Pet medication - clomicalm vs amitriptyline?

Question

My five-year old male cat (we got him from the shelter a few months ago) has defecated just outside the litterbox since the day we brought him home. We've had him tested for a medical issue, and everything seems fine. The vet recommended clomicalm which he has been on for about two weeks now. This seemed to help a bit after a week, as he now actually uses the box to defecate all but once a day or so which is again about a foot away from the box. It was about three times a day before, so it is getting better. I've read that amitriptyline might be more effective and I'm wondering if I should mention it to the vet? He is fine in every other aspect, he is affectionate, playful etc., the only issue is defecating outside the box. He urinates in the box, so we know it isn't a litter brand issue. We've tried moving the boxes, adding boxes, changing brands of litter. We also clean the boxes at least three times daily. We are at our last hope with the medication...

Answer 1

Amitriptyline is used to treat certain behavior problems such as separation anxiety, fear of noises, urinating out of the litter box, spraying and anxiety in cats.

Your vet believes that all problems with your pet is related to anxiety.

The best drug of choice  - you cant say  (amitriptyline or clomipramine ) which is the better one and i suggest that its best to leave the decision to your vet ( would need a trial and error method to find out which med is more suited).

Your vet might also rule out other medical reasons - may prescribe a feliway diffuser  - and if all these does not solve the issue, please take your pet to a behavioral referral practice.

Answer 2

Is him defacating outside the box the issue or is he a seriously stressed cat?

I would start with the feliway diffusers.

It can do wonders with behavioral issues without the use of systemic drugs.

From how you describe him he doesn't sound that stressed and drugs should be last resort. Cats do not metabolize drugs easily so try feliway. If it continues to be a problem see a behaviorist before starting medications.

Answer 3

Since you have invested a lot of $$ with the vet and the drugs I suggest you go to: http://spiritessence.com and consider investing $75-100 in a behavioral consultation with Dr. Hovfe and her cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy.

They will help you come up with something (and maybe a flower essence combination) that will treat the problem without making a zoombie out of your cat and be much less expensive long-term.