My cat's avoiding the litter box?

Question

lately, my cat has refused to use the litter box. we've had him for nine years and there's never been a problem before. my dad rubbed his face in it, because we've heard that's a method of house-training, but it hasn't seemed to work. he just finds another place. i'm losing patience with this. i've heard that older cats can develop stress which leads to litter box avoidance but i don't know. does anyone know what can be the cause of this or what to do about it?

Answer 1

This may be a dumb question, so if it is excuse me.  Are you completely emptying the litter and washing the box out water and detergent, bleach and water, etc?  

Answer 2

is the litter box completely clean? i know my moms cat is SUPER picky and if theres ANY poo ... lol or anything else in it that he can see he wont use it and he will go some where else

Answer 3

my cat was having similar problems so we took her to the vet and the vet said it was a urinary tract infection. since youve had your cat for 9 years i assume its 9 years old or older and urinary tract infections are very common for older cats. you just have to give them medicine 2 times a day for about 10 days. either that or your cat is old and doesnt like stepping into either a tall litter box or a covered littler box, try getting a smaller shorter uncovered one it makes them feel more comfortable. and dont keep piles of paper or fabric around because it looks like litter boxes to older cats!

Answer 4

my vet told me that they think that in older cats that they lose the sense of smell and dont know where they are suppose to go anymore.  

Answer 5

Change the litter completly. Maybe there is a smell still coming from the box the cat doesnt like.

Answer 6

he cant be stopped take him to the vet and have him put down