new cat issue

[sharrlan]

Since I got help here for my cat, thought I would ask about my mom's cat.

Before anybody says anything, NO, I am not getting rid of the cat.

Mom's cat is about 18. He's never used a litter box, even though she tried. The cat has always preferred to use the flower beds to do his business. About two months ago, he started pooping in the garage on the floor. I've tried setting up a litter box, but he won't use it.

Any suggestions on how to get him to stop? Is there anything I can spray that's not noxious?

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

dahkota wrote:
get a litter box and put the same thing in it that the flowerbeds have.

I agree - making sure there's some dirt in that box - and then maybe add a piece of his poo from the flowerbed, so it signals "This is where I go potty". I'll bet if you start with dirt, and keep adding kitty litter, increasing the ratio - you can convince him that litter is OK to potty in, too?

[Michelle_S]

At 18 he's probably suffering from Old Age. We had a Domestic Longhair that lived to about that age. She got to the point that she had trouble controlling her bodily functions, I.E., would actually poop in her bed while asleep, stopped grooming herself, couldn't jump, lost her hearing, and not sure about her eye sight. So no matter how hard it was we decided the best thing for her was to put her down. It's a tough thing to do, but there is such a thing as Quality of Life for our Fur Kids Too.

[dahkota]

get a litter box and put the same thing in it that the flowerbeds have.

[Code2High]

I wonder about arthritis or constipation here, or loose stools/ discomfort, or some combination of the above.

A visit to the vet would be a good idea but also what are his stools like?

There are herbs you can use in the litter box to attract a.cat to dig and go. But as with the peeing, physical discomfort needs to be addressed first.

[Sloop_Smitten]

I have several dogs and over the years have bought some of the dog beds that contain redwood chips. I have had to throw all of them out. My cat likes the redwood beds better than the litter box. You might buy some redwood landscaping chips and try some of them in the litter box with the litter. If it doesn't work you will only be out the cost of the redwood chips.

[Old-Biscuit]

At 18 yrs. old he is gong to poop just about anywhere he decides.
Just be glad it's on the garage floor

Clean up......bleach