Litter Box use with an older Bun

[AnnBunny]

So I have a 9 year old guy who just recently started peeing in a corner of his cage where he never ever peed before. He has a huge litter box and he doesn’t show signs of having trouble stepping into it (he’s a big bunny) so I don’t think that’s a problem. He also uses the litter box regularly and he has to sit in it to eat his hay. Do I just give in and put a corner box there? He does poop all over lately too which he didn’t do when he was younger. Maybe he’s just older and lazier? He’s getting his butt all wet and it’s making me nuts to clean him up everyday 

Now my younger girl is spayed and still sometimes pees outside her box too. It’s like she decided he did it and now she’s going to! They are NOT living in the same house, they are not bonded. 

They have both been to the vet and there is no infection or anything.

We did all move to a new house about 2 months ago and they did both need time to adjust. It could even be related to that? They both seem to be more comfortable now though. For the younger one, I think I’ll try giving her a box that’s bigger because she is still stuck with the corner one and I know they do grow out of those. 

Thanks for any input! My older guy is my first elder bun so I’m not sure what to expect all the time.

[LittlePuffyTail]

hmmm…at his age it’s possible that he’s developing a bit of incontinence. Or sometimes pain from arthritis prevents an elder bun from traveling to the litter box every time the urge arises.

I would try giving him a second litter box and go from there.

It is possible, as well, that it’s a territory thing due to the move. Is he neutered?

[Sarita]

I wonder about arthritis as well – it’s very common in rabbits. Maybe have your vet do some x-rays to see if he has some arthritis.

I have 3 elder buns – they do sleep alot more – I don’t think it’s laziness, just age.

[AnnBunny]

Oh yeah his sleeping a lot is definitely age. He’s always been a cuddly bunny! 

The vet never checked for arthritis with an xray but they did give me some Rimadyl that I could give him everyday (he also had an ear infection lately) and they said that should help as well. I will definitely try another litter box. 

The little one I think is being territorial from the move even though she’s spayed. She was spayed a little late – she was maybe a year or two old, we can’t tell because she was a rescue that someone found wandering around the neighborhood. She’s always been “sassy” haha! I think she’ll adjust okay. 

[Sarita]

Yes, rimadyl will definitely help with the arthritis. It is possible as well the ear infection is affecting his litter box use as well since that can be painful.

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