I’ve had that happen (several times and with different cats) and so I’ve given the litter box a GOOD cleaning and deodorizing. (Ammonia based cleaner). Rinse well and put in some fresh litter
It’s almost like the cat was telling me "I’m not going in that stinky mess!"
Like the other person said, it could be age. But if it’s a healthy cat, give him a nice fresh litter box and see what happens. References :
It seriously could just be his balance, and or his eye sight. It would be different if he was going some place far from box. He’s simply missing.
Mind did the same thing. I just put newspaper all around the box. References :
I agree that your cat may need to see a vet, but before you do that, you should check a few things.
1) Is he defecating a normal-sized stool at least once a day? If his stools are irregular, unusually small and hard, or if he is straining as he goes, his anal glands may be impacted. Your vet can show you how to help release the pressure. (Another sign of this problem is if your cat is spending more time than usual licking his behind.) Discomfort can cause the cat to avoid the litter box, as he mistakenly thinks the place is what is causing his pain.
2) Is there blood in the stool? If so, get to the vet at once. It may have to do with a hard release of those impacted glands, but other, more serious things can cause it as well, and only the vet can tell the difference.
3) Is the litter box being kept clean? My 17-year-old cat will not defecate in his box unless I clean it -every day.- He never used to be that fussy, but age makes some animals more sensitive.
4) Some cats, particularly males, have constipation problems in their old age. Small, hard stools and straining to defecate can be symptoms of this. Often a dietary change can help, but be sure you consult your vet about what to feed your cat. Mine eats Science Diet Senior dry food mixed with a dollop of pure canned pumpkin, and it works for us.
HTH. Good luck. References :
When you stated no change in environment, you had better be sure because tiny changes that you may not even notice could be huge for him.
A health check by a vet would be in order. Impacted anal glands as noted by one answerer could be a problem, as well as constipation.
And if there is some arthritis, then using the litter box for a dump could be painful, so he will avoid using something that he associates with pain. Cosequin or comparable works great for arthritis.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
As they age, lots of things can break down. I would take it to a vet, because the sooner you address a problem the better.
References :
May 17th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I’ve had that happen (several times and with different cats) and so I’ve given the litter box a GOOD cleaning and deodorizing. (Ammonia based cleaner). Rinse well and put in some fresh litter
It’s almost like the cat was telling me "I’m not going in that stinky mess!"
Like the other person said, it could be age. But if it’s a healthy cat, give him a nice fresh litter box and see what happens.
References :
May 17th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
It seriously could just be his balance, and or his eye sight. It would be different if he was going some place far from box. He’s simply missing.
Mind did the same thing. I just put newspaper all around the box.
References :
May 17th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
I agree that your cat may need to see a vet, but before you do that, you should check a few things.
1) Is he defecating a normal-sized stool at least once a day? If his stools are irregular, unusually small and hard, or if he is straining as he goes, his anal glands may be impacted. Your vet can show you how to help release the pressure. (Another sign of this problem is if your cat is spending more time than usual licking his behind.) Discomfort can cause the cat to avoid the litter box, as he mistakenly thinks the place is what is causing his pain.
2) Is there blood in the stool? If so, get to the vet at once. It may have to do with a hard release of those impacted glands, but other, more serious things can cause it as well, and only the vet can tell the difference.
3) Is the litter box being kept clean? My 17-year-old cat will not defecate in his box unless I clean it -every day.- He never used to be that fussy, but age makes some animals more sensitive.
4) Some cats, particularly males, have constipation problems in their old age. Small, hard stools and straining to defecate can be symptoms of this. Often a dietary change can help, but be sure you consult your vet about what to feed your cat. Mine eats Science Diet Senior dry food mixed with a dollop of pure canned pumpkin, and it works for us.
HTH. Good luck.
References :
May 17th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
When you stated no change in environment, you had better be sure because tiny changes that you may not even notice could be huge for him.
A health check by a vet would be in order. Impacted anal glands as noted by one answerer could be a problem, as well as constipation.
And if there is some arthritis, then using the litter box for a dump could be painful, so he will avoid using something that he associates with pain. Cosequin or comparable works great for arthritis.
I have posted a link on non-health problems that can cause a cat to stop using the litter box.
References :
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19859148/