Fecal incontinence

[Tootsey11]

As titled, anyone any experience with fecal incontinence. Older male cat has lost control of his bowels. Doesn't seem to know when he has to go, so is using everywhere and anywhere as a toilet. Has anyone been able to correct this issue. He is perfectly healthy in every other way.

Sorry to hear this. Poor old boy.

In the nicest possible way, I think you should be discussing with your vet whether his time is up. Cats are clean animals by nature; this is a sign of serious decline and since you imply it's due to his age, it's not something that's likely to get better (seek vet advice on this).

In the wild, his time would be up pretty quickly. Any animal with incontinence is very prone to fly strike (more common in rabbits but possible for any animal with a dirty bottom)... flies lay eggs on the dirty areas and the larvae burrow into the skin. Very unpleasant and usually fatal. So keep a very close eye on his rear end and tail area in the mean time and make sure it's clean and dry at all times. There are so many flies around this summer because of the hot weather. It would be a horrible way to end.

Thankyou for the reply. Cat is I'm estimating here maybe 10 years old. His bum is completely clear and clean, so no visible issues. He seems to have lost the ability to know when he has to go, so without warning, he can be asleep on and it will just come out or if he is awake will just make no attempt to get to the tray and just do wherever he is.

It will be heartbreaking to pts as he is a very intelligent and protective of myself and Ds20.

Ok that puts a different spin on things as 10 isn't all that old. It's like he's in his 50s in human years. Some humans die in their 50s but it's not in the normal order of things and medical care would contrive to keep a 55 year old human alive where they might not for a 90 year old.

You don't mention what your vet says. Assume you have taken him?

He might have some kind of spinal infection - I have heard of this causing temporary incontinence if feeling to the back passage is reduced. That would require antibiotics. Sometimes full feeling returns and sometimes the cat remains slightly disabled - you would then have to have a good think about how it affects his quality of life and yours. I love cats but it's very wearing living long term with one who has no control over his bowels.

I'm surprised no other cat lovers have commented on this. Perhaps the title isn't very appealing?!

The vet is seeing him in a couple of weeks due to staff issues. Has asked a few questions but is not sure anything can be done. I've kept cats for 35 years and we are a multi cat household. I've never come across this before that's why I was hoping someone else might have. As for the title, I'm direct in nature, didn't see much point in not stating the issue!

Can you not find another vet more quickly?

This sounds more like an urgent issue. Did it come on quickly, is it solid or soft?

Have you seen in him the act, what is his reaction? If nothing else, cleaning up for a couple of weeks while you wait for your vet seems pointless.

If it’s something serious the time wasted could have serious consequences.

How long has your cat been having that problem? I think you need to go to a vet earlier than in 2 weeks. Find a different vet. Whatever the cause, and it sounds like a spinal/nerve problem, it needs to be dealt with now.

Had cats for 42 years

It's been happening a few weeks often outside, but sometimes while he's asleep beside me on the sofa. His reaction, it takes him by surprise, he jumps up and runs. Out of all the cats he is very very greedy. Does not know when to stop eating. Poo is soft, so have tried other foods but nothing makes a difference. I have an account with my local vets who look after all my cats. Owner running it on his own due to staff away. Back ina couple of weeks. They know all the cats so I stick to dealing with them. Other vets in area are very poor service. I am in a rural area so limited choice.

Here he is

I agree about it needing urgent attention.
If it's a spinal infection it could cause permanent nerve damage in another two weeks, if not already. You wouldn't leave an abcess on his tooth or head for a fortnight, why leave a potential one on his spine?
Don't leave it to get worse. Find another vet ASAP.

Please take your cat to the vet.