Binkey - Mom's cat

[cats4ever]

My mom is in hospital for a few days - which is much longer than either of us expected. They're working on fixing her BP issues.

I drop in at least once a day on her cat. Mom wanted the boarding kennel but Binkey is just 3 months shy of 20 and I think he's better off in a more familiar place.

Binkey now rarely poops in the litter box. I've done two loads of laundry because he's pooped on Mom's pillow and a couple of his small blankets. This has been going on for a bit.

He does have a new litter box but without a hood. However, this problem was going on before we got the new box.

We'd taken him to the vet. The vet called to follow up about a week later. They think that since cats Binkey's age are often arthritic in the back end that kitty may find defecating painful. I've ordered the gabapentin tablets they suggested.

Has anyone else dealt with this situation? Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks so much.

I think your vet is correct. And kitties with arthritis don't like having to climb into a litter box.
A litter box with a very low entrance might help him. If you can't find a commercial one, you can make one out of a storage box.
I have one with a low entrance cut out. It's like a walk-in closet. Willa used it almost exclusively.
If Binkey is not already on a glucosamine supplement, you can put him on Cosequin. I hope the gabapentin will help.
Good luck, and headbumpies to Binkey!