Litter Box & Appetite Log | AgingCatCare.com

1. Daily Litter Box Log

Tracking the litter box gives an early warning on the most common senior conditions. Kidney disease (CKD) usually means larger, more frequent urine clumps. Constipation is common in older cats, so watch for missed or hard stools. Straining or blood is a urinary emergency, especially in male cats, who can suffer a life-threatening blockage (FLUTD). Log every day for one week.

Date	# Urinations	# Stools	Stool consistency	Blood / straining?	Accidents outside box?	Notes
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

2. Daily Food & Water Log

Appetite and thirst changes are key signals in senior cats. A rising water intake can point to CKD, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes, while a dropping appetite can quickly become dangerous. Rate appetite from 1 (refused all food) to 5 (ate eagerly). Log every day for one week.

Date	Food type	Amount offered	Amount eaten	Water intake	Appetite (1 to 5)	Notes
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

3. Red Flags – Call the Vet

Any of these warrant a prompt call to your veterinarian. The first two are true emergencies.

Not eating for more than 24 hours (risk of hepatic lipidosis, a dangerous fatty liver condition)
Straining to urinate with little or no output (possible urinary blockage, an emergency in male cats)
No stool passed for more than 48 to 72 hours, or repeated straining with hard, dry stool
Sudden increase in thirst and urination (possible CKD, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes)
Blood in urine or stool, or repeated trips to the box with nothing produced

This worksheet is for tracking and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary care. When in doubt, especially with straining to urinate or a refusal to eat, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.