Change in behavior

[tjrusert]

Hi Evryone. I was just wondering if I should be concerned over a change in my 10 year old cats behavior. In the last few weeks she has stopped covering her poop and pee in the litter box. It's taken me a while to figure out which cat was the "guilty" one b/c I have 3 cats and 3 litter boxes. And they share the boxes. It's a rather smelly situation when Miss Kitty goes now. And I'm not sure if I should be concerned or how to get her to start covering things again. I do clean all 3 boxes at least every other night. Sometimes I clean even more. She seems a little less playful too lately.  Suddenly her toys and even the elusive red dot don't seem to interest her.  But otherwise she still wants to be with me and be loved. I free feed so I'm not sure about how much she is eating. She will eat treats though. Her poo was a little loose when she first stopped covering it but seems ok now. I don't know if I should just wait and see if she perks up or take her in to the vet. Any ideas on the litter situation?

[CML2014]

Opus is spot on. Isolation is the ONLY way to know what is going on with her. Her litter box and food intake will tell the story.

she should actually have her own litter box anyway, when litter box get a little too full with urine and feces cats have a tendency NOT to cover their elimination since there are so many smell they need not hide their scent.

Let us know what you observe now that she is isolated. Thanks

CML

[tjrusert]

Thank you for the advise. I might try isolating her to see how she is doing.  

[opus88]

have you started using new litter by any chance? sometimes they don't like the feel of it...ie clumping vs non clumping or different texture.

If this were my kitty...I would somehow isolate her in her own room with food and litter box for a few days, so you are able to monitor how much exactly that she is eating. if her appetite isn't good than I would definitely say its time for a Vet check up

otherwise the covering alone isn't a reason to worry....but than again at 10 yrs of age, is when you often start to see medical problems arise and a full blood panel and urine check can be a very good idea

good luck