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At wits' end with older male

Jenna_newmum Jul 13, 2003 03:55 PM

Greetings!

I am hoping someone can offer assistance with a problem developed by my mum's oldest cat, an 11 year-old neutered male Maine Coon. Puss has begun to have intermittent bowel problems, which is not only frustrating for him, but also for the humans in the household (as a pregnant woman, it's vexing for me to have to ask someone else to help clean the cat's mess, and doubly so when I'm the only person home). Most of the time he defoecates in the litterbox, but occasionally will just let go wherever he happens to be. He also occasionally experiences very loose stools, and when this happens, even if he's defoecated in the litterbox, he will remove himself to a carpet and scoot his rear over the floor covering. And finally (as if that wasn't enough, poor Puss!), he only covers his foeces from time to time - and my goodness, do they reek!

Factors that may come into play: my mother also owns an 8 year-old female Maine Coon (Molly). We feed them Fancy Feast, a half-tin each every morning and evening, but Puss usually scarfs half of Molly's. They also have unlimited access to dry food (Whiskas, usually) and fresh water. Puss is quite large, though I understand this may be normal for an older neutered male. He weighs about 12-15 pounds. Molly is quite slight, weighing in at perhaps 7-8 pounds. Neither cat is an outdoor cat, but apart from my room and the soon-to-be nursery, they've the run of the house.

Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

Replies (5)

MunchieScrunchie Jul 13, 2003 06:02 PM

My first bit of advice is to take this cat to the vet for a check-up right away. You need to rule out any medical causes before you can try and fix the problem. It is possible that the cat has an intestinal parasite or a problem with the anal glands. It could also be the food. As cats age, their gastrointestinal tract doesn't handle foods the same way it used to. Fancy Feast and Whiskas may just be too "rich" for this cat to handle now. Food switches should be done slowly though. But the first thing is to have the cat thoroughly checked by a vet.
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Dottie
Proudly owned by The Catnip Crew...Munchkin,Casey,Maddie,Harley,Meadow,Ashley,Nicky and Mushka

JaimeMarie Jul 16, 2003 06:28 PM

I agree with Dottie. Once the vet has checked out your mom's cat, I would maybe add another litterbox to your house. He may be to old to get to the one you have fast enough. Also for the mad butt slide across the carpet, if you trim the fur around his bottom the poo won't get stuck there. Moxie our coon used to do that on the hardwood floors. She would leave these brown stains behind her. Now we do a little shaving back there and she is fine. I also do it with my other coon Crash. She didn't do the butt slide though. She just left it hanging YUCK!!
Good Luck
Jaime

ps. congradulations on your soon to have baby. Do you know what your having yet?

Jenna_newmum Jul 20, 2003 08:52 PM

Hello to all, and thanks to MunchieScrunchie (Dottie?) and Jaime!

I have passed along the recommendation of a vet visit to my mum, and she has agreed. Puss will be visiting the vet within the next couple weeks. Hopefully he'll check out fine and dandy.

I will definitely see if my dad can, er, barber Puss' nether regions. He usually gets the grooming detail; Puss rather dislikes being groomed, and my dad has the only leather jacket capable of withstanding the hissing, spitting, clawing dealer of doom that Puss becomes upon confrontation with a comb! Who knows, it might simplify things on regular grooming, too?

Thanks also for your kind wishes! I had my baby (a happy and healthy little boy, Ethan) on July 14th, and within a few days should be mobile enough to join in the cat box detail. Ah, well... the respite was fun while it lasted.

Best to all!
Jenna

PHMadameAlto Jul 21, 2003 04:19 PM

Congratulations on the birth of your son! I hope he'll be ready to help scoop the poop real soon. LOL!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

JaimeMarie Jul 21, 2003 11:29 PM

Congradulations on a healthy little boy.

Small sissors or a small clippers work best for bottom clipping. I usually get Crash while she is eating or drinking. She puts her butt right up in the air. Makes for an easy snip.

Jaime

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