toileting problem

Question
Dear Tabbi,
Our cat, Fiona, is a long haired Maine Coon.  She is about 10 years old and seems to be in good health.  But every once in awhile she will use her box and come out with part or all of her stool stuck to her.  We give her Petromalt everyday and brush her often.  My question is; is this a medical or feeding problem or a matter of her long fir. This has not always been a problem and has actually started about a year ago.  We have cut the fir somewhat shorter but she still had the problem yesterday.  She eats good quality food but we wonder if there isn't a supplement that would help, perhaps her stools are to dry. I thank you in advance for your thoughts.
Lee

Answer
Lee,

Your cat is approx. 56 years old in human years. Her balance is probably not as good as it used to be and she is squatting too close to the litterbox. Keep her fur trimmed back as close as possible.

An elderly cat also needs a different diet than a younger cat. Their needs change as they get older. . To get the correct food I would go to a vet's office or PetSmart, etc. and get a high quality cat food made for the older cat.

Here are some links that you may find helpful about the older cat: (copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/seniorcat.html

I hope this helps.
Tabbi