Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: July 25, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Arthritis is a common condition that affects as many as 3 in 10 cats. It is often not diagnosed in cats because it is difficult to recognize even for the most dedicated cat guardian. The signs can be subtle, and since cats are such masters at masking pain, it often remains untreated. Only 7% of cats with arthritis receive treatment.
Senior cats and litter box behavior
Litter box avoidance may be a symptom of arthritis (although there are many other reasons for eliminating outside the box.) Getting in and out of the box may be painful for a cat with aching joints. Your senior cat may need a lower box, and you may also want to add additional boxes, especially in a large or multi-level home. If getting to the litter box requires climbing stairs, senior cats may avoid using the litter box.
We introduced several litter box solutions for senior cats in a previous post. I recently came across the KittyGoHere Litter Box, which is an attractive and sturdy solution with the lowest entrance I’ve been able to find, short of re-appropriating items not designed as litter boxes, such as cement mixing or potting trays.
KittyGoHere Senior Litter Box
Made from sturdy plastic, the KittyGoHere Litter Box comes in two sizes and four colors: sand, lavender blue and green. More colors are available in the puppy version, which is the exact same design, but marketed as PuppyGoHere Training Pan.
The KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box is available from Amazon and Chewy.com.
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
Hi Timmy! Where did you get the storage container please? Thanks in advance! 🙂
I bought the litter box for my senior kitty and it worked perfectly.
We have used large storage containers where we cut the opening where we want for several years. This allows an elder to step in and keeps our diggers and high-squirters from causing a mess. Yes we have both. Sigh
I did the same thing…used plastic storage boxes and the reason for that was…and new name here… a Squirter! No one ever said they had one of those before!
Squirter is long gone and I had to get used to using the much easier/lower boxes. Those tall ones were difficult to manage since SOMEONE thought that every time you scooped poop, you HAD to put in another few inches in the pan….
There are rabbit and ferret litter pans on Amazon that feature low openings and higher sides and back. Also, there is a variety of cardboard litter ramps on Amazon.
There are rabbit or ferret litter pans on Amazon that have a low opening but higher sides and back. Also, there is a variety of cardboard litter box ramps available on Amazon.
I like this idea only wish the sides and back were higher
This is a great idea . Years ago I had a cat that had a stroke and ended up not being able to get into the box. I ended up having to put a newspaper in front of the cat box so he could go. This was before pee pads were popular. But it would not work for Lulu as she is a high pee-er.
This would be great for Mitzi.
As someone with a senior cat with arthritis, my human thinks there should be a litter box with a low entry spot – but high sides! Because they sometimes don’t squat well when they get in. She has noticed with Boodie. She’s created several workarounds, but would love something to replace them.