I have a cat that is about 8 years old and he not using the litter box any more. We did move him about 2 months ago to a different house and he was fine. There is another cat inside the new house that always wants to play. We spray the kitten with water to let him know not to bother the 8 year old cat and then usually let the kitten go outside and run around. I would like to know if there is anything that can be done with the older cat to make him use the box again.
2007-07-19 07:20:46 · 12 answers · asked by littleangel725 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Stress can cause behavioral problems, especially in older cats. I would ask your vet. You probably need to get your pet's urine tested for crystals. If it turns out to be a behavioral problem, there is Amytripptyline to take the edge off of her for a few days. There is also Feliway, which is a pheremone spray you can try spraying around your house.
2007-07-19 07:31:40 · answer #1 · answered by Jaime B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you want to make sure there's not an under lying problem like a UTI or even stones. It's more prominent in male cats. If you that out and it's a behavioral problem then there's a couple things you can do. They have a litter additive like cat attract at pet supply stores that is supposed to help get your cat back to the litter box. Sometimes if he has a certain place that he goes you can move the litter box to that area and then slowly move it back to where you want it. Or he might want it in a more private area, or even multi litter boxes for a multi cat home might help. Sometimes even giving him his own space like a laundry room or bedroom(depending on how much space you have) and putting a litter box in there to get him used to it again; then letting him back into the whole house. If none of these work I would call your vet for some more helpful ideas.
2007-07-19 07:37:10 · answer #2 · answered by bigmomma2323 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With two cats, you need more than one litter box and I hope you have that. And it is best not to put them side by side, as there may be an ambush game being played. That would cause your older cat to associate the litter box with something unpleasant.
The other thing is to have your older cat checked by the vet. There may be a medical problem. For instance, arthritis can be painful, and using the litter box could cause him to associate the litter box with pain.
There is another possibility and that is to get a same age kitten to associate with the kitten. They generally will take out their energy on each other, allowing your older cat to adjust to the new situation.
After losing my oldest cat to disease complications, I got two near-age kittens, and my older cat (who was 7 years older than the kittens) adjusted well, since the kittens took out the energy on each other.
2007-07-19 07:32:30 · answer #3 · answered by cat lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, it may be because of the kitten so you could try getting a separate litter box.
OR
Your older cat may have a urinary infection. When cats get this (and it is common in adult males) it can be painful when they urinate. They begin to associate this pain with the litter box and so will not use it anymore.
Call your vet and let him know what is going on. He can do a simple test to see if it is an infection and it can easily be taken care of.
2007-07-19 07:35:21 · answer #4 · answered by star 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may sound silly, but pick up his poo and put it in the box and put it near where he likes to sit... this worked for my cat, bacause he 'pottied' in the same spot all the time. After he starts using it (hopefully) put it in a different place you want it and pick him up and show him. Or just get him a diper, and change it. If you cant find any for cats, just pick out small dogs pair. or make him an outside cat.
2007-07-19 07:31:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A second box could work wonders. If he's been ambushed inside the box by the kitten, he would resist using it, ESPECIALLY if it was a covered box. We had one of ours terrified to go into it because she'd be ambushed coming out.
A second box, with no cover, in a different area, would give him the calm area he's looking for.
2007-07-19 12:46:29 · answer #6 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a box just for the older cat. ,an you may have to change the litter brand.
2007-07-19 07:34:16 · answer #7 · answered by juniper 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh Oh Oh pick me I know I know!! It is a teritorial thing. Try and keep clothes and things off the floor. Izzy, our cat "goes" EVERYWHERE. She has gotten alot better after we all(in our house) Cleand our room. If their is a commen spot their are 2 options. Either put a new little box thier, OR put a chair or couch thier and do a little re-arranging. Becuse if it is old, it knows not to "go" on the furniture,
2007-07-19 07:25:45 · answer #8 · answered by maemae 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cats are in basic terms having a territorial dispute. user-friendly answer is to purchase yet another muddle container because of the fact the counseled muddle container variety could be one greater desirable than the style of cats, so needless to say it is not sufficient. attempt to discover some area for yet another muddle container. The water spray approach would paintings in case you attempt no longer worry-free sufficient. and you may attempt to distract your youthful cat via fiddling with him while the older cat is going to muddle container. Then after that advantages him with something superb so he will endure in techniques that fiddling with you collectively as the older cat is going to the muddle container is agreeable.
2016-11-09 22:04:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
8 years old is not old for a cat.Cats play at all different ages and at different times. Put the 8 year old cat out side if he can go out side. You can bring him in when it gets late.Cat urine stinks so bad. I fill for you Good luck....
2007-07-19 07:27:36 · answer #10 · answered by Tina the cat lover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