Litter tray refusal

[nutmegx]

My 6 year old Ragdoll used to be so well litter trained until decided last year that he only wanted to go in a corner of the living room behind a chair. I've tried cleaning with enzyme cleaner, put a second litter tray beside the 'chosen' corner, placing him in the tray when he heads for the corner (he holds it) Nothing works and I've resorted to puppy pads in the corner which at least he goes on. I've protected the carpet under the pad with extra carpet.

Any other ideas?? The vet doesn't think there's much I can do. The only other thought I have is putting a bit off the soiled puppy pad in the litter tray or getting a hooded litter tray. It's so frustrating. He's a very clean and tidy cat, even wipes his paws before and after eating 

Thanks

Has anything changed in the last year? If the vet has ruled out a UTI, then inappropriate urination is generally down to stress or a change in environment.

One of mine can be a bit fussy and if his litter tray isn't to his liking then he'll go next to his water bowl instead

Which litter are you using?

It was triggered by our bathroom being replaced. He's a very quiet cat, likes his own quiet company. Since then, his new routine has been that corner, nowhere else. He used natursan which he liked before.

Did the vet test the urine for infection? You can buy test strips on amazon quite reasonably.

Yes, nothing physical

Sounds like it was triggered by stress and has now become a bit of a habit if there's nothing physical going on.

Have you tried plug-ins like Feliway? How many trays does he have access to?

Two trays, I could put the feliway on. Yes, he's definitely not stressed now but 100% become a habit.

I wonder if blocking the corner but leaving the litter tray beside it would work or just lead him to find a new place.