Sick kitty

[tjrusert]

Back in August, I posted a question about my 10 year old cat who had stopped covering her business in the litter box. I found out that it was indeed her and not the others. I also figured out that she still had a healthy appetite. She seemed to perk up so I just ignored the litter box problem. But starting at the end of Oct, I noticed her starting to loose weight and she didn't seem to be herself. I took her to the vet and she tested her thyroid. But that was normal. When I got that call, I took her back in for blood tests and tests on her stool samples. About the same time she got diarrhea. She doesn't go often but when she does, it's completely liquid. The only thing that the vet saw in her tests was elevated white cells. She didn't have any parasites. So over time, we ended up going through 3 different antibiotics and 2 rounds of prednisone. I have also tried some natural online products.  Nothing has helped. She is down to about 5 lbs from her normal 8 lbs. And now she not only doesn't cover it up, she has been pooping outside the litter box. I understand when she doesn't get all the way in. But recently she's started doing it by the front and back doors. My question is, what is the proper way of handling this. Do I show it to her and tell her no?  Do I have to catch her in the act and tell her no?  Do I show her ( I don't mean stick her nose in it. Just show her) and then put her in the litter box. I'm not sure how to let her know that I'm not happy with this. I know she's sick and she needs extra care and understanding but I don't want her to think I'm ok with this.  I am taking her to a new vet on Wed. She is a highly experienced  Doctor. So I hope get her health problems figured out. But I need advice on this behavioral problem. Thank you for your help. Btw her appetite is really good and she has started playing some.

[Jade59]

I am so deeply sorry for your loss and sorrow.  We get it here.  It hasn't even been 2wks since your dear kitty passed.  You will cry for a while.  Soon the last day you're seeing in your mind will be replaced with all the fun and good times you had with your girl.  

I understand how you feel.  Jade totally captured my heart; was my very special kitty, and while it will be 2yrs this Oct, I still miss her every day.  The last yr she was sick has faded from my mind, and I really only remember the good times now.  

Let me share the Rainbow Bridge with you.  Even if you know it, I hope reading it again will bring you a small measure of comfort.  Hugs

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

[tjrusert]

Thank you so much Jade. I am having a really hard time with this and this is the only place where I could say what I was feeling and know that ppl would understand. I really appreciate the time you took to try and give me some comfort. You are an angel. I know I need to give it some time. It's just really hard. And I have had to put in a lot of extra time at work so I don't feel like I've had time to grieve. I see her out of the corn or of my eye so many times. I know it's all in my head but I just miss her so much. Thanks again for your reply.

[tjrusert]

Just an update on my sweet and beautiful girl. The vet said that she had IBD. We treated her in every way we could. But sadly she passed away on June 11th at 11:15 pm. She cried out and pooped on herself early in the morning. She became unresponsive shortly after that. But she held on and kept breathing all day. I laid right beside her all day and held her paw. She was the only cat that I've ever known that liked for you to hold her paw. I can't seem to get over it. I find myself bursting into tears over and over again. Most ppl don't get it and even if they do they don't know what to say or do. I miss her so much. Every once in a while a pet will capture your heart more than usual. She was like that for me. She was my little love. I don't know how to stop hurting over this. I hate that I complained about her going outside the box before. I don't know what else to say. I'm just heart broken. Thanks for listening and giving me some advice.

[tjrusert]

I got the test results back and the good news is that she doesn't have any viruses. And her kidneys, thyroid, and liver functions are good. The bad news is that we still don't know what is wrong and she seems to be getting weaker. I'm taking a stool sample in tomorrow so it can be tested. Her white blood count is up so I will also be getting some antibiotics from the doctor tomorrow. I'm very worried about her.

[callie33]

my cat sometimes does this pooping right outside the cat box too. He is a healthy cat other an being blind.Had test done showed nothing.good luck with new vet hope you find out whats going on.

[Jade59]

We'll be waiting for your update tomorrow.  Hopefully this new vet will be able to pinpoint what's wrong.  I also agree with the ladies in that kitty is in pain...is associating the litter box with pain now...which is why she is going outside it.  Please don't scold or make her feel she is doing anything wrong.  It is a GOOD thing she is doing this...alerting Mom there is something terribly wrong.  Losing 3lbs in only 6mos is Very bad.  Please don't let her appetite spurt or her playing fool you.  Animals are like this, she is still quite ill.  

