Something is wrong with my cat..

I've had him for about 9 years, he has always used his litter box..but lately he hasn't been using it...He has started to go behind my living room curtains.
Does anyone know why he could be doing this?

I also just got a new puppy about 2 months ago..I dont know if that could be part of the problem?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me.

 

The addition of the puppy could be the problem, but it's best to get the cat checked out by a vet to be sure that it's nothing medical. He could have a urinary tract infection. Good luck!

 

i'd be really cautious about any urinary issues right now especially if you find his food on the list.
Is the puppy bugging him when he uses the litterbox? could make him stop using it.
Rule out medical first, then if everything is fine in that regard start treating as behavioral

 

Checking with a vet is a good idea to make sure there isn't a bladder problem.

Also he could be upset by having a new furbaby in the house. He may either be afraid of the puppy or he is upset or is marking his territory.

I hope you can work it all out.

 

Another reason older cats stop using their litter box is arthritis. It's painful for them to get into and out of the box. Using a tray with short sides, like a large sheet cake pan, that they don't have to step so high to get into the box usually solves that problem.

 

Hello and welcome to Auspet. I agree with the others. Have the vet check for a UTI (urinary tract infection) or other medical problems first. If he is fine than you know it's behavioral. Which means it could be due to the new puppy, or another outdoor cat that is coming around the property or even a person the cat doesn't like. First try and put the litter box in a quiet area that the puppy cannot reach. Make sure the litter box is always nice and clean and a few people have mentioned that 'Cat Attract' litter works very well. Good luck and let us know how things are going.