Bowel Problem

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Bowel Problem

My 1 year old orange domestic long hair tabby is squatting to 'go'. He stays in that position producing nothing and looks unhappy about it. Other than that he is eating, drinking and sleeping. He is an indoor cat and only uses a litter box. He is doing this outside the box on the floor and only seems to do it in the morning.

Thank you for your help.

Joan

ANSWER:

This can be of great concern in a young male cat. How do you know it is a bowel problem and not urinary? Do you know for sure? Urinary obstruction causes the same signs and can be fatal within around 3 days. PLEASE make sure he is urinating and also make sure he is not becoming lethargic, losing his appetite, or vomiting. If there's any doubt, go to the vet right away. Otherwise, you can write back and update me through the comment area and I will respond to you again at no charge.

Thank you,

Dr. Neely

Comments for
Bowel Problem

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Oct 26, 2008

longhaired cats - need grooming
by: Anonymous

I do not wish to suggest in any way that your care or knowledge is lacking - you're obviously concerned, seeking Dr, Neely's advice.
I hope your kitty is ok!

On the subject of hairballs:-
Do you brush or comb your cat, to remove the loose fur that is otherwise ingested when grooming?

What I would like to remind you, & all longhaired owners (& potential owners)is to please bear in mind that we have selectively bred cats to appeal to us, with little regard for their needs. This means that many breeds need extra care from us to lead a healthy and happy life.
For the vast majority of longhairs (few exceptions), grooming (at least once daily) is a vital part of your cat's health care.
Many cats, not just longhairs, suffer from hairballs, often they are vomited up; but they can can cause bowel obstructions, requiring surgery, & they can be fatal. The situation is made worse by excessive licking or grooming caused by irritation, fleas or allergy, and by also exacerbated by worms in the gut.
There are products you can get which are supposed to help prevent hairballs, or encourage their elimination; but the best remedy is prevention. Groom daily, use an effective flea treatment, and worm regularly.

All the best

Certainly, the above advice is accurate and important. However, the symptoms you described still do not ascertain whether your kitty is constipated or having a urinary episode. That is the first and most important issue to be addressed. If it is not urinary in nature, then certainly one of the first ways to treat or prevent constipation is with hairball lubricants and with preventative grooming. And certainly that is something that should be done for all cats.

Thank you,
Dr. Neely

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