A GREAT QUESTION

I was recently asked a great question: "My cat, who was using the litter box so well for so long, has now stopped using it. Why?"

A few questions:
-Are there any other animals in the house? Yes, 2 other cats and 1 dog

-How long have you had those other pets? The dog is the most recent addition, and we have had him over 1 year

-Any conflict between the animals? Not that I can observe

-Any medical reasons for this? No, checks out normally

-Any new people introduced into the home (ie: new baby, new boyfriend, etc.) No.

-Any new hobbies, job (different hours or late nights)? No.

-Anything that takes up animal time? No

-Are you moving? Yes.

Why does that cause cats to stress? Is it that they know they are moving? Maybe. Do they feel insecure? Absolutely. Can they "sense" the stress in their people, maybe without even knowing why it is or what it is and get stressed themselves? BINGO!
One of the leading reasons cats wind up in the shelter is for not using their litter box any more. When they move into a new home, they use the litter box just fine. Why? How can that be?
The behavior problems we find in animals almost always comes directly from the person they are most connected with (that would mean that at my house, only Augie and Bubba are safe from ME and my issues). Moving is full if stress- it is one of the top 10 stress-producers for a human. If the cat's person is stressed, even a good, happy stress, they will stop using the litter box.
So why do they use the litter box when they get a new home? Because they really do want to use it. It is instinct to use it. But most of all, the new person they find themselves having to connect with (if they can find a new home) is not stressed, but happy to have a new pet. Stress gone.
So this is where my people therapy comes in. Take care of yourself. Yes, you have so much to do, boxes to pack, calls to make, arrangements to arrange. But watch that favorite relaxing show on tv. Do some music therapy (Mozart is great for this). Soak for a while in a bubble bath. Hold your cat on your lap and breathe deeply. Fill up your lungs as much as you can through your nose, and blow out through pursed lips (like blowing up a balloon). About 10 of these deep breaths will lower your heart rate and blood pressure. You both may be asleep in minutes.
I recommend that everyone learn how to calm themselves down. No one can avoid all stress, so learn an effective way to cope with it.
Good luck, Lucy!