Cats with Litter Box Issues

[PeteM]

Our cats are getting older (they're both 16), and have had increasing trouble using their litter boxes. We've tried cleaning their litter box more regularly, and have used all kinds of sprays from pet stores to keep them from going in the same places in the house. Nothing has worked so far.

I have two questions. First, we'd like to limit where they can get to in the house without locking them in the basement. I was thinking of buying some of those retractable "child gates" that parents use to restrict where their kids can go in the house. I realize that cats can jump, but ours aren't as spry they used to be. I was also hoping that this may encourage them to go in their litter box if they can't into the closet, bedroom etc. where they want to go. I wondered if anyone has any thoughts as to how successful child gates is likely to be, or has other ideas about restricting their movements.

Second, has anyone had any luck with remedying this type of problem? As I said, we've tried spraying the areas that they make messes. We also have used a product called cat attract in their litter, and even (at our vet's recommendation) locked them in the bathroom while we were out of town for 5 days (they had someone checking in on them every day, showing them attention and refreshing their litter, food and water) but this didn't do any good.

Any advice regarding limiting their access and/or training techniques would be appreciated.

[special]

Hello and welcome to petlovers!

Have your cats been checked for health issues? Urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diabetes, to name just three, can cause incontinence problems. Arthritis, too.

If they have arthritis, they may have trouble getting to the boxes in time, or if it hurts them to squat they will blame the box and go elsewhere. They may have trouble getting IN the boxes.

There is a supplement called cosequin for cats that can greatly help with arthritis problems. It is not a pain med, it is a glucosamine, chonindrotin MSN supplement. (and it is good for bladder health)

My recommendations are:

complete blood work and urinalysis for both cats, to determine health status. Also have them evaluated for arthritis.

Low sided litter boxes, and a litter box in every room the cats live in, so they can get to them in time, and get into them easily.

Please do not isolate your senior cats in the basement or anywhere else. This is the age where they need you the most. They need your companionship and they need close observation to know if their health changes, which can happen very quickly.

[Akadma]

Just curious, how many litter boxes do you have? One per cat is always needed. I think like special said, health is the most likely reason.

Have you changed the type of litter your using? Has there been any dramatic change in the house or their lives? Are your cats spayed/neutered?

Oh, and fyi, those sprays to make pets not go potty in the house don't work. But vinigar, water, and a touch of bleach. Spray and scrub, then spray and let dry. Works well to remove the scent of where they had gone before which helps to deter them from going in the same spot.

[Dirky47]

Cats are really playful.

If it is Vet's recommended, then go for it! I'm sure its for good.

[PeteM]

Thanks for the all the responses.

Special, we have had them to the vet many times (we spend much more on their health care then our own ). They take arthritis and thyroid medication (not sure the names of the drugs), but still have problems.

I'll try the lower-sided boxes, though I think we have a pretty good variety.

Akadma, we'll keep experimenting with litters.

I wonder if their arthritis makes it difficult for them to walk the steps down to the baesment, where the litter is.

Also, does anyone have any thoughts on "baby gates"?

[special]

Originally Posted by PeteM

Thanks for the all the responses.

Special, we have had them to the vet many times (we spend much more on their health care then our own ). They take arthritis and thyroid medication (not sure the names of the drugs), but still have problems.

I'll try the lower-sided boxes, though I think we have a pretty good variety.

Akadma, we'll keep experimenting with litters.

I wonder if their arthritis makes it difficult for them to walk the steps down to the baesment, where the litter is.

Also, does anyone have any thoughts on "baby gates"?

Absolutely. The boxes should be moved up to the living level so the cats do not have to go up and down stairs any more. I did this for my senior lady. I hated having a litter box in my bathroom, but she deserved the special care in her last years and going up and down the stairs was just too hard on her. I gave her a specail low sided box, and the other cats knew it was her box only and never used it.

If stairs are causing them problems, they might be kept from certain areas by baby gates, on the other hand they may try to jump the gates and injure themselves. You could install a screen door instead. That's what I did, for when I am integrating a new kitty. I put a screen door in my bedroom doorway with hinges and a hook and eye to keep t closed when needed (I just keep it there) so they could all become acquainted safely.

Please don't use barriers to keep them isolated from the general living areas, though. Just to keep them out of other areas that are not commonly used. Really though if UTIs and kidney disease have been ruled out, I'm sure it's the location of the boxes causing the problem.

Giving them low sided boxes in an easily accessible area on the same level they live on, should solve it. (be sure to remove all traces pee in soiled areas with an enzyme cleaner to prevent them returning to those spots)

[Dirky47]

Well, you must keep on trying things for your pet. That's how the owner says the he/she loves her/his pet.