Since My Older Cats Stopped Using The Litterbox, Does This Mean I Should Put Them Down?

Q: I have two cats one is 17 and the other 9 and they both have stopped using the litter box. Is this a sign that I should put them down?Q: I have two cats one is 17 and the other 9 and they both have stopped using the litter box. Is this a sign that I should put them down?

A: When cats stop using their litter boxes it is termed inappropriate elimination. This is not a sign that they must be put down. Inappropriate elimination can be caused by many different things. Be sure to have at least one litter box per cat in the house. Some cats will stop using the litter box if they dislike the type of litter you are using. If you are using covered litter boxes you can try taking off the covers.

Unfortunately, many times when cats eliminate outside of their boxes it indicates an underlying medical problem. Your pet should have a physical exam, bloodwork, urinarlysis/culture and possibly an x-ray if your veterinarian feels this is needed. This can diagnose different diseases and problems that can cause cats to stop using their boxes.