I am so frustrated and I don't know what to do. I know I posted about this a few years ago but I still haven't found a solution and it's still happening. My kitty refuses to use the litter box. These are the things we have tried:
isolating her in the bathroom with the box, it just upsets her so much she doesn't use it.
buying a new litter box, one that self-cleans and is always fresh and ready to go.
using the urine eliminating sprays from the pet store so when she does go on the floor it gets cleaned up.
treats when she does use the litter box to reinforce good behavior.
punishment (water spray or isolation) when she doesn't use the box.
moving her food near by the litter box in the hopes she wouldn't poop where she eats.
moving the box to multiple different locations to find the right spot.
trying different litters.
NONE OF THIS HAS WORKED!
we have been patiently and not so patiently working with her for over two years on this problem. We have moved twice since she started this trend- and we have been in our new place over a year so long enough that she shouldn't be doing it because she is out of sorts from the move.
she is about eight years old, has never gone outside, she is pretty fat about 17 or so lbs. the only thing that makes sense is it's just out of habit and she's old and doesn't care or maybe she's too fat for her box? but i've seen her in there and she looks okay.
at wits end. i don't want her to be an outside kitty and i don't want to give her up- but i am tapped for ideas and the internet is not helpful. Anyone?? Experiences? Ideas?