Old cat not weeing in litter tray - any ideas?

[Rollercola]

My old lady is 18 and for the last year has been winding down. She's eating ok and I've had her checked out at the vet and they said she's in reasonable heath, just old age is now slowing her down.

My main problem is that she's stopped using the litter tray to wee in, she just wees at the side of it on the floor. She'll still use the tray to poo, but will just squat down next to it to wee. I've been using those puppy pads and she'll go on them, but I just always seem to be cleaning up and I'm getting through dozens of the pads.

The litter tray has quite high sides with a cut-out section at the front but it still seems like too much effort for her to get in it. I think I need a wide, flat litter tray that she can just step onto but I can't find any anywhere.

Has anyone seen one or have any better solutions?

Have you thought of a 'garden tray' - or a paint tray/drip tray etc. They're all just plastic like most litter trays, just different names and different shapes.

There are some here but you'll doubtless be able to ferret around using different labels.

Is she happy with her current litter?

Those garden trays would probably be ideal, I never thought of those. Thank you!

She seems ok with the litter when she does use it, although I guess that could be the problem too. I did just recently change to the Catsan gold which she seemed to really like she was weeing on it fine for about a week but then went back to weeing on the floor again.

Is the Catsan quite large and gravel-like? If so, her paws may be getting more sensitive with age? You could try something like World's Best, which has a similar consistency to oats. (It's made from corn.)

Not getting into the litter tray is a big indicator that arthritis pain is really bad. So assessment for arthritis by the vet would be the first thing. There are several things that can be done to increase quality of life.

Good thinking. I know she's pooing in her tray and has also been seen by the vet, Roller, but - sadly - many owners and even veterinary professionals just aren't clued up to arthritis issues. (Have a read of this.)

A lower sided tray is still a good idea as an environmental assist but arthritis is certainly something to consider in the very near future. Arthritis and (recently) extra pain meds have made one heck of a difference to my old boy's quality of life and he's even older than your girl.

Worth a consult I would say.