Litter box issues

[Anonymous]

Our cats are 14. We got them as rescues at around a year. They never adapted to a litter box - I consulted here, vets, behaviorists, every pet store, and everything we could think of. After almost a decade and a half, they still don’t use the litter box. We learned to live with it.

We have to move and sell our house so this is unsustainable. We cannot have these cats as they are. The only thing we can think of is to send them to an animal rescue. We’re struggling. Any ideas for us?

[Anonymous]

Put them down. But the damage to your house is already done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Put them down. But the damage to your house is already done.

I know. It’s a problem.

[Anonymous]

Do you spray the area with enzyme spray? The only thing that worked for us was keeping the box away from carpet/rug, not reusing the same space as she had an accident. we even set up a camera and tried to get her mid-pee. It was awful and kind of a relief when she died.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried Dr Elsey's kitten attract litter?

[Anonymous]

There is a VERY small pool of adopters for elderly cats that have spent their entire lives urinating on rugs and defecating under the couch. Most of that pool is made up of animal hoarders. You don't want that for your pets. They aren't going to start using a litter box at this point. They won't make good barn cats since they are old and not used to outdoor living. Unless you keep them, euthanasia is probably your kindest option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a VERY small pool of adopters for elderly cats that have spent their entire lives urinating on rugs and defecating under the couch. Most of that pool is made up of animal hoarders. You don't want that for your pets. They aren't going to start using a litter box at this point. They won't make good barn cats since they are old and not used to outdoor living. Unless you keep them, euthanasia is probably your kindest option.

Thanks. This is what we were thinking. They have never been outside cats.

[Anonymous]

Jesus, OP. No matter what you decide now, you have already gone beyond far and above for these cats. You can rest guilt free whatever decision you make.

[Anonymous]

It seems really cruel to me that your plan is to kill your cats because you are moving to a new house and you don't want them urinating. I think despite them not being outdoor cats, you may want to consider making them outdoor. Maybe get them a catio and have them spend time there. If you can get them to pee in the catio, that would be a win.

[Anonymous]

I don't know how you learned to live with it for so long, but I do think it's a shame that you are putting your foot down now 13 years later when they are old and not rehome-able. Clearly you love them to have put up with it for so long. Can you really just go and euthanize them because you can't take them with you when you move? I agree that a catio is your best bet where they may not be happy but at least you didn't kill them for something they've been doing for 13 years...

[Anonymous]

You loved with this for 14 years? That is insane and disgusting. If a cat cannot learn to use a litterbox they need to live outside or be euthanized. End of story.

[Anonymous]

Wow, you are a courageous and patient human being, OP. I admire your compassion. You can euthanize your cats humanely at this point. The other option would be to dedicate a bathroom to them in your new home and keep them locked up forever. Just don't abandon them.