My cat just got neutered. Why isn't he using the litter box at all?

It would be highly unusual for a kitten to have urinary complications after neutering. You are a good pet parent for monitoring him, but as long as he is interacting with you, interested in food, and is doing normal cat behaviors such as grooming I wouldn’t worry yet. If he’s repeatedly getting into and out of the litter box without producing anything, if he starts vocalizing in the box, or if there is bloody discharge from the surgical area take him right in.

I would say he is a little bit in pain from the surgery and therefore waited to pee until now. Being jumpy is also normal, it is a sign of stress, as he was in an environment unfamiliar to him, he got injections and he woke up with pain. So he would feel apprehensive. Usually there is no problem with the litter coming into contact with a wound, it will likely not cause infection and you do not need to use a special litter. He is happiest with everything staying the same , the way he is used to. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please take the time to mark this question as helpful or not as it helps us to improve on the quality of our answers to other pet owners. Thank you kindly!

It sounds like he is still experiencing some pain. Talk to the vet who did the neuter about prescribing an anti-inflammatory/pain medication to help relieve the pain and make him more comfortable. Do not give any human pain medications as they can be toxic to cats.

This is very common for a cat to go without using the litterbox after a stressful vet visit like this. No worries. Unless you see him actively straining, then there is nothing to worry about. If you haven’t seen him go or strain the next few days then it’s best to get him seen for possible constiparon. I hope that Cheeto goes soon. Chances are though he will go soon! Best of luck and take care.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Binx would have been fasted before surgery, so that may be why she hasn't used the litter box yet. It's very good she has eaten and is drinking, and I do expect she should use the litter box soon. If she hasn't in the next 24 hours, then I would be worried and have her seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Tristan! Mild redness and swelling is normal. If you want to repost pictures we can take a look. As for not using his litter box, he could be stressed. I would confine him for a few days with his litter box to retrain him to use it. Also then you can be sure he is urinating normal sized spots. There could also be some inflammation. If he still isn't using the litter box appropriately by tuesday call your vet, he may need more pain medications. For the next 2 days just be sure is is producing urine and eating. I hope this helps!

Poor kitty! It takes a good 24 hours for anesthesia to completely wear off, and if he's on heavy pain meds that can also affect his ability to get around and know when he needs to go potty. I would keep him in a sort of recovery area nearby his litter box that is easy to clean as he is likely not intentionally having the accidents. If after 24 hours he is still seeming to be very disoriented, can't hold his urine properly at all, or new symptoms are appearing, I'd let your vet know ASAP to make sure he isn't having an adverse reaction to the pain meds or anesthesia.