Cat age or problem?

[Bordon]

One of my good friends has a cat which is almost 16 years old. She has been in pretty decent health, other then a slight ear infection. Recently she hasn't been using the restroom in her litter box. He is wondering if she is doing this due to old age or if there is just something which would be a simple fix or something. He is afraid to take her to the vet as she isn't much of a public person and he doesnt want to scare her knowing she is getting old. She is his baby and he is rather worried so figured I would ask here since Ya'll were so kind to help me with my cat a few days ago.

[PrettyKitty1]

Your friend should have the vet check urine and blood samples to make sure no bladder infection or kidney or thyroid disease are currently present.  If these checked out OK, I would suggest cleaning any spots in the house that she has used for her bathroom duties with a good enzymatic cleaner. This should help to keep her from going back to these places.  And keep and eye on her; look out for any other behavior changes. A cat this age should have blood and urine checked at least once a year, if not twice, to make sure kidneys and thyroid are working right.

[Mrs_Savas]

It sounds like a UTI.  The condition is more accurately called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease and can be serious, especially if not treated right way.  There are other possibilities, like bladder stones or kidney problems, but most likely, she'll need a course of antibiotics and that's that - these bladder infections are very common and very treatable.

With older cats, it's important to get diagnosis and treatment right away, as they can be more delicate overall than younger adult cats.  Unfortunately, older cats also tend to be set in their ways and don't like going to the vet - and we don't like to make them go!  But I think it's important in this case to do it as soon as possible.

Anne