Can't find an answer - cat won't use new litterbox

timmysmom

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Finally got him a new one - he's 3 and was still using the one I got when he was a baby. I did move and it was stressful but he's calmed down, but I got him a new box day before yesterday and he's peed in it once, then today when I got home he had pooped on the bed - at the head of the bed. I wish I'd thought to put it in the box and cover it up, or just put it in there, but I flushed it.

Anyway and he's only peed in it once -- I put his old litter in the box.. the only thing that's different is that it's two pieces and the edge on the top piece is curved in slightly so it catches the litter. Anyway I'm thinking maybe it touches his butt because he does like to back right up to the edge or corner of the box.

I'm wondering if he's just tired of all the changes and this is his way of showing it. But I'm in a brand new place so I'm freaking out a little bit - he usually pees 2-3 times a day and he's peed once in the new box - and he didn't cover it up and he usually scratches all the litter from the other side of the box.. I have no idea what to do. I'm keeping him out of the bedroom, obviously. but I can't find anything online that addresses this specific issue.

Any help, advice or ideas are greatly appreciated.
 

red top rescue

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If I were you, I would remove the curved upper part of the box at this time, and I would also fill BOTH boxes with litter, his old one and his new one.  The general rule is that you should have one more litter box than you have cats anyhow, so now you do.  You might also try buying one bag of Cat Attract litter by Dr. Elsey -- expensive but they can't resist it, and it's a good thing to use in a new place or a new box to get them acclimated. 

I'm not sure where you located the new litter box, but there are preferred places.  It needs to be out of the mainstream, a place he can have privacy and feel safe.  Here are a few articles about litter box protocol you might find useful.

Litter Box Location Secrets

Choosing the Right Cat Litter

Litter Box Maintenance

Alternatively, the pooping on the bed could be from the stress of moving.  It's important not to punish your cat for this, because that causes more stress.  Unlike dogs and children, cats do not respond well to punishment, it will just ruin your relationship and cause more problems.  Hopefully with the Dr. Elsey's litter and two boxes to use, he will start pooping in the litter boxes again.
 
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timmysmom

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He had a few bad days -- ok about a week after we moved in. he came from a large house and he had the run of it for a couple of weeks. He didn't seem to be lonely, he acted like he was relishing having the place to myself. It was my parent's house - I lived with them and took care of them all last year. They're finally in assisted living.

Anyway it's all been very stressful and I know the reason he went crazy when he got here was not only because that basement at my mother's was the only home he knew, but this place is tiny and there's nowhere for him to hide. I have a storage area but it's wired with a motion detector, that the owner of the property was willing to turn off so he could have a familiar area to go into - but he really didn't pay it much attention. Anyway it was rough for awhile, but then he calmed down and seemed to be fine, until I got that new box.

I did take the top off and he used it overnight. I'll check into the litter - haven't heard of it so don't know if I can find it. I'd imagine PetSmart has it.. anyway he cried all night and .. I don't know where he is now but I've raised all the blinds so he can get in a window.

I tell you what, though, this has been major stress (we've been here a little less than 2 months). I had two cats - one of them was mine but she stayed with my mother, who love her dearly .. anyway when I moved they told me I could only have one animal. I put an ad up for Timmy first since he's younger, but surprisingly I got two inquiries and the second woman was older, just married, said she had to put down her 16 year old cat right before they got married - then he has a 16 year old as well, and they were looking for a companion for him. So I was beyond thrilled to find her a good, loving home, even though she's much more laid back and used to change than the little one.

Ok - sorry so long. I was up all night and I'm still sleepy, but I'm going to stay up with him until he feels better. Then what I'll probably do -- I've looked at bigger boxes but they were so ugly I didn't get any. This place is so small the is just no room for two boxes. And his old one is gone, well.. it may still be in the trash can outside. I just poured the old litter in the new box then put it in a trash bag and stuck it in the can. I had NO idea it would be a problem. He's kind of a strange little cat, but I love him and I'm going to keep him.

On that note, though, when I came home yesterday he had put his paw under the door that goes out into the hallway that leads outside, and torn the carpet. I may have mentioned that. I snipped the 2 pieces off - it's brand new Berber - then I got them back out this morning and glued them back on. But if he's going to do that during the day when I'm not here.. I've got to figure out how to remedy that, too.

I appreciate your response. Obviously taking the top off the box worked, but it's the same size as the first box so I'm going to have the same problem. So, I'm just going to look for a bigger box. The old one, and the new one without the top, are way too small.

I know people on here have much worse problems but I'm stressed because I'm in a new place and he's being destructive. Hopefully having a box back that he likes will get him back on track. Then I've got to figure out how to cover that carpet. Whatever I do is going to be an eyesore, which sucks.
 
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timmysmom

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Replying to my own thread - I say major stress. That's about taking care of my parents, getting them into assisted living, geeting them adjusted, and then my sister and I had to go through all their stuff and get everything out of the house. it has been non-stop for a year. I think that's part of the reason I'm having a hard time dealing with the cat. I do some petting sitting on the side, and one of my customers told me - this was awhile back after I'd brought him over here the first time and he kept me up for nights in a row - then I took him back to my parent's place... then when I finally moved the first couple of weeks weren't great but he did finally settle down, but I know this place cramps his style and I hated to have to move into it. but that's another story.

