Cat won't use litter box! Help!

[stracci2000]

I have had cats my whole life, but this is the first time I have had this problem. Maybe someone out there knows what to do.
Here's the story.
We had two indoor cats, together for 10 years. Our beloved Vincent died suddenly in May, of an undiagnosed heart condition.
Our remaining cat, Phrixus, age 12, lost weight at first, and I was worried, but I figured he was grieving. He then gained some back, so he seemed OK.

About a month ago, Phrix started to poop in 2 separate rooms, far away from the litter box. Big poops, like he was saving them up. There were also hairballs in there, so I became concerned. I was thinking that he was still stressed over the loss of Vincent. To be safe, I took him to the Vet to find out if he was constipated, or had a blockage of some kind. $300.00 later, the Vet said he was OK, and to add more liquids and hairball meds to his diet. This approach didn't really help, the pooping continued.

Meanwhile, we had a chance to adopt a really sweet 4 year old cat from a shelter. This may have been a bad move.
Phrix hates this cat, and 3 weeks later, there is still lots of hissing, fighting, and poop. The new cat, Miso, ignores him most of the time, but sometimes they get into a real fight.

We also discovered that Phrix has been peeing in one of the locations as well. He had peed in this spot years ago when he had bladder stones, (which were removed), so he has taken up peeing and pooping in this spot again.
I managed to clean the pee spots with lots of commercial cleaners, and we placed a plastic drop cloth over the spot. After much deliberation, I decided to put a litter box on the drop cloth. I didnt want to encourage him to poop/pee there, but I thought maybe this is where he wants to void, and maybe I cant change him. He has ignored it, and has been pooping and peeing just outside the box, on the plastic. And the hissing and cat angst continues. I bought the Comfort Zone with Feliway "plug in" today, and I am hoping that this might help the agression and stress from Phrix towards the other cat.

I know poor Phrix is upset, and we try to give him and the new kitty lots of love and attention.
I am waiting patiently for these cats to get used to each other, and hoping Phrix will decide to use the litter box again.
What do you all think? I sure do appreciate any thoughts all my fellow cat parents might have on this.

 

[CJ2008]

What stands out to me to ask stracci is how did you introduce them?

It sounds like maybe it was done too quickly, not giving them a chance to get used to each other...it can take months to properly introduce two cats...

I am sure others will jump in with the litter question, and with more advice on the introduction...but the above is what stands out to me since I have experience with it.

 

[HopeDream]

I'm sorry about the problem!

2 cats = you probably need 2 litter boxes
2 cats, + potty problems = you need 3 litter boxes (and put them in different areas in the home)

Some cats just need somewhere secluded and personal for their business.

 

[VRBeauty]

I'm sorry about the problem!

2 cats = you probably need 2 litter boxes
2 cats, + potty problems = you need 3 litter boxes (and put them in different areas in the home)

Some cats just need somewhere secluded and personal for their business.

Agreed - you need at least two boxes.

Also try a bag or two of Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract.

But... it sounds like your cat could use a phsychologist! You might check with your vet, about local pet counsellors. Or if he/she doesn't have any recommendations, maybe check with the local SPCA, or a nearby veterinary school if there is one?

ETA it appears the search term to use is "pet behaviorist."

 

[stracci2000]

Thanks for your replies.
Yes, I have 3 litter boxes. Two in the laundry room, where they have always been, and now one on the plastic "problem" area.
When we brought the new cat home, we kept him sequestered in the office, with the door closed, with us humans taking turns staying with him, for 2 days. Of course, Phrix knew he was in there. Then we moved the new cat to a bedroom, again with the door closed for another day, then we let them see each other throught the crack in the door for day, before we let the new kitty out of isolation. I had done alot of reading about this, before we brought him home, so I could introduce them the right way.

 

[CJ2008]

Thanks for your replies.
Yes, I have 3 litter boxes. Two in the laundry room, where they have always been, and now one on the plastic "problem" area.
When we brought the new cat home, we kept him sequestered in the office, with the door closed, with us humans taking turns staying with him, for 2 days. Of course, Phrix knew he was in there. Then we moved the new cat to a bedroom, again with the door closed for another day, then we let them see each other throught the crack in the door for day, before we let the new kitty out of isolation. I had done alot of reading about this, before we brought him home, so I could introduce them the right way.

In my opinion, Straci, 3 days is not enough time...not telling you this to make you feel bad, but you asked for our opinions so I'm giving you mine on that issue...like I said, it can take weeks if not months, to do it properly...especially if there were already some issues...

This is not to make you feel bad or imply that you didn't care - you are the one that was there and you felt it was time. But I am just giving you my opinion based on what my experience has been and what you're desribing. Not sure if it would be possible or if you would be OK with starting from scratch...but I would try that.

 

[stracci2000]

I should also add that they are brand new litter boxes, cause I figured that would be better for introducing the new cat into our house.
Maybe I should've left Miso in isolation longer than I did, but it was hard going in and out of those rooms, without him trying to escape between our feet.
My Phrix is such a sweet, mellow boy. However I wasn't surprised when he turned into "devil-cat" upon seeing the new kitty the first time.
How long does it usually take for cats to take to each other? Phrix and our old cat were rescued together from an alley together, so they were familiar initially, and there was no problem at that time.

 

[stracci2000]

I know---I wish we would've waited longer. I read so much stuff on line about this, and the articles talk about this very slow introduction, but it was hard to maintain this cat in a room where we wanted to interact with him, feed him, keep the litter clean, and yet go in and out of the room without him bolting out. So we did move him to the bedroom, so Phrix could go into the office and smell that he'd been there.
The idea was to get the new cat scent around the house, before they come face to face. *sigh*

 

[Matata]

Start the introduction over again. Isolate Miso in a room for two weeks. During those 2 weeks, exchange toys and bedding between the cats. Buy baby gates for the room where Miso is located and after 2 weeks, install the baby gates so they can see each other. During that 3rd week, also put the elder cat in the isolation room while Miso roams the house for a few hours each day. Use a feather wand or other toy to play with both cats through the baby gates. Give them plenty of time to get used to each other this way. Could take a week, could take a month. Hard to know, each one has a different personality and different needs.

An elder cat who is likely still grieving the loss of a companion may take a long time to come round to a new friend. At best, they'll become buddies. They may also just learn to tolerate each other but not form a friendship.

If all else fails, consider a consultation with Marilyn Krieger. She has helped hundreds of people solve behavioral issues. Phone or Skype consult is $190.

You'll have to clean all the pooped and peed on areas with an excellent enzyme cleaner. None of the those sold in pet stores does the trick. I belong to a lot of breeder groups and they all swear by Anti Icky Poo and Unique Distributors http://www.antiickypoo.com
http://uniquedistributors.com/petodel.html These are available only on-line.

Good luck with your fur kids. I hope they learn to live in harmony together.

 

[arkieb1]

Cats and dogs can grieve like humans do particularly when the lost pet was a companion, mate or brother or sister from birth. This can take many months or more to get over, introducing the new kitty has now compounded the anxiety of your cat because not only has the other cat gone permanently but there is a NEW invader/strange un-liked cat in the home. If you have no luck introducing them slowly again then a good cat shrink (cat behaviour specialist) who can provide suggestions on how to curb behaviour is needed.

 

[TC1987]

... Anti Icky Poo and Unique Distributors http://www.antiickypoo.com
http://uniquedistributors.com/petodel.html These are available only on-line.

Matata, are those products odor-free themselves, or do they have scents added to them? I'm interested in finding one that doesn't add its own "kennel smell" to my house. lol

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

Sorry for the trouble. I feel for the old kitty. Maybe not a popular response, but I wouldn't keep the new kitty. We have 2 cats that grew up together and i am amazed at how one of them makes sure the other is in his proper place. She checks on him when he is sleeping. out and her life is entwined with his. We introduced a new cat , and after 4 yrs she still gives the newer cat a hard time.. I feel sorry for the new cat.

I believe your cat is still grieving. If you have an smelly something from your other cat, let her sleep with it.(not the new cat smell)

Our newer cat, 4yrs now, started doing the same thing, I really just spent every day last week trying to get stains off my carpet. We couldn't figure it out. Guess what-- the cat became more particular. We have to clean the litter boxes more often. It hasn't happened since.

Sorry,

Annette

 

[lorrissey]

Due to his age, did the vet check his spine? Could be arthritis? It may just be painful for him to get in and out of box or poop comfortably in there?

 

[Matata]

... Anti Icky Poo and Unique Distributors http://www.antiickypoo.com
http://uniquedistributors.com/petodel.html These are available only on-line.

Matata, are those products odor-free themselves, or do they have scents added to them? I'm interested in finding one that doesn't add its own "kennel smell" to my house. lol

Anti icky poo has an unscented version. I don't know about Unique Distributors. You can check their website or send an inquiry.

 

[tyty333]

Sorry you're having to go through this. The last time we added a new kitty (4 month old) it took our 2 other 5 year old cats about
2 weeks to accept him (or at least to not hiss every time they saw him). They get a long fine now. We had no potty issues but we did put up a 3rd litter box for the new kitty in a different room initially and kept him out of the other room with the other litter boxes.

We only kept the cats seperated about 3 days too because we couldnt take the crying from the baby when we couldnt be in the room with him.

I really have no good adivce except to hang in there. Im hoping that some of the things other posters have suggested work for your kittys.

 

[tyty333]

Sorry you're having to go through this. The last time we added a new kitty (4 month old) it took our 2 other 5 year old cats about
2 weeks to accept him (or at least to not hiss every time they saw him). They get a long fine now. We had no potty issues but we did put up a 3rd litter box for the new kitty in a different room initially and kept him out of the other room with the other litter boxes.

We only kept the cats seperated about 3 days too because we couldnt take the crying from the baby when we couldnt be in the room with him.

I really have no good adivce except to hang in there. Im hoping that some of the things other posters have suggested work for your kittys.

 

[tyty333]

Sorry you're having to go through this. The last time we added a new kitty (4 month old) it took our 2 other 5 year old cats about
2 weeks to accept him (or at least to not hiss every time they saw him). They get a long fine now. We had no potty issues but we did put up a 3rd litter box for the new kitty in a different room initially and kept him out of the other room with the other litter boxes.

We only kept the cats seperated about 3 days too because we couldnt take the crying from the baby when we couldnt be in the room with him.

I really have no good adivce except to hang in there. Im hoping that some of the things other posters have suggested work for your kittys.

 

[stracci2000]

Thanks for all your suggestions. We may try to re-introduce them, as Matata suggested.
Maybe Phrix just needs more time. It's only been 3 weeks, and he has always been a sensitive cat, anyway.
Heck, half the time I avoid vacuuming, because Phrix is afraid of the vacuum.
I'm trying to do the right thing and trying to think about how he feels with all this change happening.

 

[Gemzy]

Did you get his thyroid checked? we had two cats over recent years with thyroid issues and they changed, going from cats who always did their business outside to the occasional accident inside, then dependence on litter trays then just random peeing (and a few poops). One cat did ok on thyroid pills for a while, the other not so good.

Older cats are more settled in their ways aren't they - food is a great leveller though and hungry cats will often forget all the hissing and spitting and feed side by side - keep them without food for a bit longer than you normally would. We had a feral cat that came visiting, we even managed to get him to feed next to our cats even though he would climb the walls if we attempted to touch him or close the door to his get away route.

 

[stracci2000]

Older cats are more settled in their ways aren't they - food is a great leveller though and hungry cats will often forget all the hissing and spitting and feed side by side

Yes Gemzy, you are right about this. They will eat side by side and enjoy treats together, as well. Maybe there is some hope, after all!

 

[Gemzy]

when you said he lost weight that rang the thyroid bell, they poo a lot when they have thyroid issues - (so do people - sorry probably too much information!)

 

[CJ2008]

I know---I wish we would've waited longer. I read so much stuff on line about this, and the articles talk about this very slow introduction, but it was hard to maintain this cat in a room where we wanted to interact with him, feed him, keep the litter clean, and yet go in and out of the room without him bolting out. So we did move him to the bedroom, so Phrix could go into the office and smell that he'd been there.
The idea was to get the new cat scent around the house, before they come face to face. *sigh*

I hear you, Straci.

Thankfully we have a set up that allows us for isolation without too much inconvenience.

It's not easy!

But I am glad to hear that you might reintroduce them as Matata instructed...it may be inconvenient now but you'll reap the rewards later with a more harmonious home and happier kitties (hopefully.) So think of the time and effort and inconvenience you'll have to put up with now as an investment in all of that.

I do think you want to be realistic and keep in mind that the fact that they already dislike each other will make it a little more difficult now...and may take even longer. Watch the behavior that tells you they may be ready, not so much the "how long it's been."

Good luck I hope it all works out for you and your kitties and family!

 

[stracci2000]

I wanted to post a follow up on this.
The cat is using the litter box now!!!! YAAAAY!
These are the things we did. Maybe these products worked, or maybe it was a combination of them all, or maybe the older cat just needed more time......

I got the Comfort Zone plug in, and the fighting and hissing seemed to become less frequent. Maybe it actually worked?

I bought a bag of Cat Attract Litter(thanks for the suggestion, VRBeauty!) Expensive! Maybe it actually worked?

We ended up tearing out all the peed-on carpeting and baseboards. It was the only way to get rid of the smell. A big thanks to DH, who knows how to do this stuff!
After the carpet was gone, the cat came over and seemed confused. I ran into the laundry room and retrieved one of the litter boxes. I placed the litter box next to the cat and he proceeded to use it! We left the box right there, and he has been using it now for a week, no problems! We have since finished the area, but the box sits there, along the wall in that room. I clean it several times a day, and I'm crossing my fingers that this is the end of the problem. I don't really like a litter box in that room, but I will definately tolerate it!
The cats are getting along somewhat better now, as well. Some hissing and growling. Hopefully the behavior will continue to improve with time.
Thanks for all your suggestions!

 

[TC1987]

I'm glad that worked out. But stay vigilant. One never knows when the little buggers might start backsliding. I have to keep watching my hyperthyroid cat closely.

 

[VRBeauty]

Stracci - that's great news!

After a while, when Phrix starts showing signs of being comfortable with the new kitty, maybe you can start to move the litter box out of this room... a few feet at a time at first?