Cat refuses to use the litter box

Why does my cat suddenly stop using the litter box?

There are several possible reasons for a cat suddenly stopping using the litter box:

The cat believes the litter box is dirty or has been used by another cat, so it refuses to use it.
If the cat is over one year old, it may be in heat, which causes male cats to urinate randomly around the house.

Cat refuses to use the litter box

There are a few possible reasons why a cat refuses to use the litter box:

The quality of the litter does not meet the cat's requirements. The owner can try a different type of litter that is more absorbent and forms clumps quickly.
The cat is very clean and the litter box is too dirty. The owner hasn't cleaned the litter box in time, causing the cat to refuse to use it.
The cat may be sick or in heat, which can lead to random urination around the house.

Symptoms of a sick cat

Loss of appetite: The cat is uninterested in regular food or completely refuses to eat.
Vomiting: Cats are prone to vomiting. If vomiting persists, it should be taken seriously.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a sign of illness in cats, especially when it occurs repeatedly.
Sneezing or watery eyes: Sneezing and watery eyes are common symptoms of colds or influenza.
Difficulty drinking: The cat sees water but can't drink it, and water drips out of its mouth when it tries. This indicates a problem with the throat.
Head shaking or ear scratching: This may indicate ear parasites.
Drooling: This could be due to mouth diseases such as stomatitis, tongue inflammation, mouth mucosa ulcers, or dental problems.
Scratching the skin: The cat frequently scratches itself or its fur, which could be due to fleas, lice, or skin diseases such as mange or fungal infections.

What to do if your cat is sick

If your cat has minor digestive discomfort, you can give it probiotics to regulate its stomach. If your cat has a cold and cough, you can give it medication according to its weight. For skin diseases, you can use fungicides, miteicides, or antibacterial sprays and shampoos based on the specific situation. However, the best way to deal with a sick cat is to take it to the vet as soon as possible for professional diagnosis and treatment.