM" in the only way they know how -- & with cats that usually involves eliminating outside the box. They're not trying to make you mad, not showing resentment -- a cat's brain's the size of a walnut & hasn't room for those sorts of thoughts -- they are simply communicating their unease.

If it continues through tomorrow, I'd get him to a vet. I'll bet, however, it's a hairball he's trying to process through. They can create blockages.

Let us know how you both make out.

--- Laurie

 

[pedinurse]

Thank you so much for all of your helpful advice. I talked to my vet this morning and gave him 1ml of lactulose, and he'll get another one tonight. I also have laxatone, which is similar to what you're talking about, JT. I'll give him that tomorrow as I don't want to overload his system. I think I know what the problem is. I've been letting him outside walking him on a leash. He drives mem crazy yowling at the door and makes a break to run out every chance he gets. I refuse to let him be an outdoor cat though and the leash is a compromise. This ended the other day though when he got spooked and tried to run, nearly choking himself to death. He's been howling and scratching at the door, waking us up in the middle of the night by crying on the bed, and generally expressing his disapproval. I'm wondering if this is all tied in. I don't care if he poops on the floor and rolls in it, he's not going out again unless it's in a cat stroller.

 

[mary poppins]

Sounds like your cat enjoyed going outside and is now indicating that he is displeased that you are no longer taking him out. You may want to consider using a harness instead of a leash.

 

[bee*]

I'd definitely consider getting a harness. Manolo goes out on his harness for about an hour every day and he loves it.

 

[JewelFreak]

He's been howling and scratching at the door, waking us up in the middle of the night by crying on the bed, and generally expressing his disapproval. I'm wondering if this is all tied in. I don't care if he poops on the floor and rolls in it, he's not going out again unless it's in a cat stroller.

Yep, bet that's the out-of-the-box motivation. He's not trying to "get even with you" as people sometimes think; he is just using all ways he knows of to let you know he's unsettled about something. You seem to have a good handle on dealing with potential physical problems -- maybe a harness or stroller would do the trick, mentally. I'm with you a million percent about not letting him be a loose outdoor cat. They can get into so much trouble; some are lucky & live long lives, most not. I've seen in catalogs a sort of wire cage with open bottom for cats too, so they're confined within a space they can move around in & feel the grass. Don't know if they work. My cats stay in & sit by the window watching squirrels & birds -- their reality tv.

Anyway, so glad it isn't something scary health-wise!

--- Laurie