Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/24/2008

Question
My 9-year-old neutered Maine coon, Simon, has been going wherever he wants. He'll occasionally urinate wherever he wants, and he never goes poop in his litter box. Always on the floor. Anywhere in the house at all. We used to have a litter box in our computer room, but we moved it into our upstairs bathroom. Almost every day when I get home, there's a big pile somewhere in the house. We have another spayed female cat, Lucy. She hasn't had a problem. Its very frustrating, because my parents are completely set on getting rid of him if he doesn't quit. I have a feeling that he's mad we got rid of our first floor litter-box (he hardly ever heads upstairs), and is acting out. Is there any way to stop this behavior? I really would like a solution. Thanks.

Answer
Todd,

At 9 years old he may have a medical issue causing his behavior. One thing may be arthritis which will make climbing the stairs difficult and painful. I would move a litterbox (or two) downstairs as soon as possible. He may also have an intestinal problem or intestinal parasites. Too, as a cat ages, he can't 'hold' it like he used to and may not be able to get up the stairs in time.

You may want to take him to a vet that specifically deals with geriatric cats and their conditions (not all vets do). He needs to have an 'older cat checkup' to check the condition of his thyroid, liver, kidneys, etc. He can be given pain medication if he has arthritis. As a cat ages this checkup should be done about every 6-8 months. In doing that, a lot of age related problems can be caught early. They can be given treatment or medication that can continue their quality of life and ease any pain, and give you more time together.

At his age he can begin to have aging problems. It is not his fault that he is getting old. Your parents need to be understanding of this and not blame the cat. 9 is not that old (he is 52 years old in human years), but like some people, cats can start having age related problems early...cats after 7 years old.

Another thing is that older cats do not like changes in their routines and habits and will not understand or accept the litterbox being moved. He's a little yet, but cats also get a form of kitty Alzheimer's. He may 'forget' where the litterbox was moved to.

Being prepared and knowledgable about elderly cats will make things easier for the cat and for you. I am including some very good links about elderly cats. Copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar:

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html

http://www.messybeast.com/towards-end.htm

http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

I hope this is helpful.
Tabbi