Expert: Norman Auspitz - 7/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am having trouble keeping my cat hydrated I think.  I have a drinkwell fountain and keep a glass for Lilly (my British Shorthair) bedside. I have switched to canned food only (Science Diet). It has been about two months and she is still having very hard poop and occasionally has blood in it.  She has started going (poop only) on the stairs, which she has never done before recently. I think she is trying to tell me that it hurts.  What else can I do?  I have taken her to the Vet early on with a sample and they tested the sample and said she was fine. Any ideas?
Thank you so much,
Jamie Watson

ANSWER: Jamie,

Cats should have pretty hard poop.  They tend to get most of their water from what they eat.  So, if Lilly is getting canned, she should not need much water.

How old is Lilly?  Is she spayed?

If there is indeed, no medical problem (and I would make another visit to the vet with a stool sample since you chnged foods), it could explain pooping outside of the litter pan. If her poop is quite hard and it is sticking to her fur, she may be pooping inside the litter box, but dragging the poop with her as she jumps out!

However, there are other possible reasons cats do not use the litter pan for one thing or another.  If she comes into season, her bathroom habits may change.  If the brand or type of litter has changed, she may change her litter habits.  I am giving you a link to a series of articles on cat litter box problems:

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/pointe/9352/litterboxhelp.html

Anywhere she has pooped inappropriately needs to be cleaned up using an enzyme based cleaner spercifically for pet stains and pet odors (available at most pet supermarkets or farm stores).

Remember, I am not a vet, but, normally, problems with the consistency of cat poop is too runny as opposed to too hard, so I would be very careful trying top "remedy" Lilly's poop until you have a definitive diagnosis that she is, indeed, constipated.

Best regards... Norm.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt response.  Lilly is spayed and now three years old.  She has always been so good about using her box, I felt something must be very wrong. I was just guessing to the issue. Since it was very hard and there was blood i was concerned.  Do you think I should schedule a blood test?
Thank you,
Jamie

Answer
Jmaie,

I am still in favor of finding out why Lilly is constipated.  If your current vet does not have any idea, then maybe it is time for a second opinion.  I am generally not in favor of giving laxatives (usually a fiber based laxative like Metamucil), unless it is under a veterinarian's care.  I am a bit baffled as to why a change to the particular wet food you are giving her would cause these symptoms.  Have you tried another brand of wet food?

Best regards... Norm.