stopped using his litter box

[zimbacca]

I’ve had my rabbit for about five years now.  He lives in my office and we  just keep his cage open so he can go in and out when ever he wants.  Before tonight I honestly don’t remember the last time we closed it.  He’s always been really good about going back into his cage to pee and only ever had an accident when we’d bring him out into our living room for a few hours (and even then only once or twice in the past five years).  But recently (in the last month) he’s started peeing outside his cage.  I come home and there’s a big puddle under the couch.  Nothing about his normal routine has changed, I’ve been cleaning it on the same schedule as I always have, and his cage door is open but for some reason he’s just decided for some reason that he wants to pee under the couch.  Does anyone have any idea why this might be happening and what I can do to prevent this or retrain him?

[DanaNM]

If nothing has changed in the office (no new furniture or anything), I would get him checked by a vet. 

Is he only peeing in that one spot under the couch? Or other areas as well? 

If a medical issue is ruled out, you can try retraining him to use his box by restricting his space to a smaller area. You could also just add a second box in that spot…. 

When you clean up the puddle, use paper towels to sop up the pee, then place them in his box. You can use white vinegar to neutralize the urine so he doesn’t mark there again.

But yeah, I tend to think a vet visit is in order anytime there is a sudden change in the bunny, without a change in the environment. 

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[LittlePuffyTail]

Agreed. Cange in behavior is usually reason for vet visit. And older bunnies are more prone to things like kidney stones and urinary problems.

[Author]

Messages