Feline Diabetes & Fecal Incontinence

Loss of bowel control (fecal incontinence) is not a normal symptom of feline diabetes, according to Holly Nash, DVM. But a cat becoming too tired to clean itself can be a sign of advanced diabetes in cats.

  1. Weight

    • Obese cats are prone to getting diabetes. Obese cats also may have problems grooming themselves because of their weight, so they may trail feces behind them after using the litter box according to Eric Barchas, DVM.

    Age

    • Fecal incontinence is common with cats in old age, according to Cornell University. Diabetes. It also happens to older cats more than younger cats, so a cat may lose bowel control due to old age, but not necessarily because of the diabetes.

    Complications

    • Urinary incontinence is a normal symptom of feline diabetes because of the cat's insatiable thirst, according to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." Losing control of the bladder may affect loss of bowel control.

    Appetite

    • Another normal early symptom of feline diabetes is a large increase in their appetite as well as their thirst. This increase in eating means that the cat will need to defecate more often and, if old, obese or has arthritis, may not make it to the litter box in time.

    Warning

    • Any cat that suddenly loses bowel control is in need of immediate medical attention, according to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." Fecal incontinence could be a sign of internal injury, a nerve problem or can happen if the cat has a seizure.