Q:   My outside cat, who visits occasionally inside, had to have her back right leg tendons, ligaments, whatever, put back together. She has 4 pins in her leg, and her paw has been wired back to the leg bone so it will re-heal properly. She has to stay inside for 2 weeks. While I am at work, she stays in a big dog box with food, water, her pillow, and a litter box; she also stays in the box at night. She will sometimes be in there as much as 18 hours, but she will not use the litter box. Is there no way to tantilize a cat to use a litter box since she can't go outside? I have found one place she has urinated on the floor, the times I have let her out for a short while.

A:   ANY cat that is in pain, will often have accidents outside the litter box. With the serious surgery your cat has had, she may have difficulty getting in and out of the box. Does she know what it's for? Has she ever used one before on her occasional visits inside? Cats normally prefer the litter box to other textures, and will use it, however they usually do not like to have it right next to where they eat.

You might want to take the litter box out of the big box when you are home and gently put her in it. See if she has a problem getting in and out of it. It might be too high for her. Also, when you clean up cat urine from the carpet, don't use an ammonia-based product. The idea is to remove the urine scent-- vinegar and water or plain water will work, followed by an enzyme-based product that will neutralize the scent so she won't return to that spot.

Once she's recovered, you might want to think about turning her into an inside cat. She may not be so lucky next time.

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