Why is my cat not using the litter box and constantly scratching his ear?

I would recommend having Paws examined by a vet. Sometimes cats will start to feel sluggish and uncomfortable in the litter box if they have a UTI, bladder stones, some inflammatory conditions, or constipation. Since you aren't seeing much in the box, it is hard to determine which is the case, but a vet should be able to figure it out on physical exam.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The ear lesions could be due to ear mites which are quite common in cats. Alternatively, it could be an ear infection or perhaps due to allergies. The urination and defecation inside the house could be behavioral though a medical issue cannot be completely ruled out. I recommend you take him to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Gizmoe. Scratching is a completely normal behavior in a cat, just generally an undesirable one when it is your furniture. Be sure to have plenty of scratching posts and cat friendly items for him to scratch. You can add catnip to them to entice him as well. When you catch him scratching in the wrong place, tell him no and redirect him the appropriate scratching place. Then praise him if he scratches there. As far as the litter box issues, the first step is to see his veterinarian to rule out a medical problem causing the problem. If he is found to be healthy, then it is a behavioral issue. Stress is a likely trigger. You need to have adequate litter boxes (one for every cat in the house plus one) and they are in quiet locations. Most cats do not like covered boxes. You can try a different litter substrate to see if that helps. This is a complicated issue so I happy to do a consultation if you have further questions. I hope this helps!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Mimi is scratching one ear more than usual, it is likely that she has an ear infection. Ear infections can be bacterial and/or fungal in origin. If left untreated, simple external ear infections can progress to middle or inner ear infections, leading to vestibular disease or even central nervous system signs. I recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian to have Mimi checked for an ear infection. He/she will likely perform an ear cytology, meaning he/she will swab her ear and look at the material under a microscope. This way, your veterinarian can look for evidence of bacteria and/or yeast and treat her accordingly. I hope this is helpful!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Scratching ears is usually a sign of ear canal infection or an allergy. Also, excessive licking of the paws suggest skin problem or an allergy. A visit at your local vets is recommended as Carl may need a course of ear drops and / or anti-allergic medication.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is possible that Percy has a UTI or a blockage within his bladder or urethra. These conditions are typically very painful and uncomfortable as there is a large amount of inflammation and pressure from being unable to void the bladder. He should be seen by a vet as soon as possible as this condition can quickly turn into a medical emergency as the urine backs up into the kidneys and causes a build up of toxins. I hope this helps and Percy feels better soon!

Hello. Bruno probably has a skin infection, possible from the Staph bacteria on his skin. This is all because he has allergies, either from fleas, atopy ( inhalant allergens ), or food allergies. He may also have sarcoptic or demodex mites present or even a yeast infection. I would recommend seeing your vet who can test for various triggers to his itching, licking & biting & recommend what products will work best for you & Bruno. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.