Cat peeing outside litter box

Question
I have a 16-year-old male, neutered cat (Buster) who has been peeing outside his litter box for the past two months.  Two months ago, I had to put my other 16-year-old cat to sleep for health issues.  They had been together since they were kittens.  Buster is now the only cat in the house.  I have taken him to the vet for evaluation, and he changed his cat food to a food designed for renal patients.  I have cleaned the area repeatedly with Nature's Miracle and have tried blocking access to the corner with empty boxes, but he is still going there.  He has two litter boxes that I clean out before I go to work and when I come home.  Is it possible that he's reacting to the loss of the other cat and the fact that he is now alone in the house?  Would bringing another cat into the house help alleviate the behavior?  I cannot bring myself to put him down if there is a way that this behavior can be stopped, as he is otherwise in good health for a cat his age.  Any suggestions you could provide would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Abby,

Did the vet say he had any urinary tract problems? If he did then he might be associating the box with his pain. Here's a few things you can do.
Keep using the enzymatic cleaner. This will help remove temptation to use the wrong area. Get him a litter box like this.  A new box will help. And I've found that this box is just what cats love. It is also good for elderly cats.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=petmate+giant+litter+pan&rls=com.micros

Get this scoop for it. Makes your life easier.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=durascoop+litter+scoop&hl=en&rls=com.mi

Try using this litter.

http://www.preciouscat.com/  

Pet Smart and other stores carry it. It should help him getting used to the box again. If he doesn't like it try a natural non clay type of litter. Change in litter texture could make a difference.

You can give him this. Or something like it.

http://www.petnaturals.com/vitamins_supplements/calming-support-softchews-cats.p

Might calm him down and remove some of his fear of the box. He's under some stress from the loss of his friend. Also try some Feliway Comfort Zone. This will also help.

I think if you do this stuff he will start to use the box again. Also positive reinforcement helps. When he uses the box and you see him do it, praise him. I believe you will see a big change in him soon.

If he is having problems with his urinary tract I would read this link. It has some very good info on what to feed him. Read the basics and the section on urinary tract health.

http://www.catinfo.org/

Here's some good info on taking care of your old man.

http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

Lots of times bringing a new cat into the house will rejuvenate an older cat. However you have to be careful that it doesn't stress him out. If you do bring a cat in I would choose a very young fixed male. And follow a cat intro protocol.



Hope this helped. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen