Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/5/2008

Question
My cat sometimes (much more lately) poops on the floor in the basement away from her liter box.  She is 12 years old, afraid of most people, is an indoor cat who meows often.  She is sweet, and comes to me when the kids are in bed.  My husband is ready to get rid of her because she poops in his workshop area!

Answer
Amy,

Your cat is approximately 64 years old in human years and unfortunately her behavior more than likely due to aging and the problems that come with it. At that age things start going out. She may have arthritis which is causing her pain, which would make her cry and make it hard to get in and out of the litterbox. She may also be losing some control of her bowels and can't get to the litterbox in time. Geriatric cats can also get a form of kitty Alzheimers. They frequently get more vocal because they are confused about the changes in their body and mind. Give the cats LOTS of reassurance and love. Don't ever get upset at the cat for getting old and any behavior or health related issues that results from it.

Anytime a cat's behavior changes you should take the cat to the vet for an exam, especially if the cat is elderly. She may be showing you something is wrong and she is upset, or it may be a medical issue and she can't help her behavior.

A 12 year old cat should not have go down any stairs to get to a litterbox. I would put one upstairs too.

You should take her to a vet that is knowledgeable about geriatric cats for an "older cat checkup" to check the function of her kidneys, thyroid, liver, etc. If she has arthritis he can give her pain medication to make her comfortable.

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

Tabbi