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My overweight cat has diarrhea and poops outside litter box. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 years and 8 months old

I have an over weight cat who gets occasional diarrhea and does it outside the litter box, what could be the cause?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 13th, 2017

If Daisy is otherwise well, I would be concerned the most likely cause is a gastrointestinal parasite. This can be simply treated with a broad spectrum worming treatment sold at your vet or most pet stores. Here is a link to one; Www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3464 You might also want to consider changing Daisy's food to a lower calorie option to help with weight loss. Www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27103

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi and thank you for your post. There are lots of causes to occasional diarrhea. Endocrine disorders such as diabetes can cause diarrhea, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease or food allergies would be potential causes. Discomfort in and around the litter box can cause cats to defecate or urinate outside the litter box as they associate the discomfort with the litter box. You may wan tot take Daisy to her veterinarian soon to ensure the above possibilities are ruled out. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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