Cat Trouble

[maherjunkie]

Peeps, my cat won't use the litterbox. He prefers the basement. He is no baby but this has reached an intolerable point. Any ideas?

[Techguy]

Maherjunkie, how old is your cat and how long has it been since he has been to the vet? Has this problem come up recently or has it happened over time? Does you cat have a medical condition such as diabetes or developed a urinary tract infection? Have there been changes in the environment--addition of another cat to the household, change in type and/or location of the litter box--that could confuse or stress your cat? Without specific background information it's difficult to pinpoint an exact cause.

[maherjunkie]

He is five and it has been two years since he was examined, the last time they said to give him a tranquilizer before I brought him back next year.

There are no other cats. He used the box for a week as a kitten. I felt sorry for him not having anywhere to go so I let him play in the basement. Big mistake.

As far as I can tell he is healthy.

[Techguy]

Since he's a young cat and there haven't been any environmental stressors, letting him play in the basement might be the reason why he's going there. Have you tried putting a second litter box there and introducing him to the box? It might be a simple matter of providing an acceptable place for him to go when he's down there playing.

However, 2 years might be too long for a vet visit, just to be sure he's healthy as you think. Doesn't he need annual vaccinations? Be sure he's not overdue, even if it means tranquilizing him to make the vet visit as pleasant as possible for everyone.

[maherjunkie]

Oh I took him last year and they couldn't do anything with him so I have to sedate him this year.

He doesn't seem to fancy the litterbox anywhere but someone suggested filling it with dirt since that is what he is used to and trying a gradual transition.

His name is D'onofrio.

[Techguy]

Feb 2, 2010 16:16:18 GMT -5 maherjunkie said:

His name is D'onofrio.

Well no wonder he's a chameleon! He sounds like a real character...ACTOR!

Try the dirt, it couldn't hurt. If that fails, a vet visit might be necessary after all to rule out any physical problems. Stock up on kitty Prozac if that's what it takes.

[trisha]

I inherited an old cat with this problem years ago. I feel your pain.

You may have to force him to get used to using the box, and the only way to do that is to crate him so that he either poops in the box or where he sleeps. Put the crate *exactly* where you intend to keep the litter box. It's going to take at least a week of him living in the crate except when he is with you -- do not let him roam the house. If you can put the box in a room that can be shut up while you're not home, that would be ideal. After a week of being crated in that room, you can try removing the crate and letting him roam that room while leaving the litter box in the exact same place. If he poops outside of it, begin again. If he keeps using the box, then let him roam the house when you're home, but shut him up at night and when you're out. After a month of him consistantly using the box, you can begin letting him have more roaming time.

[maherjunkie]

Can I lock him in the room without the crate? I don't have one. Thanks for the tip.

[trisha]

You can try it without the crate. In that case, if he poops outside the box, try moving the box to that spot. If he poops outside of it again, you may have to borrow a crate from someone else to force him to use it. Ask dog owners you know who've had their dogs since they were puppies. Or try craigslist or an animal shelter.

Good luck

[maherjunkie]

D'onofrio is doing beautifully! (Usually) Now I know how the mother of an honor student feels. ;D