Litterbox issue...I'm stumped!!

maherwoman

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Hey guys...got a question from someone on another site, and thought I might pass on the question to see what you guys thought, since I'm quite stumped as far as an answer...here goes!

"I have a 6 year old cat that is fixed, current on shots, has his claws and nothing that I can think of has changed (same house, haven't moved furniture, same litter boxes, same food, etc.)
He doesn't use the litter box all the time, he looks like he may strain but not all the time. It is solid, not urine. He usually gets nervous looking, then goes in front of me or somewhere obvious where I'll find. He then looks embarrassed and hides. He's been to vet twice, no problems they can find. He was constipated when he first went, that hasn't reoccured. Cat boxes are clean, he "misses" at different times, right after eating or late night, 1 or 2 times a week, doesn't seem to be any schedule. I've racked my brain trying to think of something but nothing sticks out, no changes. He eats fine, plays, etc. Any help is appreciated!"
 

ocicat_steph

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Originally Posted by maherwoman

Hey guys...got a question from someone on another site, and thought I might pass on the question to see what you guys thought, since I'm quite stumped as far as an answer...here goes!

"I have a 6 year old cat that is fixed, current on shots, has his claws and nothing that I can think of has changed (same house, haven't moved furniture, same litter boxes, same food, etc.)
He doesn't use the litter box all the time, he looks like he may strain but not all the time. It is solid, not urine. He usually gets nervous looking, then goes in front of me or somewhere obvious where I'll find. He then looks embarrassed and hides. He's been to vet twice, no problems they can find. He was constipated when he first went, that hasn't reoccured. Cat boxes are clean, he "misses" at different times, right after eating or late night, 1 or 2 times a week, doesn't seem to be any schedule. I've racked my brain trying to think of something but nothing sticks out, no changes. He eats fine, plays, etc. Any help is appreciated!"
go to a different vet and get a second opinion,
 

tunaqueen

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I agree, take him to another vet for a second opinion. Since his symptoms coincide with recently eating, sounds like some sort of blockage. Added pressure in the intestines or on the colon will cause these kind of problems.
 

simpleblue

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Is he getting enough water in his diet? (you may need to calculate this)

Is his water bowl filled, cleaned and sanitized everyday?

Is the litter box sanitary. Fully cleaned and sanitized every 2-3 days at a minimum?

Just some suggestions
 

pami

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I also recommend 2nd opinion ...... but also wanted to add ...... I had a problem with Kiko going poo just outside the litter box ...... added more litter boxes and the problems completely ceased.
 

angelkitty

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Do you know why the adding more litterboxes helped??? I've got two cats,, no issues so far.. But should I add another litterbox?
 

pami

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Originally Posted by angelkitty

Do you know why the adding more litterboxes helped??? I've got two cats,, no issues so far.. But should I add another litterbox?
Im not sure exactly why it helped. He could have been bullied by his brothers at one time or another. He may have wanted his own private box. Im not really sure. Cats can be very protective and personal of their poo places. Some cats have no problems. I didnt for 3 years, but then one day I did. I have 7 litter boxes now. The "rule" is 1 litter box for each cat plus one, ( I have 7 to cover a large area) I would assume theres that "rule" so that you dont run into problems as I did, especially for boys since their urethra is so small and actually can cause them pain if they cant get to the box when needed.
 
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maherwoman

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To my knowledge, a lot of times adding another litterbox helps because some kitties like to pee in one and poop in another, or sometimes they like it in just that certain area...hard to say. It really depends on the cat.


Thanks for your ideas, guys! I'll be sure to pass on the word!
 
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