Question:
I noticed last night for the first time my 10 yr old long hair cat meowing while trying to poop. It took him 3 attempts before relieving himself. This morning the same thing. We were away for a week and had someone else come in to care for him. For the past few months I have found hairball sausages in the hallway as well as he is started vomiting after eating for the first time each day (we thought he was just eating too much too quickly so we reduced the amount of dry food we give him and feed him more frequently). Right now if he keeps trying to go he leaves the litter box and tries any where he can. Can anyone help with some home remedies we can try to help him (funds are tight and vet fees are high).

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It's hard to diagnose anything on the internet. Can you call your vet and atleast ask them if they could advice you. It could be anything. Your vet may also accept a payment plan if you can't pay the whole thing. Whatever is wrong with your kitty sounds painful.
Your vet or technician will ask you the right questions that may lead to a solution. Good luck

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Just called the vet. They recommended a hairball gel with laxative for a day or two to see if this helps. Husband is picking it up now.

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I hope it works... . Please keep us updated.

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My cat had very similar symptoms when he was blocked with a large tumor in his intestinal tract. The vet I saw at the time suggested a bit of vaseline on the roof of his mouth and canned pumpkin in his food. I also was low on funds and had to borrow the money and go without food to pay for the visits. About four visits later the vet hadn't done bloodwork or found the tumor. If the symptoms persist after you try the remedies, I strongly recommend getting an x-ray and bloodwork done at a veterinary hospital ASAP. You will save a lot of money and heartache if you can find out what the problem is right away. Good luck. Please let us know how it goes.

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Do you give him canned food as well? Even a couple of tablespoons a day will help. Also try a can of sardines packed in oil (But don't give him all the oil at once).
I agree, don't let it go on too long. Apart from his distress, pooping outside the litterbox may become a habit
I think sometimes old kitties' digestion becomes a bit less efficient over time and adjustments have to be made. What dry food are you feeding now?

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If the gel doesn't work in a couple of days, you should probably take him to the vet. Constipation is very common in older cats, but it can mask other problems. keep us posted. -kb

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I agree with what Maya and everyone has said. Even though funds are tight, please try and find a way to get him to a vet. If the vet knows you quite often they will let you make payments.

Please keep us updated.

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It is with a very sad heart that I let you all know Gilbert passed away on Friday, September 8th. The gel did seem to help on Thursday, however, my son called me at work on Friday when he got home from school and said that Gilbert was screaming. We took him to the Emergency Animal Hospital right away and were informed that he had a fatal urinary infection/blockage (We had a previous cat years ago die from the same thing). They let us know that they were not sure that the treat required would even work and that he was in a great deal of pain. The discission was made to let him go.
It has not been a very good weekend at home as both my boys (13 and 10) have grown up with Gilbert. Thank you all for impute and help.

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I'm so sorry you had to go through this.
Please don't take this as criticism, it is NOT, but it occurred to me that constipation in cats, which comes up regularly on this site, may mask other things, as in Gilbert's case. I have definitely learned something.
It is not easy to figure out what is going on with our furry friends, they are secretive about their ailments and we often don't notice that things are going sideways until it's too late.
After everyone has recovered, you can take your boys to the local pound or a rescue and let them pick out a new friend. Since there is a terrible shortage of homes for cats, you will be transforming your loss into something positive.

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I am SO sorry, and my heartfelt condolences.

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I'm very sorry to hear the sad news of your loss. It's so difficult saying goodbye. With my last kitty I was very surprised how well he hid his pain. I always thought he'd tell me if he was sick because he was very vocal about other things, like if it was windy outside or he didn't like his food. Sometimes the hints are as subtle as a slight change in routine or a look in their eyes, which isn't always noticed in time.

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This is a picture of Gilbert

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