Litter box situation! Need advice

[moosmom]

Sandy,

First thing you need to get them checked out at the vet to make sure they don't have UTI's, urinary tract infections. Once that is ruled out, get another litterbox. One box per cat. That's the rule.

As far as getting rid of the smell, Nok-Out is sold online and works great. If not, try Nature's Miracle, sold at any pet store.

If it's a behavioral problem, you can get a can of Feliway. Cats don't mind being in the bathroom as long as they have food, water and a litterbox (or two). Spray the bathroom with the Feliway (follow the directions on the can). It has an enzyme in it that calms them right down and will help of it's a behavioral problem.

I had both problems and that's what I did. Good luck. Let us know how you make out!

[Karen]

Yes, one litter box per cat, and being scrupulous about cleaning it (some cats are VERY picky, and won't use a box they deem 'too stinky'), and I do think Moosmom's advice is apt. Once the situation is better under control, he can work on expanding their zone of free reign, and I am glad you haven't just given up on them or made them outside cats when they are obviously inside kitties. I am glad they have been to the vet, so now he can work on the behavioral issue.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

[Medusa]

All good advice but I'll add one thing: if you've done everything that was suggested and the problem still continues, you might want to talk to your vet about medication. All of my cats are rescues and a couple of the boys had a pee war going on for a while. After doing all the things that you did, tearing up carpet, scrubbing floors, etc., I'd had enough. They were checked out, it wasn't physical so that means it was behavioral. My vet suggested a med called Clomicalm. It started out as a med for dogs w/aggression or separation anxiety issues but it's now routinely given to cats for behavioral issues. I give them 5 mg. at bed time. (You can't miss a dose or they may relapse.) Since then no side effects, no problems whatsoever and the pee problem is history. They've been on it for several years and I have blood work done yearly just to be safe.

I know you probably don't want to resort to medication; I didn't either but the alternatives that you mentioned just weren't viable for me either. Try all the other options first and if they work, great, but if they don't, Clomicalm has saved my house and best of all, it saved my cats from being secluded in the basement. I would never rehome them for the very reasons that you mentioned. Good luck and keep us posted. And btw, welcome to Pet Talk!

[sirrahbed]

I am sorry to read this but so glad you are looking for ideas to try and you will get very good suggestions here. I will simply repeat a few The one cat box per cat always seemed excessive to me but I have learned it is VERY important, especially to some cats. You might also try using one HUGE box. I have five cats and use three huge rubbermaid containers that hold 40# of litter. Also keep the boxes meticulously clean as some cats are very picky. I prefer clumping litter but even clay litter can be kept clean with care - getting every log & pee biscuit out daily or more often. (Pee biscuit = well, you get it) Keep trying things Sandy and thank you for caring about your brother's kitties. Oh yes and as moosmom mentioned there are some great enzyme cleaners that get even old stain and smells neutralized. I like nature's miracle and used it recently when we had some granddogs visiting.

[catmandu]

Sad to say , but Tubster Panther have litter box issues and there could be 100 boxes , he wont use them.
He pees all right , but poos by the box .
At least it is on newspaper!
We are sending prayers that your Friends can learn to be Clean Cats and be out and play with one and all.

[columbine]

Some people have had great success with Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter. I myself haven't had occasion to try it, but it gets rave reviews.

Love, Columbine

[jennielynn1970]

I wish I knew the answer.... I have one older cat who refuses to use the litter box to poop in. REFUSES!!! I have 6 boxes and 4 kitties in the house as of now. He'll poop next to the box, but not in the box. Even does it when I'm right here staring at him. Loud clapping deters him, but only for a while.

I hope you can find something to help your kitties use the box.

For Odor clean up, I used BAC A ZAP, which is non toxic for cats, but will clean any bio hazard that may come up, and even works on hard wood floors!!! I ordered mine online, just look for BAC A ZAP.

[sev116]

Thanks for the replies. We've considered getting something like the Catgenie, that is connected to the toilet and flushes it away immediately. It's pretty expensive though, but has anyone used it or had success with something like that?

Oh, and Nature's Miracle is a staple in this house with our 2 dogs and 3 inside cats =) We've used Feliway before to help calm them down when introducing our cats, but haven't tried it for the improper elimination. All good ideas. I don't love giving them meds, but I'm also not opposed to it if it doesn't hurt them and helps the problem!

[heidiv]

Some people have had great success with Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter. I myself haven't had occasion to try it, but it gets rave reviews.

I had an issue with our little Chloe she was very ill...But the resolve was... I used unscented litter I have 1 litter box/cat + one extra(BIG RUBBERMAID Tote) used the Litter attract (They LOVE IT) Clean, Clean, Clean....But I would have them evaluated by a vet I thought it was behavioral but she was truely sick.... Sounds like you are doing a very good job on keeping an eye on the kitties!!