Advice re older cat

[boaster]

My older cat (he's 17 now) is in generally good health and has no serious medical problems except for inflammatory bowel disease which is kept under control with daily prednisone.

The problem is that, while he will still urinate in the litterbox, he defectates whereever he feels like. Most times this is somewhat near the litterbox, but it has also been on the bed, rug, etc. Also, he no longer grooms himself in any fashion so keeping him matte free is a lot of work.

I've taken to covering everything in his room with plastic tarps when I leave for work in the mornings but this whole business has really started to make the house smell bad.

I love the cat to pieces but at the same time I'm wondering if it might be time to put him down. I feel horrible about this, though, because there's nothing seriously wrong with him.

What I've tried:
Shorter litterbox
Covered litterbox
Uncovered litterbox

Switching brands when he didn't like his usual brand
Filling the box with shredded newspaper instead of cat litter
Trying every possible brand of litter

None of these have worked. Is there any hope for this cat or has he just "lost it"?

[Whoops]

Wow that is a tough one. Have you made sure the litter box is clean. Some older cats are very picky. Also you can have the vet check her out to make sure nothing is wrong medically. Sometimes that is a sign.
With her being 17 that is an old age and if she is suffering then only you know what to do. I wish you luck with it all. Keep us posted

[PawsUK]

Its really hard but i am sure there is something that maybe your vet can help with. He is going near the litter box but not in it? Seems as if he is trying to go in that area as he knows that where he has to go and he just doesnt quite make it?

I dont think he has lost it as he is trying to go in that area maybe it is a medical problem. I know this must be so hard after 17yrs he is a BIG part of your life and i wish you all the very best and good luck!!

[ilovebunnies]

I have heard if you reposition the cats litterbox it may help. Maybe he doesn't like the place or is scared if there is people near.

[toobusy3]

I sure hope you can find a solution. Would be such a shame to say goodbye to such an old friend, being its otherwise healthy.

Been there and did that myself. Our cat lived to be 20. He did that if something changed that he didnt like ~ When he was younger. But when he got older he did it all the time ~ I know what your saying about the smell~ ~ Uggg :faint: I spoke to our vet about ours, he said sometimes with the older cats, like people the control isn't there anymore....and the mind isn't either. We threatned forever to put him down because of this, but we didn't, we cleaned up the mess and sprayed alot of neutralizer....And he passed of natural causes.

I wish you luck in a happy solution.

Kelly

[boaster]

Well, the evening before I took him to the vet, Boaster just started rolling around against me on the couch and looking at me. Needless to say, I didn't have the heart to put him down.

The vet recommended only feeding him once a day, instead of leaving him food to nibble on, so he will "go" less often. I'll give this a try and see if it helps.

[toobusy3]

Glad to hear it! I hope the vets advise helps!


Kelly