Why has my cat started pooing on the floor next to his tray?

[something2say]

Hiya,

My cat is going to be 14 on August 1st.

He had a box litter tray. He started pooing on the floor next to it. I thought, maybe he can't jump in very easily anymore??

So I bought a flat tray. He still does it! Right next to the tray, on the floor!

I can't understand it. We are falling out about it. He's never done anything like it before, but now he has suddenly changed.

No ill health, no other changes. He has arthritis on his back legs, which I treat, and it has been like that for ages - this change seems to have come about on its own.

Not sure what to do or if this is how it will be now? Help!! Any experience / advice?

Many thanks

[cozietoesie]

Seniorboy had the odd accident until I got on top of his arthritis a couple of years back. It's broadly OK now but I know what it's like.

How is your boy's arthritis being treated? And have you thought about his littering arragements - eg how many trays does he now have available and how often is it/are they cleaned?

(I'm assuming he's still OK on his peeing.)

[something2say]

Hiya - I was advised to give him a supplement in his food, which he has and has been having for some time...

He only has one tray. That's all he has ever had....there isn't really room for another one but perhaps I should think about it?

Also the habit has started during summer....when the window is open right next to his tray....the two do go together haha as I don't like the flat to smell....maybe the noise bothers him? What do you think?

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Is his litter tray immaculately clean? Things tend to smell more in the heat and cats won't use a dirty litter tray.

[something2say]

Yes I do it regularly....

Am quite upset about this actually. He is getting old isn't he. he can't jump down from the bed anymore. I made him steps. He is quite doddery on his back legs but such a beautiful cuddly animal. I will be devastated when he starts getting unwell. But 14 isn't that old is it?

Also I do not have him insured. It was £35 a month and I can't afford it.

[Primadonnagirl]

I was just going to post about this.My old girl is 15 and sometimes does this..she has even started going on the bathroom rug! There's been no other change in her routine and she seems quite well in herself...maybe it's just old age?

[cozietoesie]

I think you need to vet him. I don't know what supplement he's on but it sounds as if it isn't coping with his issue and that he may need some stronger actual meds.

[cozietoesie]

\link{http://www.icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/arthritis-and-degenerative-joint-disease-cats\Here's} some useful guidance for you both to read.

[something2say]

Hiya, thanks for the replies. Have booked a vets appt for early next week....

[something2say]

He's been on glucosamine for a while now....I am doing all the things the article says to do....l

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Cozie's advice is spot on failure to get into the litter tray s a very common sign of arthritis getting better of old cats. They don't limp like dogs they just do less and less till they can no longer cope.

[Selks]

Would it work to have something like a dinner / kitchen tray with sheets of newspaper on for him to use? Bless him he's clearly wanting to use his tray if he is pooing next to it, but clearly can't. I'd place the kitchen-tray-with-newspaper next to his regular tray for a few days until he gets the hang of using it, then switch to that only.
Poor old boy, it does sound as if he is in some discomfort or pain. I would take him to the vets for some pain management meds.