Sammy is having problems going in the litter box

My cat, Sammy, is about 12 years old. He hasn't been going to the bathroom in his litterbox for the past 6 months, I would say. He used to always go in his box before. Is is because he is getting older? (doesn't remember to go in the box?) My mom threatens to put him to sleep if he doesn't quit doing it. We put tin foil all over the basement, because supposedly, cats don't like that and we hope he doesn't go there, but he still does(poop and pee). I think it's because he can smell where he did before, so he goes back to the same spot and goes again (territory thing?) Anyways, my mom's friend is a vet and says that he is just getting old and there is nothing you can do. But we love him so much and don't want to put him to sleep just becuase he is going to the bathroom everywhere! My mom is more concerned about her carpet than my cat's health, it seems. She says cat's pee is the hardest thing to get out of carpet because of some chemical in their pee. Please give me some advice on what to do, is there a vet online at all? :confused: :( :(

Shari - has Sammy been check out for urinary infection? There are a lot of really good cleaning agents out there for pet problems - I use Wineaway now but I had to order it from Calif. since I couldn't find any here. Definately get a vet check on your baby before any rash decisions are made.

Hi Shari, yes there are online Vets. Here is one.vetcentric.com
You have to join to use the message board(User Centric) They have a Vet that answers alot of the medical, behavioral questions and anyone who is a member can also answer them. I think you are right about Sammy using the same places. Cats are creatures of habit. Assuming he has no medical problem, I believe he needs to retrained on where to go. To do this you will problably have to put him in a small confinded area with a bed, food and water, and a litter box. An extra bathroom, maybe or a dog cage.Maybe he no longer likes his litter or litter box. A little experimenting may fix the problem. But you will have to keep him away from the area where he has been going, and try to clean those areas and remove the smell.Good luck!