Warning: Undefined variable $href_target in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/phpGiggle/phpgiggle-config.inc.php on line 44 Cat won't use the litter box and is pooping in the house. | Ask A Vet
my name is kelly horne. we recently got a new cat, i was told she's 6 months old. since being here she has not used her litterbox once. i've researched online and tried everything i could find. nothing has worked, the cat still pees and poops on the carpet. i've put her food where's she's gone pee. i've locked her in a small space overnight with her food and litterbox. i've picked up her poop and put it in her litterbox & i've sat in the small room with her, her food and water and litterbox for an entire day just picking her up and directing her towards the litterbox. I've tried placing her in the littlerbox, she freaks out when you do that. I've cleaned every spot with nature's miracle. I love animals but I live in an apt. and i can't keep having this problem because i can't rip up the carpets here. I had a cat b4 with this same problem. any help, any advice would be greatly appreciated. thank-you
Warning: Undefined variable $related_questions in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Warning: Undefined variable $related_articles in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Dr. Marie replied:
Well this is a frustrating problem! It is quite uncommon for a cat to have this type of problem as most cats take to the litter box naturally.
It sounds like you are trying all of the right things. I will make a few more suggestions for you.
Experiment with different types of boxes - one with high walls, one with low walls, and possibly even a boot tray with no walls.
Experiment with different types of litter - clay, clumping, silicone, etc. and see if this helps.
You may want to have your vet examine your cat to make sure there is no medical reason for this. I have seen some cats who will not use a litter box because there is pain in their hips or lower spine.
Warning: Undefined variable $displayed in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/answer_np.php on line 253
Do you have a pet website? Interested in learning more about SEO for Wix?
Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.
Search for similar questions:
Popular questions...
Cat puts her paw on my face. Why does my cat Bruski always put her paw on my face when shes sleeping shell keep... (28298 views)
Should I spay my older dog? Greetings,
I have an 8 year old female shih tzu that never had any puppies,and... (21572 views)
Kitten died after anesthetic. Dear Dr. Marie,
We are heartbroken. Our 5 MONTH old spyhnx kitten passed away... (12130 views)
Benadryl for allergies? Dear Dr. Marie,
Sadie, my eight year old daschund has a skin condition that causes... (9759 views)
Cat losing fur on belly. Over the past month my eldest cat has lost a lot of her fur on her belly and back... (93682 views)
4 year old cat not eating. My 4 year old cat, who normally is a great eater, isn't eating much at all. She... (9138 views)
Wart on dog's foot. Last Friday I was walking my dog and he suddenly pulled up his front right paw and... (37338 views)
Not nursing, diarrhea. We have two mom cats with seven kittens each, one litter a week and a half older... (7424 views)
Paralyzed chihuahua My dog is just laying here stiff in the rear but wont move anything but his head. He... (12978 views)
Hyperthyroidism and stress. My cat Harry, who is approximately 12 years old, was just diagnosed with... (12468 views)
Veterinarian, Dr. Marie created this site to be able to provide quick, accurate veterinary advice online. She would love to help with your pet's problem!
Dr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.
Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.