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Cats/My cats not using the litter box

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Expert: - 9/7/2007


Question
someone droped off a cat at a farm and i took it cause it was declawed and fixed!! it is very friendly and loves everyone and anything..but it will not use the litter box, i have tryed differebt littler, paper and nothing work he will only go beside the litter bx every day!! i really need help cause i dont want to give him away!!

Answer
Hi Ashley,

Not using a litter box is usually a sign of something wrong with the cat. They are usually very clean. The tip off with him is that he is going beside the box. Get him checked by a vet. See if he has some arthritis. Cats with this usually do what your guy is doing. If it is arthritis you need to get a very low litter box. He can't climb into the one you have now.

This is one scenario that could be the problem with him. The vet would know for sure. Whatever the outcome, you have to clean the area he has been using with an enzymatic cleaner to get rid of all his odors so that he won't be attracted to use that area again. Good luck and let me know what the vet says. If nothing shows up I can help you further.

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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