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Question
We have a 17yo DLH who is in relatively good health. Over the past 12-18 mos he has started to use the catbox only to pee. We have tried everything we can think of to deter him from leaving us 'presents' on the carpet. It looks like he just stopped in his tracks and dropped his feces where ever he was standing. He received a clean bill of health from our vet last fall altho he is looking much frailer lately. We currently shut him in my bathroom overnight until he has used the catbox the next morning, then he is allowed into the rest of our apartment. He spends his days sleeping. Any suggestions? We are toying with the idea of putting him to sleep.
Hi Angela,
I would like you to try something as an experiment. This might solve your problem. He may be having pain when he uses the litter pan. And he may be associating the litter pan with his defecation pain. He could have arthritis which is hurting him.
I would like you to get a new litter pan. I use this one for my older cats. http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2751239&ab=hp_ln_cat
You might want to build a step up to it if he has trouble getting in it. Fill it with a soft scoopable litter. I also recommend this stuff.
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2751734&lmdn=Cat
Try this combo and see how he does. He should use this pan for his stools and the other for urinating.
He sounds like he is doing what any senior cat is doing otherwise. Try to have a little play time with him. It will help with his quality of life. Also ask your vet about giving him some glucosomine. He most likely has some arthritis and this will help. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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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