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 #1773170


ComaBlack
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 Is something wrong?

Kind of a weird question, but I didn’t know where else to go to find out how to correct it..
My cat (seven years old) has always used the litter box, you know, correctly. But now just recently, she barely uses it at all! She never goes inside the box, it’s always directly next to the box, on the floor. Mind you she maybe goes in the box just once then decides it’s time to start going on the floor. We’re moving in the next month or two, and this definitely isn’t going in her favor of my parents wanting to bring her along with us. What’s wrong?
06/25/08  11:54am

 #1773218


Angelkitty
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   Message To: ComaBlack   In reference to Message Id: 1773170


 Is something wrong?

I do not want to alarm you or anything but I would take her to a vet. My cat starting doing this and we found out she had renal (kidney) failure and unfortunately she got so sick and had to be put to sleep. There are a couple of reasons why cats do not use litter boxes: renal failure, diabetes, bladder/urinary infection, recent household changes such as a new cat, litter box moved, etc or it could be behavioral. I would definitely consult a vet cause it could be a urinary infection and that is easily cured. Keep us posted.
Angel



06/25/08  12:48pm

 #1773364


KrazyKelli
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   Message To: Angelkitty   In reference to Message Id: 1773218


 Is something wrong?

I would also recommend you see a vet to rule out what Ak brought up last post. If it isn’t a health issue, then consider what type of litter you’re using or the current circumstances the cat is in (ie, if there are any major changes going around). Sometimes it isn’t a health issue and is, instead, simply a new brand or type of litter that the cat hates. Most cats despise pellet litters such as Feline Pine and some don’t approve of strong-perfumed litters or non-clay ones. If you’re using regular clay or scoopable, make sure it’s low in the box, since some cats do not feel comfortable when they cannot touch the bottom. You can also use regular play sand or dirt. Try to scoop the box once or twice a day, if you aren’t already, and see if that changes anything.

Right now, and this is only if the cat doesn’t have a health issue, I recommend cleaning the box entirely and putting in some fresh litter.

If it isn’t the litter and isn’t the health problem, the cat is probably upset that you’re planning to move. It can sense or see the changes and doesn’t approve of them.
06/25/08  04:08pm

 #1773871


Turtlemom
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   Message To: KrazyKelli   In reference to Message Id: 1773364


 Is something wrong?

Definitely get your kitty to a vet ASAP to rule out a UTI. If left untreated can cause more serious (and expensive) problems.

But, if you’re getting ready to move and getting rid of and packing things remember that most cats just don’t like change. And when cats get pissed off. you get pissed on! Even subtle changes in their environment is enough to set them off. School is out......is the household schedule different now? Has the furniture been moved? Is there any new addition or has anyone (or thing) left? Did you change your kittie’s litter, food, dishes etc...? What may seem like a minor, insignificant difference to you can be a really big deal to the cat. Think about when the "out of box experiences" started, and try to remember if it correlates with anything different happening in the house.

I’ve had cats who wouldn’t touch the litter, they balance on the rim of the box and sometimes miss. :( One I have now isn’t done in the litter box until half the litter is on the floor. I solved both problems when I discovered that a standard size box fits perfectly when placed sideways in the back of a large plastic dog crate. No more litter or other unmentionables on the floor! Maybe something to consider if your parents are thinking of not taking the cat when you move.

Good luck, I hope this all works out. Kitty is trying to tell you something, your job is to figure out what that is.



06/26/08  12:03am

 #1778860


ComaBlack
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   Message To: Turtlemom   In reference to Message Id: 1773871


 Is something wrong?

Gonna be honest, I freaked out a little when you guys mentioned a UTI/kidney infection. I talked to my dad about it and he said he’s gonna try changing the litter and see if that changes anything. But if there was an infection, wouldn’t she appear to be in pain? She seems fine.
06/30/08  06:00pm

 #1778979


KrazyKelli
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   Message To: ComaBlack   In reference to Message Id: 1778860


 Is something wrong?

Cats, as well as most pets, hide pain. They’ll hide it until it’s either too late or they are in extreme unending agony. It’s part of the wild trait. After all, if they showed weakness in the wild they’d be killed on the spot.

So therefore it’s best to have a vet see what the problem is before it gets too out of control than after.
06/30/08  08:05pm


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