Sending up a prayer for your girl.  Good luck tomorrow.  

[tjrusert]

Thank you all for responding. I wrote this question in a moment of frustration. I realize that she is trying to communicate with me.   She's so funny. When she thinks her water dish needs cleaning, ( usually every other day), she puts toy mice in it. It took me a while to figure that out. And I clean litter every day now. And I've never punished her or any cat that I've had the pleasure of knowing. I love her so much. Im so saddened by her illness. She has eaten Iams hair ball formula for years. She doesn't really like canned food. When I have given it to her, she only licks the liquids off and leaves the rest to dry up. Up until she became sick, there were very few human foods that she would eat either. I did change her and her siblings to Blue Buffalo sensitive stomach food for  a while b/c her sister was barfing so much. But none of them liked it much. They all stopped eating. So I put out some more Iams. But the vet thought that it wouldn't hurt to let her have some kitten formula b/c it might help her gain weight and would be easy for her to digest. She loves it. She also has started wanting ppl food which drives my hubby nuts. She begs for almost anything we are eating. I told him that we have to look each food up online before giving it to her so we don't cause more problems. My vet said that she can have as much cat friendly ppl food as she will eat b/c we need to get some weight on her. She suggested bacon. There goes my diet. B/c if kitty gets bacon, so do I. I just seems like she is not absorbing the nutrients from what she eats. So she's always hungry and still not gaining weight. It takes me 45 minutes with an unhappy cat in the car to get to the new vet. But if she can figure his out, it will be worth it. I like my old vet and he's only 10 miles away but he's been trying to treat this for several months. The new vet is Dr Kittleson. She grew up here in MN and when she retired she came back here and opened a small clinic. But she is very qualified. She used to work in the largest small animal hospital in New York City. And so if anyone around here can figure it out, I think she can. She's starting with all new blood tests. She checking for viral infections and thyroid problems. If she doesn't figure it out from those, we will do some more testing of her stool. The other vet ruled out parasites. She was so good with the vet today. But then again she always is. She has no fear of most ppl. But then again, why should she?  She's always been loved and admired by ppl. There have been a few she just didn't like. But I think that animals can read ppl better than we can. So I should have results from the tests on Friday. I will keep you posted. And I will just patiently clean up poo and give my sweet girl lots of tlc.  Any suggests on things to make her more comfortable other than cuddles?

[opus88]

Excellent response CML.....thank you so much for all you contribute to this site...always spot on with great advice!!!!

[CML2014]

Hi Tj,

I wholeheartedly agree with Opus. She was pooping outside her box to let you know" something is wrong MOM".  Since it has not been corrected she has now resorted to going where you cannot possably miss it on your way out the door or in the door, LOL!

Sorry not funny, just amazed at how these creatures can communicate with us if we read their signs.

Sooooooo---I suggest your Vet has not come up with the cause of the condition. I suggest it may be IBD? If she is also vomiting it could also be Pancreatitis--they go hand and Hand.

My cat had exploratory surgery for a biopsy. Dagnosed with IBD , is now on Budesonide and Hills Z/D prescription diet. She has gained her weight back and is no longer vomiting. I think your vet needs to look further. If it is not her Thyroid then something is not right in her digestive area.

Please take her back to the vet and if need be have a biopsy preformed or at least an ultra sound, x-ray taken. She is in pain and with the diarrhea has probably become very dehydrated. She is probably in need of IV fluids and at least a B12 shot.

This is important to address  TODAY!
AGAIN THIS IS NOT BEHAVIORAL!  She is SICK.  Physical discipline is NEVER a good idea with any pet --they will just begin to avoid you out of fear. They do not get this as a behavior correction only abuse.

Please let us know what the vet comes up with. My cat went through this same thing and it was agony for me to watch until I found the answer.
We are here for your support.

Good luck and await hearing from you.

CML

[opus88]

This is NOT a behavioural problem, your poor kitty is sick and when she goes outside the box she is trying to tell you it HURTS. By putting her nose in it or scolding her won't help, it's not her fault

She is associating the pain with her litter box, meaning it's her bowels that are hurting.

What does she eat for cat food? What brand and is it canned or dry? Any recent changes there???

If not parasites or IBS than its the diet