I have a female seventeen year old cat, which is an American shorthair, named Rose. She has been peeing on the floor in the laundry room and won't use the litterbox. My mom has just about had it. We had her tested for a urinary tract infection, but our vet said she didn't have it. Do you know what else might be going on?
By Kendal from Ennis, TX
Maybe she has joint issues and can't step in without being in pain. Or maybe she is just not fast enough to get in the box in time anymore. It may be frustrating, but she is not doing it on purpose. Maybe you could cut a part of the front edge out so she doesn't have to climb in, she can just walk. A small throw rug in front will catch litter that might fall out. (10/23/2009)
By Dave
Is the litterbox in the laundry room? I had a cat that kept going in the same spot no matter how we cleaned or tried to "redirect" the behavior, so I just put a litterbox there and haven't had any problems since. May not be ideal (ours is in the hallway), but if it's just age/behavior, it's the path of least resistance. Ah, the joy of cats.
By Amy
Your Rose is going through old age. I recommend that you find a box with a smaller lip on the sides so she can get in/out easier. Does she cry or stare at nothing, ie: walls/objects? I would get her thyroid checked by your veterinarian. Your Dr. should do a senior examination on her. Good luck with your lovely fur baby.
Sherri and Tucker (10/27/2009)
By Sherri
I use the large lid from a Rubbermaid storage container for my old cat, as she has trouble getting in and out of a litter box. I don't use litter, as she won't "go" on the lid if there is anything on it. I just wash it off after she uses it. It's old age, sad and for the people whose cats "go" on papers and/or plastic bags, put some papers or plastic bags on the lid and let the cat use them as litter. (10/27/2009)
By Dena Roberts
Is the box clean? We clean our cat's box in the mornings before breakfast and again before 9 pm at night. I guess what I am trying hard to get across is we clean "it" out every 10 to 12 hours. We have scoopable litter in our box which is a God send to me and them I think as our cats range in ages from 12 years, 14 years, and 17 years.
Good luck and keep us informed on what happens and I highly doubt that she is doing it on purpose either as cats are very, very clean. Really more so then human's I think. (10/27/2009)
By Paula Jo C.
(submitted via email)
I am glad you responded to my post. I worked for a veterinarian over 27 years and I know this to be a problem in older cats. A simple blood test called a t-4 can check for any problems with her thyroid. At her age I would not be surprised if there was a thyroid problem. She can be treated with medication and have lab tests done every few months to make sure her medication is working correctly.
By Sally
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