Bella's behaviour

[Pollykins]

My sister has a ten year old spayed female. All was well until 18 months ago when she stopped using her litter tray, instead either the shower (easy to clear up) or the dining room. She has foxes in garden and a stray cat who visits every day. Bella doesn't like them

 

[UnoMama]

It sounds like Bella was a regular, well behaved cat till now and suddenly a switch has flipped. This , combined with the presence of the other animals, suggests that she’s been spooked and made territorially insecure by something that happened with the foxes or the stray (a sudden, non-violent confrontation would be enough).

she Might have to relearn to use her litter box, maybe try placing it where she’s pooping, since she has specific spots. Also try feliway diffusers and the like to get her to feel calm again

 

[FeebysOwner]

If the foxes are new as well as this stray cat - like as in close to the time Bella changed litter box habits - then your sister needs to get rid of both, if at all possible. Cleaning with enzymatic cleaners in the area(s) where Bella goes outside the box is another thing that needs to be done over and over and over again. Restricting Bella's access to where ever these outside critters are hanging out is another thing to consider.

You don't mention whether or not Bella is peeing and/or pooping outside the boxes, nor do you mention if Bella goes outdoors at all, or what her exact exposure is to these outdoor animals. All of that information can help to determine your sister's options. You also don't mention how Bella's health is otherwise, eating/drinking/etc. And, you don't say when the last time it was that Bella was given a senior exam by a vet - all of those things also impact what advice you might receive.

More information is always helpful!!!

 

[Pollykins]

If the foxes are new as well as this stray cat - like as in close to the time Bella changed litter box habits - then your sister needs to get rid of both, if at all possible. Cleaning with enzymatic cleaners in the area(s) where Bella goes outside the box is another thing that needs to be done over and over and over again. Restricting Bella's access to where ever these outside critters are hanging out is another thing to consider.

You don't mention whether or not Bella is peeing and/or pooping outside the boxes, nor do you mention if Bella goes outdoors at all, or what her exact exposure is to these outdoor animals. All of that information can help to determine your sister's options. You also don't mention how Bella's health is otherwise, eating/drinking/etc. And, you don't say when the last time it was that Bella was given a senior exam by a vet - all of those things also impact what advice you might receive.

More information is always helpful!!!

Thank you, I will ask for more details from sis.

 

[Pollykins]

It sounds like Bella was a regular, well behaved cat till now and suddenly a switch has flipped. This , combined with the presence of the other animals, suggests that she’s been spooked and made territorially insecure by something that happened with the foxes or the stray (a sudden, non-violent confrontation would be enough).

she Might have to relearn to use her litter box, maybe try placing it where she’s pooping, since she has specific spots. Also try feliway diffusers and the like to get her to feel calm again

Thank you!