Expert: Jennifer Fry - 4/14/2004

Question
Hi,
I have a nutered male cat age 8yrs. He's not been using his litterbox. He's had urinary tract infections in the past and done the same thing. I've taken him to the vet twice. 1st time prescribed batril did not work,2nd time clavamox 62.5mg twice a day he's still having a problem.  I have also got clavamox 125mg can I give this to him twice aday instead of 62.5mg. he weighs approx.10pounds

Thank You,
Christi Longshore


Answer
Most male cats do not usually get urinary tract infections.  Did the vet mention anything about CRYSTALS?  If so, then your cat should be on a prescription urinary diet to dissolve those crystals.  Has he had a bladder x-ray to check for stones?  If not, I would recommend it.  Was his urine ever cultured?  If not, that would be a good thing to do to see if he indeed does have a UTI.

The other thing is to make sure to have ONE MORE box than the number of cats in the house.  Scoop them out DAILY.  Make sure the box is in a quiet, easy-accesible location and that the food and water dishes are far away from the box.

Consider getting FELIWAY to help reduce stress and anxiety.  And there is also a new litter called CAT ATTRACT (www.preciouscat.com) that helps cats use the box.

Five steps to solving litter box problems from the above website....

1. Replace Your Current Litter With Cat Attract™
Unfortunately, cats don't buy their own litter. If they could, they would buy a litter that has an outdoors-natural scent, like your freshly turned garden. Cat Attract™ is the answer. It has a unique herbal scent that attracts their curiosity and the right texture for their paws. Although you may not be aware of Cat Attract's scent, your cat will.


2. Freshen Up
You don't like a dirty bathroom, and neither does your cat. Their sense of smell is 1000 times better than yours, so clean the litter box and refill with Cat Attract™. Remove feces and urine clumps daily. If your cat does not respond to a clean litter box, you may need to replace it. Some old boxes are scratched and permeated with a scent your cat may find offensive. Replace it and set up a second litter box in different area. Having one more litter box than you have cats is a good idea.


3. Destroy the Evidence!
Once a cat has marked an area with urine or feces, problem cats naturally regard it as an appropriate area for relieving themselves.
Do all that you can to eliminate any trace of odor from the "trouble spot." Clean it thoroughly with a liquid enzymatic odor cleaner. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which actually contribute to the problem because of their urine like scent. Try to keep your cat away from the trouble spot by covering the area with a plastic carpet runner, spike side up, or tin foil (cats dislike the feel of foil). A lemon scented air freshener will also help in both repelling the cat and neutralizing the odor.
If your cat still can't resist the area, try placing its food there; cats are unlikely to urinate or defecate where they eat. Try using your cat's own fragrance to your advantage: rub a cloth between your cat's eye and ear to pick up its scent, then rub the cloth over the problem area. Recognizing its own scent on the carpet, floor, or furniture, a cat may be reluctant to soil the area again. Do this two to three times a day to be most effective.


4. Consider a Litter Box Makeover
Hooded litter boxes are for owners, not cats. Try removing the hood and rethink the location of the boxes. They should be in quiet, out-of-the-way places with convenient access for your cats, but no access for the family dog (some dogs will stay around a litter box and make the cat nervous).Keep the boxes away from bright lights, loud noises, and vibrations from washing machines or furnaces. Set up one more box than you have cats in your household to cut down on traffic and mess. If your house has several floors, have a box on each level for your cat's convenience. Finally, do not put a litter box near the cat's food dishes – this is no more appealing for a kitty than it would be for you!


5. Treat Your Cat to Some R&R
Stress is a leading cause of litter box problems. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to ease your cat's worried mind. Territorial by nature, cats need to feel secure in their environment in order to relax. In multiple cat households, make sure each cat has a separate "zone" with its own food, water, litter box, and a safe, elevated perch for relaxing. Thermal Kitty heated beds and carpeted Cat Condos make excellent retreats for your stressed feline. Play with your cat for at least 15 minutes every day, making sure he has plenty of toys to stalk and chase.


125 mg of Clavamox is TOO STRONG for a cat and it is likely the antibiotics won't help because there is either an environmental issue or another medical problem.