Help needed for my older cat.

[SW FL Dem]

We aren't cat people, but we took a rescue in 17 years ago. Jamie has been a healthy, well-behaved cat for most of her life. She has a thyroid problem that has been controlled by meds. In the past year or so, Jamie has decided not to use her litter box. She began peeing on our area rugs, so we picked them up. Then she began pooping just outside her litter box. With three dogs who think kitty poop is a delicacy, it has been a race to see who can get to the poop first, unfortunately, the dogs with their superior sense of smell tend to win. The past few months, Jamie has started peeing on the dog beds. We picked up all but those in the bathrooms where the dogs stay when we aren't home. We try to keep the doors to those bathrooms closed, the minute we don't, I end up washing the dog beds. Today, my son woke up and his bed was soaked in cat pee.

We empty the litter box at least once a day, Jamie had a complete physical recently and is healthy other than her thyroid condition and a possible heart murmur. I am at my wits end. Any help is appreciated.

[mike_c]

1. I can't offer a solution-- those tend to be specific-- but...

...if she doesn't have physical problems that behavior is usually a stress response. Cats do not do this normally-- not concealing their wastes is abnormal. I'd recommend talking this over with your vet. Does Jamie go outside? Are her litter boxes in quiet, safe places? Is she sleeping normally? Eating and drinking? Has anything changed dramatically in her environment recently? Maybe she's becoming senile.

[complain jane]

3. Can cats really become senile?

My friend has an older cat who is losing his bodily functions - he does the opposite, he doesn't go to the bathroom and the vet said his brain is no longer giving the right signals to the body to eliminate waste. Poor thing had to have an enema the other day. The whole family just adores this cat and they just keep him comfortable in a little bed and feed him and bring him water and dote on him. Maybe senility is part of the problem, I hadn't thought of that.

[SW FL Dem]

4. Thanks

Jamie has always been an indoor cat. Her litter box has been in the same place for at least 4 years. She drinks and eats normally. The vet finds no medical reason for the change. I think it may be old age or senility. Some people have suggested keeping her confined to a room, but that isn't possible in our house. I could confine her in a large pen on the enclosed lanai, but I view that as a last step. She's a part of the family and has been for 17 years. I was just hoping that someone at DU would have an idea that I haven't come up with yet.

[Poiuyt]

2. Sounds like a territorial problem

Here's a site about cat's behavior problems in this area:

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/9352/litterboxhelp.html

[ifyouknewsushi]

5. Hi, 17 is old for a Cat.

I suspect it is similar to Alzheimer's in Humans. I doubt anything can be done.

I feel for you but, I have had cats most of my life. Best to make her happy and get ready for the worst. Sorry.