geriatric cat

Question
Hi!
I have an 18 year old male persian/maine coon who is defecating in very strange locations.  Initially, we believed that he was constipated as he was attempting to go in his box but nothing happened, that however has since gotten better with the malt that the vet recommended (visit to the vet included x-rays where nothing was found).  He does on occasion have episodes of vomiting followed by defecating outside his box (usually with a small amount of diarrhea). He seems to go in cycles of using his box consistantly and then going anywhere but his box. What is most disturbing is that twice now he has defecated on our bed and then will actually sleep at the other end of the bed which seems unusual for a cat.  He is a much loved cat and I worry that he is trying to tell us something (in pain? although it doesn't appear that way; he is eating well and is very friendly).  Could it be kitty dementia?  Thanks.
Jacquie

Answer
Some of the problems may be related to cognitive dysfunction...i.e. alzheimers in pets that they "forget" where the box is...or it could be that he has some arthritis pain and can't always get into the box.

I would recommend adding a few extra boxes that are low and easy to get into and at locations where he is most often.

Make sure to feed him a good quality, all-natural diet that is free of meat by-products and preservatives.  A good one to try is Eagle Pack Hairball (Senior Formula would be excellent too), which will provide extra fiber and is a holistic food--my cats like it!  You can also supplement him with GINKO BILOBA--1/8 of human adult dose.

And, you can also try FELIWAY to help reduce any anxiety he may be having and this is also used for inappropriate elimination in cats.