My sick cat is recovering but hasn't used the litter box. What to do?

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.

I'm sorry to hear that Lily has been feeling so poorly today. As Dr. Melanie mentioned, lethargy and a loss of appetite can be due to many underlying health conditions. Since she seems to prefer laying down, it's also possible that she's experiencing some degree of pain or discomfort. Some of these possible conditions include pancreatitis, infectious diseases (FIV, feline leukemia, FIP, etc.), constipation, kidney disease, liver disease, toxin exposure (did she eat a plant, medication or something else she shouldn't have?), or many other conditions. The fact that she hasn't been using the litter box normally might be a sign that she is dehydrated, even though she's drinking water when it's placed in front of her. At this point, it would be best to take Lily to her vet fairly urgently for evaluation. Your vet will need to examine her and will likely recommend some diagnostic testing, which may include blood work, an ultrasound or x-rays, to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope that she feels better soon!

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!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Eddie. Yes, you are correct this can be a sign of illness. As long as he is eating and drinking, and using the litter box, I would monitor him for now. If he stops eating, stays very lethargic over the next 24 hours, stops drinking water, stops using the litter box, or develops other symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, I would take him into a vet right away. Best of luck.

I would give Ostin a few days to settle down and get used to being inside. If he hasn't used his litter box, bringing him to it so he can explore it, or bringing in a little substrate he prefers to go potty in (such as some dirt from the garden) and mixing it with the litter may make it more obvious to him where he needs to go. If he continues to act lethargic, doesn't use the bathroom at all, or shows other signs of illness, an exam with your vet is best to make sure there isn't anything else going on.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is somewhat expected to some extent though it is important to make sure she is drinking water so she does not get dehydrated. I would encourage her to drink and you may get more than 1 litter box to encourage her to use it. If she does not improve within 2-3 days, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment in case there is something else going on. Best of luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. Defecating outside of the litter box is usually a medical issue and can be linked to everything else going on. I recommend that you have Merlin evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!