Pet care: Senior cat is having litter box issues

Q: I inherited my mom's cat, a Maine coon, after she passed away. He was a kitten then and has lived with me for 15 years. A year ago, he developed a "swelling" on his cheek. It subsided in one week, but since then he has refused to use his litter box. Otherwise, he is amazingly healthy considering his advanced age. I'm pretty sure that he's no longer "trainable" regarding his litter box, but I still respect his right to live and don't believe in euthanizing him until the time comes just because he's old.

Dr. Nichol: Your kindness for this senior citizen is a gift for both of you. His house soiling is not a training issue but rather an important symptom. Painful arthritic joints could be making it hard for him to struggle into his litter pan. It’s also possible that his tired old kidneys are producing so much urine that he can't hold it long enough to skip to the loo. Diabetes can have a similar result.

That swelling on this elder gentleman’s face was likely an abscessed tooth that may have fallen out but then left behind smoldering inflammation, leading to kidney damage. A stinky, soggy latrine could also help a good cat go bad.

As any AARP member will attest, aging isn’t for sissies. Greater than 10% of cats over age 10 suffer from benign thyroid tumors that often cause excessive drinking and urinating and, in some cases, behavior changes. Dementia may be another factor.

This little guy is doing the best he can on his own, but there’s no substitute for modern medicine. A thorough exam, urinalysis, blood panel and thyroid screen would be good first steps toward a better life for both of you. In the meantime, be sure this feline heirloom isn’t stuck with a cesspool when nature calls. He needs a pristine clean restroom with handicap access. Cut down a portion of one side of the pan so he doesn’t have to perform the high jump just to do his business.

• For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations in person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.