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Expert: - 11/3/2008


Question
Hi Karen.  I have a Russian blue cat that I got from the pound as a "young adult" 18 years ago.  While he has definatly aged, he is still pretty spunky!  My problem is that he has recently (over the past few months) started to use my living room carpet or my pillows instead of the litter box.  

This is only occasional, maybe once a day at the very most.  I have had him checked for urinary tract disease and renal failure, but my vet says he's healthy, aside from his vision and hearing starting to go.

I worry that he might be getting senile.  Is that possible, and would I see other signs that you know of?  Or is there another cause to this behavior?  Do you know of anything I can do about it?  I love my cat and I think he still has a few years left, but I don't want my carpet to be ruined either!

Answer
Hi Carina,

You have an elder cat. They have special needs as they get older. Here's a few things you can do to help him out. Get a low sided litter box. He may have trouble because of arthritis getting in and out of a high sided box. I actually use a dog litter box for a couple of mine.

Change the litter to a softer feeling type. He may be getting sensitive on his feet. Try using this stuff. http://www.preciouscat.com/
It has a special odor attractant to entice him to the litter box.
Put a least one or two more boxes around for him. He may not be able to hold it as long or have a harder time making it to the box.

Make sure you clean the area he has been using with a good enzymatic cat urine cleaner. This is so he won't be attracted back to the area again. Here's a link that has some great info on what to watch for in your old man.
http://www.2ndchance.info/olderpet.htm

Hope these suggestions work for you. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen  

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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