cat not going the bathroom

Question
My cat is trained to use the bathroom outside.  I am diligent about putting her out several times a day.  However a neighbor's cat scuffled with her and now when she goes out to use the bathroom she just hides until she comes in.  And I know she did not go.  I have not found any spots in the house where she has gone.  Should I break down and get a litter box (ugh!).  She is a 13 year old female and very healthy for her age (my vet says!).  Thanks

Answer
Lori,

Yes, most definitely get a litterbox. A 13 year old cat can easily have kidney problems if she tries to hold it.  

A cat scuffle outside will definitely stop her from wanting to go potty outside especially if the scuffle happened when she was going, or starting to go, potty. Older cats don't take stress as well as younger cats do.

You need to make concessions for older cats. The cat is 68 years old in human years. And someday soon you may say "I would put 10 litterboxes in the house if she were only still here to use them!". Do whatever you can to make her life easier and comfortable.

Just for your future information I am incuding a very good link for information on the behavior and care of the older cat. Copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar::

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html

Also it is a good idea to take your cat to your vet for an 'older cat checkup' to check on her liver, thyroid, and kidney functions.

Carol