Litter box problems

[Carol A Teitler]

We are having problems with our 8 year old mixed breed altered male cat. He is not sick although he did have UTI (crystals) in the past. He will use the litter box and then for no apparent (to us) reason, he goes on the carpet in the living room. We tried putting his food right next to the spot he wets but that didn't stop him (not from eating or wetting). When all else failed, we tried keeping him in one room with his box and his food and he's doing fine! We are out of ideas as to what to do next. Anybody out there with a similar problem and solution? Right now we are treating the carpet with an enzyme cleaner but the smell is really awful. We love the cat and wouldn't get rid of him but we have to find a solution other than keeping him locked up! Anyone????

[jason]

has this cat been seen by a vet recently for another possible uti or more crystals? that needs to be determined, especially given the history.

[Carol Teitler]

Jason, thanks for responding. He is absolutely fine...now that we have him confined to one room, he's going in the box like a champ! Actually, he was using the box even when he used the carpet! It seems like he does it mostly at night, but he also did it during the day when we were outside in the backyard. There is a sliding door from the living room to the back that he can sit at and see us. As a precaution, we put him back on the Prescription Diet for crystals, but that doesn't seem to be his problem. Other than this, he's the best cat in the world. We wouldn't get rid of him but keeping him locked up is cruel and we can't have him going in the living room. We just don't know what to try next!

[Carol Teitler]

has this cat been seen by a vet recently for another possible uti or more crystals? that needs to be determined, especially given the history.

Jason, thanks for responding. I'm very new to this website so I answered you incorrectly. Please read my response as posted. Thanks, again!

[jason]

well, if you are positive no uti or crystal formation is present (the diet takes some time for effect and is mostly prevenitive form what i know and i would still recommend a drawing of urine from your vet to be 100% sure) then perhaps your kitty is protesting the litter or the box for some reason.

[kk]

Hi Carol,

You did not answer Jason's question as to has the cat been seen by a vet. I had a cat who had a UTI, and sometimes he would do things right, and others he did not. I had another cat who had both crystals and a UTI, and she her reaction was to sometimes hang out the opening in the box. Your cat is trying to tell you something. Do not ever assume your cat is fine, especially with your cat's history. It may or may not be crystals, but that is not the same thing as a UTI, or urinary tract infection. That would have to be treated with antibiotics. I strongly urge you to get your cat to the vet and get to the root of the problem. Let us know what the vet says...kk

[Carol A Teitler]

Neither the litter or the box have been changed in any way. Unfortunately, Brutus is a very, very bad traveler and we have a very hard time getting him to the vet. He travels in a carrier but will urinate, poop, and vomit in the short 10 minute ride. That's the only reason we don't rush him to a vet. Maybe that will be the only solution. Thanks for your help.

[jason]

Unfortunately, Brutus is a very, very bad traveler and we have a very hard time getting him to the vet.

well, the name is probably appropiate! anyhow, i can relate to the "travel to the vet" issue...mine dont react until they are out of the car....its that "from the car to the front door" that gives them the willies. rocky especially, actes like someone is poking a voodoo doll of him or something.

anyhow, as you stated...it is the only solution at this point. everything else is speculation and trial and error, brutus needs more proactive attention for the time being.

thanks for understanding, please do return and update us on his status...we all love happy endings.

[Carol A Teitler]

Thanks for your interest! We are starting with a urine analysis and then see where we are. At least I can do this at home (which I'm sure Brutus will greatly appreciate!) I'll get back to you and let you know what the latest situation is...

[Jen]

Getting the urinalysis is the best thing. He could be experiencing another problem or another TYPE of problem. For crystal formation you'd have to KEEP him on the presciption food, ALWAYS. But to show how it could be even a different problem, I had a cat peeing outside the litter box and he was diagnosed with diabetes. We would use the box but sometimes he could not make it to the box.
Now, if the cat IS healthy, try using feliway. This is especially good if the peeing is only at one spot. Use it regulary like the instructions will tell you, but it is highly effective.
Another thought is that he needs MORE litter boxes. Or would prefer a different location, a different litter, one with no scent, perhaps.
Good luck. will be waiting for an update.