litterbox issues...yup! another one!

[Le'A]

I'm a cross over lurker from the dog board but have a question. I know the issue has been "done to death," but wonder if someone might have some insight that I am lacking! I have a 13 year old spayed Siamese that we've had since she was 8 weeks old. We also have 5 dogs and the meezer is fine with this...she actually likes dogs. The meezer has developed arthritis in one shoulder that is manageable, but definately slows her down. We brought home a new kitty in January, a spayed rescue about 5 mos. old. There was the usual hissing, etc., but they've settled down and actually sleep next to each other sometimes.

Now for the problem! For as long as we've had her, the meezer would let us know if her litterbox got a bit messy by having accidents. These were rare, and quite frankly my fault because I neglected the litterbox. When we added the new kitty, we also added a new box, but we are having more and more accidents. On my bed, no less. Now, I am pretty patient, but the meezer is peeing and pooping on my bed about 2 or 3 times a week? Luckily, she doesn't produce a large volume of waste so it only impacts the sheets, bedspread and mattress cover, which are being washed now very, very frequently. Ugh....

I will be taking her to the vet this week, but don't think they'll find anything because she had a complete work up 1.5 months ago. At that time she was very ill and sick all over the house...and yup, my bed again. Her bloodwork was fine, and after a course of antibiotics, she perked back up. Soooooooo....any ideas? I don't know if it's the stress over the new kitty or not. But I really don't like the idea of rehoming the new kitty either. They don't fight and do spend a good deal of time together. There is a litterbox about 8 feet from my bed and she had the last accident when the box was freshly cleaned. We have a screened in porch that I could put her on during the summer/winter/spring, but there is furniture there and if she starts having accidents on it, that won't work. I really don't know what to do! I love this cat, but can't live with all of the accidents. I have a pretty high tolerance for messes, etc., with all of the dogs, but have to admit, that they don't go on the bed. She's rather clueless about the outdoors and has only been outside overnight twice when she got out by mistake. I don't think that, at age 13, she could make the transition well. Not to mention the fact that we have foxes, etc., that live around here and coyotes.

Any suggestions? She is the "grand dame" of the household and I want her to live out her years in happiness and comfort...but not at the expense of my bed and furniture!

Thanks!

[Traci]

Two things, very important: Have your vet determine her arthritis extent (followup with thorough radiography), and talk about things you can help with that (i.e., cosequin for cats, fleecy and warm bed, warmth and heat can really do wonders for an arthritic pet). Arthritic conditions can fast deteriorate and cause a great deal of pain, so a pain issue could be part of the reason she isn't making it to her box.....Second, ask your vet to thoroughly examine her eyesight and hearing capabilities. The latter can occur unbeknownst to you, and hence, cause litterbox aversion simply out of frustration or inability to get to it in a quick and comfortable manner. Also, consider getting a new box that is not as deep, especially if she finds it painful to step in and out of it. Maybe even consider a pet ramp for her to get up and down from your bed, making it easier for her to get to her litterbox when needed. Also, you can break down and put puppy piddle-pads on your bed where she sleeps and cover them with a soft towel for her to lay on, this would make cleaning up much easier (in the unusual event she may not have control of her bowels or bladder)

As an added measure, rule out stress, any changes since her last checkup, in her environment, your own stress, etc. can cause litterbox aversion as well. You didn't say what condition she had recently that caused her illness, but if it is a condition that needs to be monitored, bloodwork followup just might be warranted. A secondary condition can always crop up as well, don't mistake the elimination problem for a potential secondary health issue.

[Susan and the girls]

I agree with Traci and I'd like to add that I think you're wise to rule out the possibility of putting her outside. It sounds like the indoors is a much better/safer place for her given her age and arthritis.

I, too, wonder if the stress of the new kitty has contributed to the problem. If the accidents never occurred prior to getting new kitty, then that is definitely a possibility. Remember, you don't always "see" the stress they're under. Sometimes even the slightest change in routine can stress a cat.

But I do hope it's not stress about the new kitty. I'm like you - I wouldn't want to give either up. I hope you can get this resolved quickly! It's not fun cleaning up messes - especially those on YOUR bed!!