My 10-year-old cat stopped burying litter. Is she sick or in pain?

Question

What makes a 10 yr old cat to all of a sudden quit burying her poop or pee. She is only peeing in 1 spot in the box. I bought a new litter box cause the old one was too low and she was backing up to the corner and peeing not all made it in the box. She's still doing that but the sides are higher but the low spot she is backing up to. I clean the litter box twice a day but it's always in the same spot. Not buried. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 10 years old | 18 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

When cats get older, they can develop health problems such as arthritis. Arthritis would cause it to be painful for Elvira to crouch to go to the bathroom, and so she goes to the bathroom and gets out of the box as soon as she's done to get out of her painful position. Given that this is a sudden change in behavior, I would have her seen by a vet for this. The vet can diagnose if she is suffering from something such as arthritis causing this behavior, and can prescribe treatment for it. Please do not give her any human medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe her safe pain medications if needed.

My 10-year-old cat stopped burying litter. Is she sick or in pain?

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