Adapting Litter Box to Senior Cat

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  • #826090
    WinterTime
    Participant

    This is to re-visit and give an update on a topic that was recently discussed on a couple of other threads. I have a senior cat and I am trying to make her jumbo sized litter box with higher sides easier for her to step into. The possibility of making steps leading to the box was discussed. I had considered using books to make the steps. Then I got the idea of using garden paving stones instead. They are about the right thickness, inexpensive, come in various sizes and are sturdier providing a more sure footing. So that’s what I did. The stones do work pretty well, I think. But… after a couple of weeks, she is still not using them. She will either walk around the steps and crawl into the box the old way or use a different box altogether that does not have the steps. I have also had no luck finding a container that is equally large but has lower sides that would be easier for her to climb over. Do I give up on this idea, too? Or might she warm up to the steps eventually?

    On the plus side, our six month old kitten, who has no need for the steps, thinks they are great!

    #826091
    Kittyzee
    Participant

    I don’t know why cats’s don’t like change….LOL! But anyway, I think if you can get the box you want, then cut it down at the entrance (please be careful doing this!) you will be better off. She can then just enter and exit without lifting her legs, just walking out. Old hips hurt making them avoid the pain and litterbox altogether!

    #826092
    WinterTime
    Participant

    I actually did try cutting down the sides of container of an otherwise nice size. It turned out so badly it was completely unusable. It is currently sitting in my recycling bin….

    #826094
    JerseyJoan
    Moderator

    Hmmm, I’ve made a mess out of many a project. Are the edges really jagged, making it unusable? Just thinking that maybe you could smooth it out with a layer of duct tape. The only other thing I can think of is wandering around a place like Home Depot. Maybe they have large plastic trays in the garden center or maybe you can find a large tray with baking supplies.

    #826095
    WinterTime
    Participant

    Yes, it’s very badly splintered and jagged. It’s a mess and I doubt if it’s salvageable, although I can try the duct tape idea. I found that container wandering around Lowes. It was the most likely candidate I found. The garden center is fairly sparse at the moment. Maybe I’ll be able to find something when they begin re-stocking it for spring. I’m just amazed that there does not seem to be something marketed to pet owners specifically for this purpose. Just like people, pets age and they have special needs when they do.

    #826113
    JerseyJoan
    Moderator

    That is so true, WT! There should be a line of supplies for seniors.

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