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Cats/Litter Box Issues

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Expert: - 2/17/2008


Question
Greetings,
It seems our cat is straying away from the litter box during her "solid waste" moments. She is about 13 years old. Five years ago my wife and I had our son and her behavior has been strange ever since. She never attacked him and she is still very loving but her litter habits have been horrible. She goes in his room, our room, next to the box, down the hallway...you get the picture. We keep the box clean daily but to no avail. I'm guessing this might be medical related due to the fact that she has had a significant weight loss. We clean every area with disinfectant to try to discourage her from going there but she still does. Do you have any recommendations or have you dealt with this before?
Thank You...

Answer
Hi Michael,

I would get her to the vet. Changes in litter box behavior are a good indication that she is sick. And coupled with her weight loss, she definitely needs to be checked over. You also need to clean the area she is using really good with an enzymatic cleaner to remove all odors there so she won't be tempted to use that area again. Here's a link for a really good product that also might help. You can get this stuff at Pet Smart. Good luck and let me know what the vet says.

http://www.preciouscat.com/

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.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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