[mysugarbears]

I took my cat Molly to the vet today thinking she had a UTI because she's going outside of her box. I have switched boxes from hooded to non hooded, tried all the different litters out there and there haven't been any changes in the house. We have several boxes and keep them very clean and she will not go in the box at all even when it's just been changed. Well the vet checked her urine and checked her out thoroughly and she is very healthy and no UTI for which i'm very happy. The vet suggested that i keep her confined to a small area and start back with the basics litter box training 101. I'm thinking of keeping her in a huge wire crate, but i just hate the idea of her being crated. Any other suggestions out there? TIA

 

[Silkmalteselover]

Debbie I worked at vet hospital ? over 4 years. Does your vet sell a product called "cat attract" It is a ? powder that you put in cat litter to get them back to box. It may have other names from other companies. I will call my vet tomorrow and ask about it and send more info to you. We had many satisfied customers with this product. Hope all works out soon.. Jeanne

 

[mysugarbears]

Debbie I worked at vet hospital ? over 4 years. Does your vet sell a product called "cat attract" It is a ? powder that you put in cat litter to get them back to box. It may have other names from other companies. I will call my vet tomorrow and ask about it and send more info to you. We had many satisfied customers with this product. Hope all works out soon.. Jeanne

Thank you Jeanne, my vet didn't mention anything called "cat attract" or any kind of product like that. I really appreciate you checking for me. It's just so frustrating when there are no reasons for it medically. I wish she could tell me why she is doing this so i could fix it for her.

 

[mss]

I heard of that product, too, a few years ago, from someone who's involved in cat rescue!

Good luck!

 

[jmm]

The powder is worth a shot. We use to sell one called Litter Magnet.
I would have one more box than you have cats (so 2 boxes per cat). If you have a multilevel home the boxes should be on multiple levels. Have different style boxes with different litters.
Get some Feliway spray and spray by the boxes daily. A difuser by the boxes is a good idea, too.
Confining the cat is not a horrible thing. Some cats are food motivated and rewarding them for going can help. Chicken, tuna, squeeze cheese, liv-a-littles, etc. Depends on your cat.

 

[mysugarbears]

The powder is worth a shot. We use to sell one called Litter Magnet.
I would have one more box than you have cats (so 2 boxes per cat). If you have a multilevel home the boxes should be on multiple levels. Have different style boxes with different litters.
Get some Feliway spray and spray by the boxes daily. A difuser by the boxes is a good idea, too.
Confining the cat is not a horrible thing. Some cats are food motivated and rewarding them for going can help. Chicken, tuna, squeeze cheese, liv-a-littles, etc. Depends on your cat.

Thanks Jackie, i will add 2 more boxes since i have 2 cats. I just ordered the Feliway spray and difuser from Amazon.

 

[Maglily]

I have read that cats should each have their own box, although mine shared one box for years. That is a frustrating problem , I hope you find something that works soon.

 

[maltlovereileen]

Where are they placed? Maybe she's looking for a more discrete location? Or it's too close to her food/water? Maybe you could try using fine sand instead of litter and see if she uses it (if so, gradually add in litter to change her over)

If you cat is declawed, I've read that may also cause it not to use the box (because scratching at the litter is uncomfortable/hurts)

 

[wooflife]

I used the Cat Attract a few years ago when I had two cats and had an issue. It worked great. There has been other excellent advice as well good luck!

 

[mysugarbears]

Where are they placed? Maybe she's looking for a more discrete location? Or it's too close to her food/water? Maybe you could try using fine sand instead of litter and see if she uses it (if so, gradually add in litter to change her over)

If you cat is declawed, I've read that may also cause it not to use the box (because scratching at the litter is uncomfortable/hurts)

The boxes are in the laundry room and the cats are fed in the kitchen and that is where their water is. I bought the Feliway as Jackie suggested and the trainer i took the pups to suggested i take down the gate to the laundry room. I had it gated off so the pups couldn't get to the boxes she thought that with Molly being 10 years old it may bother her to have jump over a gate to get to the box. I am now using sterlite storage containers as cat boxes, they are high enough that the pups can't get into them and the cats can get in and out easy enough. The trainer also suggested that we not use liners in the box and just a small amount of scoopable litter. What a world of difference this has made. I don't know if it's the Feliway, or the gate being down or a combination of both, but it's much, much better, no more accidents wtih Molly.

Thank you again everyone for your suggestions.

 

[jmm]

That is awesome news! I'm so glad things are working for you.