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we have 3 adult cats - they have been together at least 7 ...


Sent to Cat Experts August 20, 2006 7:20 p.m.

we have 3 adult cats - they have been together at least 7 years. Their behavior is great, they all seem content, but one has suddenly decided not to use the litter box for bowel movements. I tried a diferent food, thinking that may be the problem, but it was not liked, and I went back to what they have eaten for years. I purchased new litter boxes and an unscented litter they had used before. Absolutely baffled.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
August 20, 2006 7:37 p.m. (17 minutes and 46 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Since they've been together all this time, it's not likely a territorial or behavior issue among them.

Since he didn't do this when regularly eating his 'old' food, it's probably not that (as you've discovered by trying to change foods).

You've returned to a favorite litter that he's used before - so it seems you've already anticipated and investigated all the possibilities that could be relatively easy to treat. I think you have to consider that this cat has an intestinal problem. It could be something simple to treat, once it's identified (he needs a vet).

If he gets a clean bill of health, the solution may be more tedious, but if he is found to have an infection (it could be bacterial, fungal or even a virus), chances are he's good as gold in a matter of days once given the proper meds.

Of course there's a possibility of age-related disease like diabetes or liver disease (but let's hope not).

(You need to keep a close watch on the others and if this one is found to have an infection, they may all need to be treated, depending on what kind it is).

More information is available here:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1310&articleid=158



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