Quote Originally Posted by mmgregorio View Post
Hi. My cat runs like crazy before and after he poops. I've taken him to the vet and she says it's normal, but sometimes I think that he might be in pain or something like that, because he meows a lot before and after too. Also, he jumps into furniture, walls, etc. He really gets "wild".

Is this normal? If not, what could be causing this? Is any exam that could proof that everything's ok with him?

Thanks!

Maria
Hi Maria! I thought I'd chime in with some ideas here. First of all, I think this behavior would be worth mentioning to your vet again and making sure you emphasize that this concerns you and you want to actively look into it. My guess is that your vet simply wanted to reassure you that a cat who gets a bit wild after pooping is not abnormal. However, what you are describing sounds a bit more serious and more importantly is concerning to you. You know your kitty best!

I think your suggestion that he is possibly in pain is very astute. Cats get osteoarthritis just like dogs, people and most animals that make it to a geriatric age, so that is a possibility, especially if your cat is older. I happen to think it is underdiagnosed in cats. How old he? Also, has he always done this or has this pattern emerged more recently?

Another idea. It can sometimes be hard for vets to diagnose things based on an owner's description alone, so if you could get a video of your cat doing these behaviors that would probably help your vet understand what you are seeing better than anything. Maybe your digital camera can take short videos? 30 seconds or so would be really helpful.

Anyway, hope that helps!
Kater