Expert: Jessica - 11/5/2009

Question
My six year old cat has always had the occasional "accident" outside her box.  Then a couple of months ago she began going on our living room couch and a certain area in our basement.  Since then, we put a second litter box where she was going in the basement.  Everything was fine for a while.  Now she is going on our bathroom rugs and our bed, several times a day.  She has always had loose stool.  This hasn't changed and we haven't changed her food.  I am at my wits end.  I can't afford to take her to the vet for a bunch of tests.  Her sister seems fine.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Jen.  You could try a litter called Cat Attract, formulated with an herbal attractant by a veterinarian to encourage cats to use the litter box.  100% litter box usage is guaranteed, or your money back.  There is also a Cat Attract additive if you prefer to use your own litter, but it must only be used with unscented clumping litter.  Find a retailer at www.preciouscat.com  The additive is also available to order several places online.

However, I think the loose stools could be a real issue for her.  This is a major cause of litter box issues.  Diarrhea doesn't usually mean a battery of tests must be run at the vet.  Most vets will start with a conservative approach of a dewormer along with an antibiotic that targets common gastrointestinal germs.  If those don't work, then you won't be out a great deal of money, but you will have given her a shot at some treatment.

Something else to consider may be a gradual change of food.  Many cats are intolerant to corn, found in most cat foods.  Wheat (flour) is another product that can be very tough on the stomach.  If these are on your cat's food label, consider switching to a chicken and rice formula, or even a grain-free diet, which is less likely to cause stomach upset.  

I hope everything works out.

Jessica