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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Cat messing all over the place

21 replies

emmelinelucas · 12/06/2015 18:56

emmecat is almost 11, and has always been clean. She doesn't go out anymore, but always used her tray.
For the past week she has been pooing everwhere, but mainly on slippers at the side of the bed, on the doormat, bedroom carpet etc.Lots of piles that DH steps in
She uses her tray for wees.
Otherwise she is fine.No change in any other habits, still purry and lovely.
DH is becoming very very annoyed.
I can't just keep her to one room due to the open plan layout of the house.
Does anyone have any advice ?

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 12/06/2015 19:33

I'd put another tray in place in any case - some cats really can't be doing with peeing and pooing in the same place in quick succession.

I'm also, though, wondering a little about arthritis. Her age would be starting to put her potentially in the frame for that and I know that with my own boy, the first sign that he had it was pooing in odd places. (The stress of maintaining the high poo position in a tray sometimes means that they won't succeed in their endeavour so come to associate the tray with difficulty in pooing etc.)

Have a read of this - do any of the symptoms ring bells?

Original poster

emmelinelucas · 12/06/2015 19:43

Thankyou, cozie - I will get another tray tomorrow.
I have looked at the link, and tbh - no, she doesn't have any of the other symptoms at all.
I did wonder if she was going senile. She just doesn't seem bothered about it.She has never been out of her tray before.Always so clean.

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cozietoesie · 12/06/2015 20:19

I'd maybe keep a weather eye on her because they don't have to have all of the symptoms. (In fact Seniorboy, at that stage, only had the wayward pooing but his vet - who was very strong for older animals - heard that, did some judicious poking and we were away.)

Pooing in strange places is not to be unexpected if they're too sore to push it out in the tray - it generally has to come out at some point so when it inevitably does, they could be anywhere in the house. (Peeing is a lot easier - they just sit and let go more or less.)

Maybe adopt some of the environmental assists mentioned in the guidance in any case? She's not young any more and they won't do any harm to bring in.

Is she due to go to the vet soon at all?

PS - He has two trays and uses both.

Original poster

emmelinelucas · 12/06/2015 20:32

Great advice thankyou yes - I did take on board the environmental assists, and it is true that it is easier to wee than poo.
She is running about now, playing with her toy mouse. Then she will suddenly disappear and...stink.
I will do my best for her.

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Original poster

emmelinelucas · 26/06/2015 15:03

A bit of an update.
She has 3 trays now - one in the bathroom (where it usually is) one in the bedroom and one upstairs (we live upstairs).
She is going for poos in the trays, now but this morning, she has been on the carpet in the bedroom.
Shall I take her to the vets ? She is wormed, defleaed and is otherwise fine.
Runs, jumps, plays, eats, answers to her name, grooms herself.
Going to the vets distresses her more than anything.
Oh dear. Are you here, cozie ?

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 26/06/2015 15:43

If she's been using the extra trays since you last posted, I think I would, personally. (It sounds as if she wants to be clean - as most cats do.) From what you say, I'm guessing she doesn't go that often so would she be due for a check up anyway?

(Feel for you discovering another poo when you thought you had it sorted - it's a right PITA. Are her pees still in the tray?)

Original poster

emmelinelucas · 26/06/2015 16:49

Thanks for replying cosie - yes, all pees in the tray. No more poos than usual. A twice a day girl lunchtime and bedtime.
I will take her for a check up. I need to get someone to sit with DH when I am out.It is so hard to plan as I depend on Crossroads care and they like to come at set times (when the vet doesn't do appointments-that is just how it goes)
It is a right PITA. Buddy cat. Buddy cat I love.

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cozietoesie · 26/06/2015 17:20

Good luck then - although I'm a bit perplexed as to how the vet runs their practice without at least setting some appointments. Are they a decent vet as far as you know?

Original poster

emmelinelucas · 26/06/2015 18:20

Yes they are a good vets I have used them for 30 years. They have appointments in the morning. Then they I think operate etc in the afternoon then its a free for all in that you queue from 6pm - 9pm but people start from 4pm.We have to wait outside
I will take her if it is an emergency in the morning, but that means leaving DH. My dog was clipped by a car and they took him in.
You cant phone on the same day for a proper appointment, it could be days later.
Richmond House in Savile Town

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cozietoesie · 26/06/2015 18:48

Pull circumstances here, emmeline - a poorly husband and cat allied with having to organise care trumps pretty well most things. Have a word with the receptionist and explain the situation.

Original poster

emmelinelucas · 26/06/2015 19:10

I am going to have to, aren't I ? I don't usually. I will phone in the morning.
I am a bit frightened to be honest. I have insurance for accidents. Not illness.
It is what I can afford.
Hey ho..

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cozietoesie · 26/06/2015 19:21

It should be OK, emmeline - I would have thought they ought to be sympathetic and they should remember that you have 'special circumstances' from now on. It's what people do remember.

Best of luck anyway.

PS - check that insurance carefully. She won't be covered for a checkup but she just might be for a condition - if she has one.

cozietoesie · 26/06/2015 19:22

Sorry - I was assuming that a checkup wouldn't be covered but I could be wrong on that. In these matters, presentation can be all.

Original poster

emmelinelucas · 26/06/2015 19:35

I will get DH to check in the morning. Pretty sure not covered for conditions. I have only had one cat that had one and that was swift and terminal.
DH is sort of ok - not mobile, but he is not going to get better, not really.
Emmecat runs rings round him, but when he steps in poo and he has a huge ulcer on his heel...it needs redressing ..yuk I can understand him being fed up.

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Original poster

emmelinelucas · 26/06/2015 19:43

When he manages the few steps to the bathroom on his sticks..plop.Or he bumps into the tray in the bedroom.
I am the one who gets shouted at, cleans everything like I do all day.
My life has shrunk into a very small world.
DH and cat.

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cozietoesie · 26/06/2015 20:29

Well you've got MN as well now, emmeline. Let's see if we can get the cat sorted at least.

Fluffycloudland77 · 26/06/2015 21:05

Can he wear a Velcro boot in the house? Most wound care clinics have access to them.

Then you just wipe the boot.

Original poster

emmelinelucas · 26/06/2015 22:43

No fluffy he just wears a dressing. Basically his feet are dying and the skin just drops off. Its horrible.Actually, four at the moment.
It is likely that he will lose his legs. The smell is terrible, but he is not in pain and has little sense of smell and doesn't understand what all the fuss is about as I run about with disinfectant and cloths muttering and swearing under my breath.I clean so carefully after the cat. It is stressful.I don't want DH to get an infection because of her. (and that means-because of me)
Everything has happened at once.
The nurse comes twice a week and tuts, smiles and doesn't do any more than I do.
It is fitting everything in.
Yes I have got mn. and my sanity - for now, cozie

OP posts:

Fluffycloudland77 · 27/06/2015 08:05

He can ask for a boot. They are free on the NHS.

cozietoesie · 27/06/2015 09:54

You sound very very tired, emmeline. Have you thought about posting on one of the Health boards for some extra support? Maybe this one but there's also the General Health board to try.

Fluffycloudland77 · 27/06/2015 19:28

You could ask whoever is in charge of his treatment if he can have a dressing with carbon in it.

It wont get rid of it altogether but it would lessen it. For example lyofoam has a carbon version.

But it's worth asking if he can change.

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