Diabetic Cat poops outside of box

[mikemckenney]

My 8 year old indoor black cat "Wolfgang" almost died from diabetes. It is under control now because we give him 12 units of insulin twice daily. But he is driving us crazy because at least once a week he will poop somewhere outside the 2 litter boxes we have. (They are cleaned twice daily). Today it was the couch! He recently had his anal glands drained - about 2 months ago. I am so frustrated that I am about to get a cage, and keep him locked up in there!
It seems like he is constipated sometimes, and strains when going to the bathroom. We give him laxatone daily. A few weeks ago we were giving him a laxitive from the vet.
He also seems constantly hungry and crys for food. He is 20 lbs, and we are trying to limit his food intake to 1/4 cup twice daily of Purina DM. If he eats too much he just gets sick and throws it up.
The frustrating think is that just when we think he is OK - Poop!! there he goes again. Is this a behavior problem or medical?
Any sugestions on what to do? We are at our wit's end! Our other cat doesn't give us these problems!
Thanks,
Mike

[Traci]

Since he is already diagnosed with diabetes, you don't want to assume this is behavior-related only. The appropriate thing to do is get him checked by your vet to ensure that other health conditions are not going undetected. In any cat with a primary health condition, there is always the potential of any secondary health condition surfacing, getting those possiblities ruled out ASAP should be your number one concern. It may have nothing to do with the diabetes or the insulin, etc, but it might be another condition or problem altogether.

When was his last glucose curve, and when was his last urinalysis and full blood chemistry profile? If it's been a year or more, it's time to get this done right away. Discuss the constipation concern with your vet, it could be that he is unable to metabolize the diet or is dehydrated, could have an inflammatory condition surfacing, etc. Discuss also the DM diet, recheck his weight, and explain your concern that your kitty seems hungry all the time, it could be that his insulin needs adjusting or the feeding amounts adjusted slightly.

Please be patient with your kitty.....most elimination behaviors are kitty's way of getting your attention to another matter, such as a health condition or a stressful environment. Remember, if you are stressed, he is going to recognize this and sense your stress and he will react to it. Get him checked with your vet first and foremost, then concentrate on the environment and minimize any stressful potentials, investigate the litterbox, brand, type and placement of the box, etc etc.