Newly spayed 8 year old female cat not using litter box

by Jen
(Melbourne, box, Aus)

I have an 8-year-old female cat who just got spayed three days ago. We brought her home yesterday, and she's been drinking water and eating (but not as much as she used to). She hasn't used her litter box at all.

We had to move it to another room because the room it was in has a high ledge that she always jumps up on, and we don't want her to strain her stitches. She already jumped up there once, so we don't want to put her litter box back and risk her jumping up there when she's in the room.

I'm worried about her not peeing and if there might be another reason why she's not, other than her litter box being moved.

The reason she got spayed is because she was diagnosed with pyometra. She's on antibiotics right now. She's acting pretty normal aside from the no peeing/pooping.

She's been walking about, sitting with us, and was even rather active earlier. We had to calm her down because we were worried she would strain her stitches.

My thoughts: I'm sorry to hear your cat is having troubles. I'm sure your vet already gave you post-operative instructions and cautionary information, and if there is ever any concern after a procedure, I recommend calling the vet and asking for guidance.

It's not uncommon for cats to take a while to use the litter box after surgery. It's also possible that moving the litter box has thrown her off a bit.

If she were my cat and it had been 24 hours or more and she still had not urinated, however, I'd call the vet.

Please let us know how she does.
-Kurt