Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/28/2008

Question
I have a couple of questions... First, I have a two cats, brother sister- female male, both fixed and indoor. Male was diagnosed with diabetes, changed diet,give insulin/and now an antibiotic....diabetes under control NOW-- antibiotic given because cat's diabets under control, but he was still peeing in sons room, etc. Also, new thing of pooping. ((urine doesn't smell, as it's watered down))-
Found he has had a place in workshop he was pooping...... LOTS......I got him new liter box,etc. How can I get him to POOP in the liter box!?!?!!?       I limited him to one room.and he did go in box, but then back to pooping on concrete floor???. How can I get it cleaned so he doesn't smell it and go again and again......If I can't get him to go into the box.... i'm afraid he will need to find new home---as I can't have him going WHEREVER he likes in the house! Vet said since diabetes is under control and after antibitoic, if he's still going it's behavorial...... and there's medicine (!?!?!))--- how can cats have medicine thaat control where they go to the bathroom?!?!? That's crazy------ ( I can see my self saying---yeha, my cat's on ritalin, guess he goes to the bathroom in the wrong spot?? THAT'S CRAZY!!I dont' believe medicine can tell a cat where to go.... he's a loving cat and it's ahsame I can't find out what's bugging him- I thought maybe it was because o giving himi the insulin shots twice a day-==== but I don't really know..... AANYYYYY ideas or suggestions????????? I need help desparately, husband will only tolerate so much more and truthfully- I wrok fulltime, have two kids and am involved in tons of school stuff for kids---trying to be so constant in cleaning etc..and then neededing to spend another 40hrs after th4e cat??? WOW....

Answer
Joyce,

I would take the cat to a vet that specializes in geriatric cat care and conditions (not all vets do). As an elderly cat, he may have more going on than just diabetes. He could have Irritable bowel syndrome, Inflamatory Bowel disease, or any number of other age related conditions causing the improper elimination problem.

Sometimes they get arthritis which makes it painful for them to get into the litterbox. A puppy pee-pad next to the litterbox may be a better choice. Cats at that age also get a form of 'kitty Alheimers' and can do bizarre things.

I definitely would talk to a geriatric cat specialist and find out if its a medical problem besides diabetes causing his behavior before I would treat it as a behavior problem.

Also give him lots of love and reassurance. It's probably just as frustrating for him behaving like that if he can't help it as it is for you.

Tabbi