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I posted earlier about adopting a new kitty, which I did about a month after putting my wonderful 16-year-old previous cat to sleep.
It is not going well, and I am so torn. Please be gentle on me when you respond, and understand that this is breaking my heart.
The rescue group knew nothing about Toby, only that he came from a high-kill shelter down south. He was adorable, and after hiding the first day or so, he came out to play with me, roll over for belly rubs, and just purr away. He seems so happy in his new home, and very attached to me.
The problem? He won't use his litter boxes. (I put out two - each with different litter.) In the 6 days I've had him, he has defecated throughout the house - including my bedroom (when the litter box is in the next room), the living room, behind the TV (twice), and on the stairs. All carpeted.
I took him to the vet, and he checked out fine. So no medical reason. ($200 in vet bills a couple days after the $160 adoption fee.)
I've tried to catch him just as he's about to poop, pick him up and put him in the box, and he jumps out and poops a few feet away.
I just feel terrible, but this is the 4th cat I've adopted, and I've never had a problem. You just show them where the box is, and they use it.
I just feel awful. I'm looking at the little guy right now (he just pooped behind the TV 30 minutes ago), and I just feel so sorry for him. But I can't come home to cleaning feces every day.
(He also sprayed my bedroom furniture, and it took a lot to get the smell out. He was spayed right before he was adopted out, so many the instinct is still there.)
EDIT: Oh I see now you said he was spayed (it's neutering actually) Yes it can take up to 10 weeks for all hormones to leave after a male cat is neutered.
Has he been 'declawed'?
It's possible he is marking, because of the smell of your other cat.
Oh no! Sorry to hear but I am sure you will work it out.
Is it a completely new litter box?
I heard many cats (incl ours) tolerate the paper litter very well. Maybe worth a try?
Does he goes in there to pee?
For the next weeks, maybe get a second one and out e.g next to the TV? Maybe he does need two (one for number 1 and one for number 2)?
Maybe he is still stressed - rescue drops? Or the feline spray?
EDIT: Oh I see now you said he was spayed (it's neutering actually) Yes it can take up to 10 weeks for all hormones to leave after a male cat is neutered.
Has he been 'declawed'?
It's possible he is marking, because of the smell of your other cat.
The rescue said he was 3, but the vet said that he's only about 9 or 10 months. I'm tending to believe my vet - he is smallish, around 7 pounds.
He has his claws.
It might be true what you said about marking. But what about the defecation? I am cleaning up cat feces every day, and it gets smeared into the carpet. Pretty disgusting. Also, he is urinating in the box, just not defecating.
Right now he's sleeping five feet from me, on his back with belly exposed. He trusts me completely now.
Oh no! Sorry to hear but I am sure you will work it out.
Is it a completely new litter box?
I heard many cats (incl ours) tolerate the paper litter very well. Maybe worth a try?
Does he goes in there to pee?
For the next weeks, maybe get a second one and out e.g next to the TV? Maybe he does need two (one for number 1 and one for number 2)?
Maybe he is still stressed - rescue drops? Or the feline spray?
The rescue said he was 3, but the vet said that he's only about 9 or 10 months. I'm tending to believe my vet - he is smallish, around 7 pounds.
He has his claws.
It might be true what you said about marking. But what about the defecation? I am cleaning up cat feces every day, and it gets smeared into the carpet. Pretty disgusting. Also, he is urinating in the box, just not defecating.
Right now he's sleeping five feet from me, on his back with belly exposed. He trusts me completely now.
House soiling, marking, can also be done with poop. If he is a rescued stray...he may have had to work hard to defend his territory. 7 pounds is small, I have a 9 year old cat who is only 7 pounds Age is generally determined by teeth. A 10 month old cat's teeth will be very different from a 3 year olds, I would think, so your vet would be able to tell.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackiemohro
Just thinking: what if you put him back into the safe room for a few more days with the two boxes and see what he does? Will he then use it?
I understand you want him out and next to you, but maybe it’s just too much for him?
I think this is a good idea to limit his area for now. One room, four litter boxes even. In addition, you could try Dr Elsey's cat attract litter.
House soiling, marking, can also be done with poop. If he is a rescued stray...he may have had to work hard to defend his territory. 7 pounds is small, I have a 9 year old cat who is only 7 pounds Age is generally determined by teeth. A 10 month old cat's teeth will be very different from a 3 year olds, I would think, so your vet would be able to tell.
I think this is a good idea to limit his area for now. One room, four litter boxes even. In addition, you could try Dr Elsey's cat attract litter.
Gosh, he's sleeping so peacefully right now I hate to wake him up and put him in the room.
Also, I have one litter box in the powder room, and the other in the "safe" room. Maybe I should move the PR box into the safe room, and see what happens.
Dang. I never expected I would have this problem. He seems so happy. He plays with the string for an hour (until Mom poops out, you should pardon the expression).
How long would you give this? I am sick over the thought, but I might have to return him. I'll hate myself and will think of him for the rest of life.
Maybe add The feli spray to the room (feli something)? Maybe you can sit in there with him? Or even sleep there? (Sorry to suggest...haha)
(I had to sleep with our cat in the walk in closet many years ago, after surgery, but after these few nights we were super best buddies).
Last edited by Jackiemohro; 04-06-2019 at 04:02 PM..
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Age is generally determined by teeth. A 10 month old cat's teeth will be very different from a 3 year olds, I would think, so your vet would be able to tell.