I have a female cat who is bout 16yrs old, she has always used her kitty litter all her life and has only gone on the floor if its full or not there but over the last 6months she will only go once if any at all in the tray no matter how much i clean it i have used 3-4 different brands and types of litter and she still wont use it, i put newspaper down and she goes off to the side of it... its fully annoying me cause you i have to scrub it off the floor at least 2 times a day.... wot can i do???????
2006-10-23 14:23:24 · 10 answers · asked by sam 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Sounds to me like she may have a medical problem. Call your vet asap.
Cats are pretty easy to tell if something is wrong....their behaviour gives them
away. Anytime they are acting out of character something is wrong. It may
just be that you have changed something, in their environment or in your
actions. Don't wait too long. Could be an infection in her kidneys.
2006-10-23 14:28:01 · answer #1 · answered by sunnymommy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats will do this for many reasons.
Just to name a few:
Change in litter.
Change of box location
Harsh cleaning materials used to clean box
Dietary change
Change in environment
Someone leaving or a new person there
New cat in the house
Not enough litter boxes for number of cats (there is supposed to be one for every cat.)
Arthritis if the box has to be climbed into
Illness
Unless there has been a change in the household, it sounds more like an illness to me. Cats at that age have a tendency to develop urinary tract infections, or kidney disease. These things will tend to make them use it else where. I am not sure why they do, it could be just trying to let you know, all I know is that they do.
I would take her to the vet asap. There is probably something wrong there.
If he gives her a clean bill of health then you could try sprays that repel that action in the areas she does it the most. And try putting it additional litter boxes around the house. Plus, use the brand she has always used her whole life and don't clean it TOO much. If they don't have a little of their scent in there, they won't use it at all. The best thing is to just scoop it daily and only rinse it out when you change it once a week. Don't take soap to it, they don't like that. Their scent is a territorial mark, if it's not there, then they don't think it's theirs. Especially as they get older since their memory is not quite as solid. And don't worry, this scent is only detectable to them, with regular scooping and changing, it won't smell up the house, trust me.
Either way, good luck. I hope my insight has been helpful.
2006-10-23 22:02:26 · answer #2 · answered by Laura 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considering the age of your cat, she could be having a urinary tract problem. I'd have her examined by a vet first to rule out any health issues.
If she checks out ok, try using a larger, taller litter box, sounds like she's just missing the box. Try using a larger tupperware container or something similar in size. With a larger box and taller sides, she'll be less likely to pee outside the box.
2006-10-23 21:32:49 · answer #3 · answered by trusport 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would definitely wonder about a kidney problem.
Also, I have a cat who will not use the box if I change litter. It HAS to be TIDY CATS. HE KNOWS the difference- ridiculous- but I am compliant because the options are pretty ugly!! You had mentioned that you changed the litter- that's what brought this to my mind.
2006-10-23 21:52:53 · answer #4 · answered by rottymom02 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely check with a vet, at that age its odd for her to have a sudden change of heart about the litter box. It could be a range of things wrong with her medically. It could be a small infection or a serious disease causing her to act this way. Good luck with your kitty!
2006-10-23 21:31:40 · answer #5 · answered by ChrissyLicious 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you cat is 16 years old, it may be having a hard time crawling into the littler box. I'm not sure, but it may be something to consider. :) He/She may be in pain, or just feel too old and lazy to crawl in. Watch and see if he/she crawls into or onto other things less often. If less, that may be the issue. Good luck!
2006-10-23 21:32:56 · answer #6 · answered by Val 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is time to get a new litter box. Could be there is such an odor build up to where she doesn't like the smell of it any more. If you wash it, be careful of the cleaners you use.
2006-10-23 21:30:17 · answer #7 · answered by wibiggurl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She is needing more attention. She is trying to get it . If You don't have time for her, adopt her out. If this isn't an option leave the T.V. on for her, Buy her a special pretty coller, a new pet bed, a new scratching post and or treats. Take her on fun strolls on weekends to let her know she is still loved. Hope this helps...I love cats!!!!! Jenny
2006-10-23 21:39:29 · answer #8 · answered by Jenny 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
she may have a urinary tract infection, need to take her to the vet. If it has been this long it could cause some big problems
2006-10-23 21:32:46 · answer #9 · answered by tera_duke 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rub her nose on the floor where she's going & put her in the box & tell her this is where U go. Or I suggest U put her outside till she learns 2 go back in the box that cat would be history 16yrs or not go in the box or see ya bye.Good Luck
2006-10-23 21:30:21 · answer #10 · answered by sugarbdp1 6 · 0⤊ 6⤋