Hi! Apologies for the forthcoming TMI. My cat is between 19-20 yo w/advanced IBD. He seems to have recently developed what his vet called ligament laxity which causes him periodic issues exiting the box and ending up with the clumped litter stuck to his lower belly and bottom. He's on Prednisilone (vet switched him from liquid suspension to pills last August). For a while it was helping with the diarrhea, but not so much lately. I recently asked her if it was to his advantage to remain on the meds, and she felt if it was discontinued, all of his symptoms, including his appetite could worsen.
He's a really good boy and never goes outside the box. The problem is it's so runny that he ends up stepping in it and tracking it everywhere (like my bed which is right next to his box). Why is it in my bedroom you may wonder: because we live in an apartment, it's too large to fit in the bathroom, and it's been the same box in that spot for over 16 years. Changing its location at his age would be very disturbing for him. I've considered purchasing a self-cleaning box, but that might also traumatize him, not to mention the expense.
I've used clumping clay litter all his life and noticed when he gets in now, his paws sink down into it (likely contributing to his trouble exiting). Should I be using a different type of litter, litter box, etc?
Any suggestions from those who have experienced these issues would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Congratulations on reaching such an incredible milestone despite dealing with IBD. I'm sorry to hear about the ligament laxity.
I agree that the self-cleaning litter box is expensive and not suitable for senior cats, especially those with joint or mobility problems.
While changing the litter type could be an option, it might cause anxiety and worsen his IBD. You can try a soft or delicate litter that is easier on paws. I also do not recommend changing the litter box's location.
What type of litter tray is he currently using? Do you have a litter mat or a puppy pad underneath to help trap litter?
Here are a few commercial and DIY options suitable for senior cats with mobility issues:
- Large storage tote litter box cut extra low to ease entering and exiting the box.
- Home Depot concrete mixing tub with low entry sides
- Potting tray with one side removed
- KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box from Amazon or Chewy https://www.chewy.com/kittygohere-senior-cat-litter-box/dp/229303?utm_source=partnerize&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=1100l35864&utm_content=0&clickref=1100lAddmmPb&utm_term=1100lAddmmPb
Ingrid Johnson has some excellent recommendations to share. Head to https://www.fundamentallyfeline.com/litter-boxes-get-the-scoop-part-3-special-needs-cats-and-handicapables/
I hope that helps; sending lots of love & healing.
Melina
Hi Melina,
Thanks for the response. In giving this further consideration, Kolby's bigger issue is progressing and that is the extremely runny diarrhea. He's on 1/2 a Prednisilone 5mg tablet 2x per day. His vet switched him from liquid (which he'd been on for prior 7 years) to tablets last August. Initially the pills seemed to help create more solid poops but that's no longer the case (and of course the regular vomiting). I've consulted w/his vet as to whether he should continue receiving it, or if the dose can be raised but she felt his symptoms might increase if its stopped, and he's on the maximum dose for his weight. Personally I'm not sure how much worse his symptoms can get but I'm not the doctor so continue to follow her instructions.
I should mention he's beyond picky causing me to regularly switch up his food which of course exacerbates his symptoms. I do my best to keep weight on by feeding him 4-6 cans per day plus free-feed dry which he only picks at. Once he decides he won't eat something, I've tried waiting him out, warming the food, etc. but this rarely works and he simply won't eat, causing me to purchase new food. When he was first diagnosed with the IBD 8 years ago, he was eating primarily chicken which the vet advised be removed from his diet. He did not care much for duck and I had major qualms about giving him venison or rabbit (I had rabbits as my animal companions for 15 years so just couldn't bear the thought. He had never eaten beef before, thus I've maintained him on beef, fish and turkey. You know how cats are: they'll scarf a food up at first, then 3-4 cans later won't touch it. Story of our lives and it's an endless Catch22.
I asked the vet but she had no suggestions. I noticed your bio mentions you are into holistic treatment. I'm curious if you might know of something that can be added to his diet to help solidify the stool?
Appreciate any suggestions.
Thank you.
Lorrie
Dear Lorrie
You’re most welcome, however, due to your cat’s age and medical condition. You'll need to consult your veterinarian before you try any of the natural recommendations below. Alternatively, you can consult a holistic veterinarian. One of my senior cats has also been diagnosed with IBD and is seeing a holistic vet.
Here are a few options: Slippery elm, fiber like psyllium husk ( https://cats.com/best-fiber-supplement-for-cats-with-diarrhea ), and probiotics can help his overall gut health.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. This is my personal experience and opinion. Please seek your veterinarian’s advice and recommendations before starting any supplements or alternative treatments
All the best
Melina