cat care

[noah852]

Our cat is a male, indoor, 11 year old cat.  He sometimes in the last couple of months has been deficating outside of the litter box, of which he also uses the litter box.  He use to have a pretty solid stool, but lately I have noticed that it has turned quite soft, almost runny.  Not like diarreha though.I noticed tonight that his rectum area looks inflamed, and while putting a slight warm cloth on it to clean away what looks like dried stool I saw some yellowish puss come out of his rectum when he moved. I am going to take him to the vet, but we also have 2 dogs, and I am concerned that if he has something it may be contagious to our canines.  Can you help out and tell me what may be the cause of this puss and inflamed rectum.  As well as the deficating outside the litter box now and then?

[Thomas Dock, CVJ, Vet. Technician]

I am sorry to hear that your cat is having some difficulties!

As Savas said, your cat is getting older and there are some potential age related changes that might be the underlying problem.

When was the last time your cat has seen a veterinarian and when was the last time any blood work was done?   One concern of older cats is the development of hyperthyroidism.   Symptoms include inappropriate defecation and runny loose stools.

Any weight loss?  Attitude changes?   Ravenous appetite?

You might have the veterinarian check his anal glands based on your description of pus.

Its unlikely that your dogs will catch anything unless there are parasites involved and your dogs like to "clean the litterbox" for you.  Since you have mentioned that he is an indoor cat, parasites are less likely, but it is still a good idea to have the stool sample checked.

Let us know what happens....

Tomcat

[Savas]

Hmm... well, he's at an age where he's at risk for "senior illnesses".

What are you feeding your cat? Make sure you've got a good wet food in there. A poor diet can lead to eventual intestinal issues.

Otherwise, cats who are ill will often start to "go outside the box". While this is considered great in a "Sales Strategy"... it isn't a good thing for a cat and the cat's human. (sorry, bad joke).

It sounds like your cat has an intestinal infection. It could just be parasites...

frankly, I'd need a bit more info or I'm just going to be giving you a long list of possible ailments here. What are you feeding your cat now? Has he had any health issues before? Has there been any other changes in behavior or activity level? (before the illness started, as well).