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I have an eight year old Burmese cat that will not use the litter pan. She has always eliminated outside of the box but our household had a bad case of fleas last month in which my other two cats died. What could be wrong? She does eat wet/dry food and is drinking but wants to stay on a kitchen counter. She has her own litterpan with three pans available to use. She has been sleeping more since the other two cats died.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: cat Gender: Female Age: 8 Name of Cat: Mindy Already Tried: I have cleaned the litter pan and shown her that the pan has been cleaned. I talk to her about using the pan but do not scold her.
Welcome! I would be happy to assist you. I am a 2003 graduate from UC Davis and a Medical Director of a veterinarian practice.Hello, This is a problem that has persisted for quite awhile. First, we must distinguish between urine marking and inappropriate urination. If she is a spayed female, the likelihood she is trying to mark is unlikely.Inappropriate urination can be due to MANY MANY causes. The type of litter box, the type of litter, if the box was moved, stress (loss of companionship), new pets in house. lots of reasons!Options for treating inappropriate urination, assuming not due to systemic (internal) problems including infection:- All areas where your pet is urinating must be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner. Examples include:Nature’s MiracleUrineoffMistermax-You can apply double-sided tape to reduce your cat’s wanting to urinate in the area or place furniture in the way.-You can try to attract your cat more to the litter box by spraying feline pheromone in the litter box:Feliway SprayFrequently Asked Questions about FeliwayorPheromone Collar NurtureCalm-Sometimes, using a different type of litter can help. (Scented vs. unscented) (Clumping vs. non-clumping)-Always make sure there are more litter boxes. For one cat, there should be at least 2 litter boxes. If multiple cats, they each should have a litter box plus one extra. -Older cats can have a harder time with litter boxes that have a top on them or high sides. That is important to also keep in mind.-Other deterrents can include placing aluminum foil in the area of inappropriate urination. Inappropriate Urination in Cats-Lastly, work with your veterinarian. There are medications that can also be of benefit:Buspirone (Buspar)Fluoxetine (Reconcile / Prozac)Inappropriate Urination or DefecationThis is actually a complex question, but I hope you find the above info and suggestions helpful.Good Luck and please remember to provide a feedback rating.Dr. Andy Please remember to leave feedback by selecting a SMILEY FACE followed by “Submit”. If for any reason the rating box is not visible or you are unable to enter a rating, please send me a message. This is necessary, so I may receive credit from the website for my response, even if you are a subscribing member. Receiving bonuses is also greatly welcomed. This is meant to be a chat, and for this reason, it is very important that you respond using the REPLY TO EXPERT button if more information is needed BEFORE rating. Only rate my answer when you are finished replying. IF you feel the need to rate "bad" or "poor", please stop and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button. I would be happy to continue assisting further, and do everything I can to be of the greatest assistance. After we conclude this chat, I can be requested for additional questions through my profile. Join thousands of satisfied customers by adding me to your bookmarks/favorites at: Dr. Andy REMEMBER: Even after you submit feedback, you can still review our discussion or reply if needed. Unfortunately, I cannot legally prescribe medications or offer a definitive diagnosis without performing a physical examination, which is necessary to establish a client-patient-doctor relationship. Any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian. While information may be discussed, this is not intended as an encouragement for you to self treat your pet.
Experience: 2003 UC Davis Veterinary Grad
Thank you. I will try your suggestions. She is not dying, right?
I am not permitted...rephrase...I can't answer that question without my own examination as I am sure you can understand. It would be impossible for me to make that judgement call. Certainly, if she is eating, drinking, pooping and peeing. No breathing difficulty and not seeming in pain, a fatal condition would not be suspected at the moment. Dr. Andy