Litterbox issue after UTI

jpludwick78 · 01-07-2013, 05:27 PM

Several weeks ago I caught my cat urinating on the rug. She's 11 and never done this before. I figured it was a UTI and am aware of how they will avoid the litter box because they relate it to pain. So I moved the box to a different room and had no problems for the weeks to follow. I took her to the vet and she did have a UTI and they gave me antibiotics. Now a week afterI started her on meds, I moved the box back to it's original location, because it's in an out of the way place. Today I came home to urine on the same rug.

How do I get my cat to use the litter box in the original location again? I really don't want it in my spare bedroom.

Any advice?

Susan · 01-07-2013, 07:04 PM

First, I'd ensure that the UTI has cleared up. If so, then she might still be associating her pain with the box in the original spot. Thus, I'd move the box back to the temporary spot (which I think is your spare bedroom) for a good length of time (at least a month). Assuming you have no further issues, I'd then add a second box in your desired location and, once she shows a willingness to use the box in the desired location, remove the box in the spare bedroom.

jpludwick78 · 01-07-2013, 07:23 PM

Thanks for the reply. I was supposed to get her re-checked next week.

I have 2 litter boxes now.(iI have another cat). Originally I left 1 down in the mud room and it never got used. Only the one in the spare room. Today I decided to place it in a place near the mud room but not in it. We'll see what happens. The problem with that spot is it is next to my kitchen.

Luckily for me, the rug she's choosing to go on is small enough to place in the washer!

01-07-2013, 05:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
jpludwick78 Kitten Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 8	Litterbox issue after UTI Several weeks ago I caught my cat urinating on the rug. She's 11 and never done this before. I figured it was a UTI and am aware of how they will avoid the litter box because they relate it to pain. So I moved the box to a different room and had no problems for the weeks to follow. I took her to the vet and she did have a UTI and they gave me antibiotics. Now a week afterI started her on meds, I moved the box back to it's original location, because it's in an out of the way place. Today I came home to urine on the same rug. How do I get my cat to use the litter box in the original location again? I really don't want it in my spare bedroom. Any advice?

01-07-2013, 07:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
Susan Premier Cat Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,947	First, I'd ensure that the UTI has cleared up. If so, then she might still be associating her pain with the box in the original spot. Thus, I'd move the box back to the temporary spot (which I think is your spare bedroom) for a good length of time (at least a month). Assuming you have no further issues, I'd then add a second box in your desired location and, once she shows a willingness to use the box in the desired location, remove the box in the spare bedroom. __________________ Dogs have owners. Cats have staff.

01-07-2013, 07:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
jpludwick78 Kitten Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 8	Thanks for the reply. I was supposed to get her re-checked next week. I have 2 litter boxes now.(iI have another cat). Originally I left 1 down in the mud room and it never got used. Only the one in the spare room. Today I decided to place it in a place near the mud room but not in it. We'll see what happens. The problem with that spot is it is next to my kitchen. Luckily for me, the rug she's choosing to go on is small enough to place in the washer!

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