Is Your Senior Cat Not Using the Litter Box? Here’s What To Do
As cats age, it’s not uncommon for strange issues to suddenly pop up, such as a senior cat pooping outside the litter box, or an elderly cat peeing over the edge of the litter box–which is why we’re offering our top tips to help. The first and most important tip we can offer you? Schedule an appointment with your cat’s veterinarian. Any time you’re concerned about your cat’s health and behavior, your vet is the best resource for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that truly helps. And that includes changes in litter box behavior. A sudden change in behavior—like an elderly cat pooping on the floor—can be a small hint of a larger issue, says Jackson Galaxy, a cat behavior and wellness expert, host of Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell,” and a New York Times best-selling author. “If your cat starts doing things [they] never did before, such as avoiding the litter box, go to the vet. Don’t bother Googling or asking friends—just go to the vet,” Galaxy says. This also applies if you suspect your cat has stopped peeing entirely. Cats are experts at hiding medical issues. That’s why we strongly recommend seeing your vet for litter box problems. There may be a simple solution, but you’ll only know after a professional exam. During the appointment, your vet’s team will discuss your cat’s behavior and run different tests based on your cat’s specific condition. This effort may indicate an underlying medical issue in your pet. If so, your vet’s team will work with you on the best course of treatment.,Jump to section What Should I Do If My Senior Cat Stops Using the Litter Box? Why Is My Senior Cat No Longer Using the Litter Box? What’s the Best Litter Box (And Litter) for Senior Cats? How Else Can I Help My Elderly Cat Stop Peeing and Pooping Outside the Litter Box?










