Why is my senior cat vomiting, having diarrhea, and not using the litter box?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and diarrhea can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Otto evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

I am sorry to hear about your kitty! If the food appears different than the one he normally eats it is possible that perhaps there is a different additive or food coloring that has upset his stomach (or is it possible it is a different flavor even though the brand is the same). We can see some pets have GI upset from quick changes in diet. That being said, we can also see diarrhea from other causes, including GI parasites, bacterial overgrowth, inflammatory bowel disease, as a symptom of systemic illness, and more. If he is still energetic with no vomiting you could try getting a probiotic from your vet or the pet store for him which can sometimes help with diarrhea and feeding something bland for a few days (such as plain white rice and shredded boiled chicken or lean ground chicken) or picking up the food you normally get at the pet store and trying this for a few days. If he is having urgency so often he isn't making it to the litterbox, however, it is quite possible he has colitis http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=677 and will likely need prescription medication to get the diarrhea under control, so the fastest solution to eliminating the problem is to have your vet examine him!

I am very sorry to hear that George is experiencing these problems, I am sure it is very unsettling for you both. There are a number of potential causes of such clinical signs, including dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, parasite infestation, infection, and ingestion of a toxin or poison. From what you are describing it seems likely that George has worms in his gastrointestinal tract, you can purchase a worming treatinent from the pet store or your veterinarian. Choose a broad spectrum. Because you have only noticed these signs over the course of a few days I would continue to monitor George at home. Rest George's gastrointestinal tract by holding back food for a few hours. Then you can continue with a bland and easily digested food of the boiled chicken breast and provide plenty of fresh water. If George does not improve, has profuse vomiting or diarrhoea, you notice fresh blood, George seems lethargic, in pain or depressed I would advise a trip to the veterinarian. Here are some links to helpful resources for you; https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/ I hope that answer was helpful and more importantly that George feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. Defecating outside of the litter box is usually a medical issue and can be linked to everything else going on. I recommend that you have Merlin evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Hello. I am afraid I need to disagree with you concerning George is not acting sick. He is the classic definition of a very sick cat. Vomiting, excessive water intake, eating strange material ( called pica ), & weight loss screams that poor George may have some serious issues going on. He really needs to be seen, & soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Hugo. Yes, I do recommend that he sees his veterinarian. The diarrhea can be a result of his underlying gastrointestinal disease or a separate new problem. He may have urinated outside of the box as he is not feeling well. I suspect his veterinarian will want to test both urine and fecal samples though to determine how best to treat him. I hope this information helps!

Poor kitty! In a 13 year old cat, I strongly suspect that she has a medical problem causing these issues. Some common possible causes would include hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to - he/she can do blood work and a urinalysis to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.