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Expert: - 4/10/2008


Question
Karen,
I have two male cats.  13 years old.  Both have started to pee  
outside the litter box.  In our beds, bathmat and carpet.  Now they have started defecating in our beds.  We have had a full blood work-up done on both.  All is fine.  Their litter box is cleaned after every use.  I am losing my mind.  We live in Japan and will be moving back to the states in June.

Answer
Hi Lynn,

What were the blood tests for? If you cats have an Urinary Tract Infection it usually doesn't show up in bloodwork but in an urinalysis. This is usually done by catherizing the cat. Have them checked for this. An UTI is usually the number one problem for urinating outside the box. And if one smells the soiled area the other will copy. You need to get extra water in them. Start feeding them canned food . If you do already add about a tablespoon of water to the wet food and mix it in good. The most likely reason for defecating outside the box is that they are associating the box with pain. Hence the no go in the box.

It's time to do some spring cleaning. Get rid of your old litter boxes. Get new ones that are low to the ground so it's easier for them to climb in and out. I use this type. And instead of assembling it together I use the separate halves. I get two litter boxes from one.
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2755267


As cats get older they develop aches and pains like we do and it's hard for them to get into a high box. Change the litter you are using. If you can try a different type of scoopable. Try to get this product.  
http://www.nextag.com/cat-attract-litter-additive/search-html?nxtg=1a6c0a1c051c-...

It works great. I have used it myself in the past. Make sure you have used a cat urine odor remover to clean the areas the cats have used. You must make sure no odors remain or they will be attracted back to the same spot again. Have them checked for the UTI. I think if you do all this your problem should disappear. 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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