What is wrong with my friend's cat?

Question

A very good friend of mine has a cat that is about 11 years old now, he thinks. This cat started getting her fur in severe big knots almost a year ago. This was right around the time he started using clumping kitty litter. She has also lost a lot weight since then. Then shortly after that she began missing the litter box while urinating. Now she pees in other places besides the litter box.
Anyone know what is wrong? My friend thinks it is the clumping litter. Does anyone have any advice on what to do?
My friend does not think that she needs a vet. He barely afford medical for himself. Person who gives the most help gets 10 points.

Answer 1

I think she may have a urinary tract infection. its common in older kitties... i dont know about the fur but missing the box and going elsewhere is definitely a sign of an infection. your friend may not be able to afford the vet but it is free to call and ask questions, also your local humane society may offer free or extremely discounted services, may be beneficial....and last but not least if the kitty does go to the vet have them write a prescripion and take it to a local pharmacy, it may be cheaper.(most vets will do this because they will more than likely prescribe amoxicillian, a human antibiotic)

Answer 2

I had two cats that did the same thing. Both female, mother and daughter. While I never took them to the vet for an answer, I believe it was something mental. Maybe a disease? In both cases they passed away always missing the box. My best advice is bite the bullet and take her to a vet and have her checked out. It just might be old age and her system is changing. She might have a mental problem, age can do this. Just don't let this get out of hand and seek a vet. Another cat I had was diabetic and never groomed himself, he lost a lot of weight . As far as litter it is a possibility could be the new smell, try going back to the original litter. Best advice is seek a vet, cats can only show love but cant tell you when their sick.

Answer 3

First...have him switch back to the litter he was perviously using. It may not be the cause, but if there were no problems before the litter switch...why not try that first? Why hasn't he already tried it? I'd be willing to bet that it's not the litter though. May be coincedence. And all this started a year ago and nothing has been done!!!

Second...get that cat to a vet. More than likely (especially because of his age) he has a urinary tract infection or something else age related. I too can barely afford my own medical and cats, but I also make financial sacrifices to keep them well. I took on the responsibility of having a pet. And I care for their well being. Part of the responsibility is spaying/neutering and keeping their vaccinations current. Another part is taking them to the vet if something isn't right. If I have to eat macaroni for a month to do so...I will. If I have to pawn my TV or stereo...I will. If I have to get a part time job...I will. If he truly can not afford (and is not willing to sacrifice a little) to properly care for the cat and keep him healthy and happy...he needs to find him a proper home. The cat needs to see a vet ASAP. I don't really care if I get your 10 points. My life does not revolve around points. I didn't answer for your points. I'm not intending to be rude (although I know I come off that way)...especially to you because you are not the one who is neglecting kitty. Your friend is. Slap him upside the head...tell him to pawn something...and get that cat to the vet.

Answer 4

My cat is showing the same symptoms, his name is Louis Clark. He started getting really bad mats in his fur just recently. and has been peeing outside the litterbox. Here's whwat I think.

The cat has a urinary tract infection. The Knots: Maybe it has quit taking baths (hence the knots). Or he is either in pain and doesn't want to lick, doesn't have the saliva to clean himself, or I have thought it was the humidity that causes the knots.
The litter box: when you have a urinary tract infection, you have to pee at suprising times, and maybe they just go wherever, especially right after they think they're done going.
If your friend doesn't want to take the cat in for a vet visit, there are at home unrinary tract infection tests, you bring the test to the vet and they give you the result and if needed the medication. The tests are available at most vets.
Here's what I've done about the litter and it
s been working. Keep two boxes side by side, and keep them VERY clean- at least once a day. Don't use the ones with a top, they hold the stink.
I just finfished shaving Louis Clark yesterday. It looks like crap, but the knots are out, and he seems to feel better. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

The cat may have urinary tract infection or bladder stones, this causes her discomfort and it is typical to urinate in strange places. Tell him to collect a sample of urine (by putting a small sterile cup under her tail when she urinates) and have it analysed (for blood, crystals, high PH or too low PH - it should be around 6) and do a culture for bacteria. He can take the sample to a lab for humans and say it is his, if it is covered by his insurance. If everything is OK, I don't know what's wrong. If there is a problem, he will have to give her antibiotics - nitrofurantoin or amoxicillin usually, but it is best to ask the lab to do a test for which antibiotic is prescribed. If there are crystals, there are special foods for urinary problems. If he can't afford the test - which is usually cheap, though, he can give her special food and antibiotics (attention, he should ask a vet for the right dosage) for 2 weeks and see how it goes, but he really should do the tests. All that assuming the cat is female, because if it is male the tests must be done urgently, because crystals can block the urethra of males and cause life threatening situations.

Answer 6

the fur in knots happens in older cats when they don't groom as often, they can be easily shaved out for cheap at the vet, dont cut them out! i have seen so many people cut their pet that way and then they need medical attention regardless. wieght loss in cats can mean many things my guess is hyperthyriodism which is common and need to be regulated with medication. urinating outside the box could mean she doesnt like the litter or has a urinary tract infection (which goes hand in hand with frequent small urinations) it could also be behavioral or something else... she needs to see a vet pronto. have your friend check and see if there are any local animal charities which help people pay vet bills when they don't have a lot of money. good luck :)

Answer 7

I have had 14 cats over the years. I think first of all the cat has an urinary infection and also a hormone imbalance that will account for the hair problem. I had a persian cat that had the same problems. I am afraid that only a vet can help this cat.

Answer 8

Your friend's cat is ill. No one can tell you what is wrong with this cat without examining her and having the veterinary expertise to make an accurate assessment. She needs to be seen and treated by a veterinarian if she is to improve. If your friend is unable to afford the necessary care for an animal he probably should consider whether or not he should have any pets. It sounds as if he is barely able to take care of himself and probably should take the cat to the local humane society where she will sadly, more than likely be euthanized but which is worse; suffering a long slow death of cancer or feline leukemia or kidney failure or being humanely put down?

Answer 9

I Would Take The Cat To The Vet.

Answer 10

ur friend should probably not have changed the litter when the cat was so old (that's like 99 in cat years!!!)

i suggest going back to the old litter. if she doesn't improve take her to the vet