12YO cat stopped using box for #2

Hi there - I recently posted about my cat having severe diarrhea for about a month 1/2. I finally got it under control via diet and she's taking steriod pills 2X a day. Now her stools are normal (hooray! )

However, when this mess started, she stopped using her litter box for her #2. she goes next to her box in the bathroom corners and if those are full, she goes in the living room in the corners of the room. I read on the web that it has to do with her associating the box with her diarrhea.

So now that her stools are normal again, how can I retrain her to use the litter box? She just goes on each side of the box but not in the box. Her stools have only been normal about 5 days so maybe give her more time? Just wondered if anyone has any suggestions. Thank you!

When you say her boxes are full, how often are you scouping them?

Oh I see, where you confusion was--I meant if the corners of the bathroom floor are "full" (i.e. she's already gone there), then she moves on to the next corner or goes into another room and finds a corner to go in.

I wonder if you try getting a few brand new boxes, maybe even slightly differently shaped and in somewhat different places, and maybe try Cat Attract litter, that she may not have the pain association with the new stuff?

what is Cat Attract litter? I've never heard of it. Where do you buy it?

It's a kind of litter designed by a vet - it has herbs or something in it that seems to 'attract' cats to the box, even if they have litter box issues. There's also a cat attract additive you can buy to add to your current litter (preferably an unscented type). I get mine at Petsmart, but I believe you can order it over the net. A lot of vets carry the additive, but I've seen that at Petsmart as well.

The litter honestly worked for my boy.

Oh, and usually it's suggested to have a vet check done in case it's a physical problem that's causing the box aversion. Sometimes that's how cats tell you they're sick.

Thank you --I'll look into that litter and/or the additive. good idea--thanks!