My nine year old male has suddenly - within the last few days - decided that he doesn't need to use the litter pan anymore. I have found wet and solid messes several places throughout the apartment. He is not opposed to using the litter pan if I place him in it (I did this last night because he was wandering, and he immediately peed), and I have managed to impress upon him that he should at least go within the vicinity of the litter pan. When I woke up this morning there was a very large pile of poop right outside the litter pan. I have not changed his litter, though I did recently get a new, giant covered litter pan with a swinging door. He has used a smaller litter pan with a swinging door in the past, so I really don't know what the problem is with this one. A swinging door is NECESSARY, because Remington does not believe in covering his poop and he really stinks up the apartment. He's indoors strictly and no signs that he's sick. Any thoughts on how to retrain him? Thanks!
2007-01-04 01:03:19 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Thanks Ducky, unfortunately it isn't just wet messes. It's solid messes as well. He has always been very prone to "stressing out", and I did go to my parents for a few days this week, but I've left him alone before and this hasn't happened. It seems to be the new litter pan, but I can't figure out why. It's considerably larger than any litter pan he's had before and in the same place as the old litter pan. Thanks again!
2007-01-04 01:12:43 · update #1
The litter pan is very clean, Keith, but thanks. I scoop it out every day, every two days at the most, and I change the litter every two weeks.
2007-01-04 01:14:19 · update #2
Take the lid off the litter box. My daughters ex bought one and like you, we had messes all over the place. As soon as we took the lid off the "accidents" stopped. I know you are probably trying to give your cat some privacy, but try it for a few days without the lid. Then after a few days put the lid back on without the door. If it works that way give it a few days and then put the door back on. We had to train ours to use it that way.
2007-01-04 05:20:56 · answer #1 · answered by haveyarn2crochet 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any change in behaviour should always been checked by a Vet.
I know you say that he shows no signs of being sick, but cats more often than not will hide their illnessess...this is something my Vet told me.
He said that cats don't want to show any kind of weakness and will hide an illness sometimes until it's to late.
Even a sick cat will purr, not because it's happy but because it's trying to comfort itself.
The litter box might very well be the problem, it's possible that he prefers the small space rather than the larger one.
We have four cats, the three females prefer very large uncovered boxes while the male prefers a small covered box.
I clean litter boxes at the very least three times everyday, even though some of the covered ones have a filter on the lid they still hold the odor inside.
After saying all of that I think the first thing you should do is get him to the Vet, just to rule out any health problems.
Better to be safe than sorry.
Good luck, I hope it turns out to be something as simple as he just decided he doesn't like his new litter box.
2007-01-04 01:44:36 · answer #2 · answered by gracieandlizzie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've had cats all my life, and have referred to this website often, http://www.fanciers.com/cat-faqs/behavior.shtml#housetraining, regarding Problem Behaviors in Cats. You'll find a lot of very good information here, however, it would be wise to bring your cat to the vet anyway. Even if you don't see signs of illness in your pet, cats are very good at hiding their illnesses, often until it's too late. Best to er in the side of caution with this one. Of course, the simplest answer would be to try returning a litter pan similiar in size to the original and see what happens. It could just be a matter of preferance for this kitty of yours, and the most you're out is $15 - far better than a soiled carpet! Good luck!
2007-01-04 01:25:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anna 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you need to invest in the cat litter pan that sweeps it everytime he uses it. It helps mine loves it I think he was scared of the big swinging door. He did the same tell we went and got the new pan. Hope you get it figured out soon.
2007-01-04 03:24:27 · answer #4 · answered by buddy95 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hello
need to scoop take cat poop outside put in trash bag
and litter need to change every 3 weeks to 4 weeks
and put fresh litter every time it get low try tidy cats scoop
crystals blend it will help lot
need to wash the litter pan every month so cat can go in
to litter
2007-01-04 01:09:46 · answer #5 · answered by keithw4@verizon.net 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, i guess you could try placing a litter pan on the same spot he goes on. sometimes incontinence is a problem, the cant make it on time. buy a bunch of pans and place them all over and see how he does. good luck.
2007-01-04 02:21:09 · answer #6 · answered by glitter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is probably just incontinence, he is getting old and may be losing control of his bladder and can't control when or where he goes. take him to the vet for a check and see what the vet says.
2007-01-04 01:07:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
take your cat to the vet, it is VERY likely that he has a health issue!!!
2007-01-04 01:20:26 · answer #8 · answered by theoutcrop 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