Box type, litter type, how many, and where you put them. This is the most common cat problem there is and the fix always turns out to be oddly specific to the house. If you solved it, say what you changed. If you haven't, say what you have already ruled out.
Want a licensed vet to look at this too? We will put it in front of the vets who answer here, and post their reply on this thread.
If your pet is using the bathroom outside of the box it is a great idea to take your pet in for an exam to rule out any underlying condition that may be causing accidents. For example, we ruled out a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis. If your veterinarian determines your pet is healthy and being picky here are some options. I typically recommend having one extra litter box per family. For example, if you have a four-cat family, a minimum of five litter boxes would be best. Each litter box should be in a different area of the living space. This can include a bathroom, laundry room, bedroom, open closet, or your cats preferred space. Most cats will use litter, however some do not like the feel. A puppy pad in the bottom of the pan may help those who do not like litter. If your cat is more kitten aged a litter attractant is a good option. If your cat is older or geriatric a low- rise pan is a good option. Arthritis may prevent older cats from wanting to jump into the box. I have a litter box placed near a Feliway wall plug in for my cat who likes Feliway. Change the litter frequently as well. I have one care who will not use a dirty litter box, so his is cleaned twice a day. If these over-the-counter solutions are not working, follow up with your veterinarian.
Written by a veterinary technician, not a licensed veterinarian, and without examining your pet. It is general information to help you decide what to do next: not a diagnosis, a treatment plan, or a prescription, and not intended to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Do not start, stop, or change any medication based on it. Your own veterinarian has examined your pet and knows their history, so ask them before acting on anything here. PawsRx has not checked this credential against a state register.
Community posts and replies are written by pet parents and independent veterinarians, not by PawsRx. We do not review, verify, or endorse them. Nothing here is a diagnosis or a substitute for examining your pet. For a medical concern, consult a licensed veterinarian. In an emergency, contact an emergency clinic immediately.
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