Holding feces and urine; desperate and exhausting all options

After a few months of treating for constipation through diet change and addition of Miralax  my vet and I discovered my Zuri was also storing his urine. This may have been happening for awhile as I hadn't paid that much attention to the urine output until I started monitoring his box habits. Vet ran blood/urine/stool tests and all came with good results, normal levels, no blockages/crystals. For the past 3 weeks Zuri has been on Cisapride (2x daily) to urge bowel function and Prozasin (2x daily) to relax urethra for peeing. The Prozasin seems to be working as he is going at least daily. The Cisapride seemed to be working as Zuri went from 4 days to 3 1/2 days to every other day (pooping in box) for the first couple weeks but now after week 3 he has gone back to 3days between voiding (outside of box, usually on dining room floor). You wouldn't know that he is sick as he still has big appetite and desire to play. It's on this 3rd day that he is less inclined to play.

25+ years of cat only practice vet has never seen both the urine and feces storing. He suspects it may be some neurological issue and signals aren't being received. I have a call in to see if there are any other tests/xrays/ultrasound etc that can be done to determine the cause and aid to a solution.

I have exhausted many hours of research into this and cannot find any other case or remedy. I want to leave no stone unturned.

Has anyone experienced/heard of this before?

The only thing I can think of besides neurological is stress.  Some kitties are easily stressed.  Are there other kitties in the household?  Could there be an issue with litter box placement.  I remember reading about a kitty with sudden litterbox issues, no medical issues, what they finally figured out it was where the litterbox was.  It was in the basement close to the furnace.  They moved the box and no more issues.  They thought maybe the furnace came on while kitty was using it.

You need to get a referral to an internal medicine specialist.

Does he ever use the box?
have you tried different litters and boxes?

Try cutting down one of the sides of the litter box so he doesn't have to go over the edge. try a piede of linolium tile or empty box. Also try shtedded paper. Careful with the drugs as they can cause urine retension.

Denice said:

 
The only thing I can think of besides neurological is stress.  Some kitties are easily stressed.  Are there other kitties in the household?  Could there be an issue with litter box placement.  I remember reading about a kitty with sudden litterbox issues, no medical issues, what they finally figured out it was where the litterbox was.  It was in the basement close to the furnace.  They moved the box and no more issues.  They thought maybe the furnace came on while kitty was using it.

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Zuri is typically very laidback. Box placement isn't an issue. He uses two different boxes in two different locations to pee. He sometimes uses the one box to poop but not always. Thank you for the comment/suggestion.

Quiet said:

You need to get a referral to an internal medicine specialist.

Does he ever use the box?
have you tried different litters and boxes?

Try cutting down one of the sides of the litter box so he doesn't have to go over the edge. try a piede of linolium tile or empty box. Also try shtedded paper. Careful with the drugs as they can cause urine retension.

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I am working with my vet on ruling out a pain issue. When this short trial is over we will be working with a specialist to see what can be done. 

Yes, he always uses the box to pee and sometimes uses the box to poop, usually when it has been 2 days or less between movements.

Currently I am phasing out the Prozasin to see how often he is peeing, so far it looks like daily. It shouldn't be long before determining whether or not the Cisipride is working. Right now is a trial an error period. I would love to have him off of all drugs but don't know yet if that is a possibility.

I keep telling myself "one day at a time" but it is hard not to imagine what the future has in store for our family.

Thank you for the suggestions. It has been a trying time for our whole family.

Is this a life-long issue or is it a recent development?  Have there been recent changes in your home's routine or activity level?  Has he been checked for arthritis?  Could be that it's difficult for him to get in/out of the box.  Do you run Feliway diffusers in your house 24/7?  That might help as well.

stephanietx said:

 
Is this a life-long issue or is it a recent development?  Have there been recent changes in your home's routine or activity level?  Has he been checked for arthritis?  Could be that it's difficult for him to get in/out of the box.  Do you run Feliway diffusers in your house 24/7?  That might help as well.

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It started intermittently in April and has progressed to what it is now. No real changes that would explain his symptoms. He plays well, runs and jumps for his toys so I don't think it's an arthritis issue. I wonder if he may have injured himself during play. MRI has been mentioned but vet wants to rule out a couple of things first. I may have to change the set up of the box as the other boy that uses it likes to "aim high".  

I have heard both good and bad things about Feliway and with another cat in the house I don't want to introduce too many new things at once. 

Thank you for your comment/suggestions.

How long have you had your other kitty? You can use a Rubbermaid tote with high sides and cut out a lower opening on the side for an easy entry.  That way, you get both the high sides and lower opening that will accommodate both boys.

stephanietx said:

 
How long have you had your other kitty? You can use a Rubbermaid tote with high sides and cut out a lower opening on the side for an easy entry.  That way, you get both the high sides and lower opening that will accommodate both boys.

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Zuri (poopy kitty) just turned 5. The other male Brody is 6. We've had them both since they were months old. I saw Zuri pee in the high sided box this morning. Looks like he has no troubles getting in or out. Thanks!