I'm sure it'll work out. If anybody has any ideas on how to cover that carpet along the threshold, though, I'm all ears.
 

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Use fabric glue to stick down the loose pieces of carpet and then put a rubber mat perhaps with a carpet top over it.  Then if he shreds that, you can just get another one.  You probably need to catify your new space too, give him more room by adding shelves etc. and climbing spots so he is not limited to the floor.  There are also ways to hide litter boxes.  Here is a link to my Pinterest Catification page, showing other peoples great idea for things they do to make their space more cat friendly.  I need to do some of those myself! 


I think you should give him extra love and extra playtime daily, like with a laser pointer or the DaBird toy.  Both those and the Dr. Elsey's Cat Atract litter are available at Pettco, if there is a store near you, and can also be ordered off Amazon.  He has lost his big space, he has lost his kitty companion, and you are stressed, so you BOTH could use some play time and relaxation. 
 
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timmysmom

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Unfortunately there's only so much I can do.. can't build shelves or anything. But this is a temporary situation.. but I got him lots of toys and bought the pheromones plug-in, and have just been spending lots of time with him and petting and loving on him. But he has not used the box today..

Anyway thanks for the response, the idea about the rug (we are barricaded in right now so he can't get his paw back under the door, even though he did that while I was away), and especially for the link to your page. It's much appreciated! :-)
 

inka

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/.../ I'm in a brand new place so I'm freaking out a little bit /.../
So is Timmy.

As pointed out above, there have been big changes for him, the new place may still seem confusing and unfamiliar, he is in the process of establishing new routines and finding new favorite spots - which for cats creates stress as well as for people - then suddenly a strange smelling litter box appears where his old good box used to be... I would say Timmy left you a very clear "displeased me" message on the bed. Don't worry, everything will be fine, it might have been just one time message (my cat girl Sissi always leaves me one clear "I am displeased" message right outside the bedroom door when something I did or she perceives as my work, upsets her. I pretend like nothing, and it ends with one message, hopefully Timmy too feels like he has got his message through and won't have the need to do this again. Look at the bright side: how intelligent and precise cats are in choosing the spot so that their message will not be overlooked by the right recipient ;)

It is great you got the Feliway diffuser.  It will work in a while. Here with my cats 6 diffusers going on all the time since April in a 2 story open spaces home, have prevented any litter box accidents in a middle of rather rough life changes to the cats. No accidents, none, even in the midst of a huge stress, so I cross my fingers it will work for Timmy too :)

As for now, I wouldn't go looking for the old box in the garbage, as you may want to disinfect it well before use, thus Timmy's smells will be gone and the point lost. 

Since he started using the new box already, I would stay with it for now and see how it goes. I wouldn't change the litter either, because now at least the litter is familiar to him.

Then, when bringing a new box, I would place it next to the old one till he starts using it. If the place is small and I had to jump over litter boxes standing in the way, I would, it is just for a few days anyway. Please do not worry he didn't hide his pee, may be he wanted to mark the box as his from now on, which would be great. another star goes to Timmy for marking the bx and not the carpet ;)

In general, I would wait a bit with both catification and other greater changes for now, like i.e. redecorating and moving stuff back and forth which is usual for us people after moving to a new place. Just let him work out his new routes, routines and favorite spots to perch and nap first. Most likely he'll be happy once he has established his new play-rest-eliminate areas and pathways without new surprises.

Catification is expansive, so if you now spend time and money on it, and Timmy does not appreciate it, that would be a great stress for both of you.

As for now, I would rather just get him a few baskets placed here and there, low and high, or a corner cat tree if you have a corner to spare, so he can climb, hide, nap and supervise new surroundings and feel happy that he has got something out of it, without big changes and remodelings now again.. Cardboard boxes with cut out doors will do as well. And a good scratcher next to the litter box.

In a meantime you will also get the opportunity to figure out and plan his cat highways at his new place.

Also, if you don't have the peace of mind or energy to play a lot with him right now, he will be fine with lots of petting and some treats as reassurance that everything is fine and he is such an amazing cat :) You can also play some relaxing music, especially soft piano, Vivaldi, or some calming music you both can enjoy. 

Most of all, it is important that you remain calm and at ease - he is looking to you and picking up your vibes right now more then ever.

Best wishes to Timmy and you, relax and be good to yourself, everything will be fine :)
 

inka

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Ps. If you are not fond of classical music, here is a short list of a few pieces my cats enjoy very much:

Richard Clayderman - pop hits performed on piano

Kenny G

Music for Cats and Friends (there are 4 Vol., and Vol 3 is classical, I have Vol. 1, 2 & 4, cats love it as the beat mimics  cat mother's heartbeat; very relaxing for me as well).

You can get it on Amazon: 


If you play specific music at petting / relaxing quality time for both of you, you will create conditioning - after a while just playing that particular music will put your cat in a pleasant and relaxed mood and make him feel safe. Good luck
 
 
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