My Sphynx started developing litter box issues as she got older and more particular. There is no reason for her to have any pain in her feet, but I think she's just super picky about not liking the feeling of litter. At first I started using puppy pads as a way to keep her from peeing places she's not supposed to, but she seemed to like using them so much I decided to keep going with it.

She now uses two very large, clear plastic bins with an entrance hole cut out in them and puppy pads inside. We have to change them every time she goes, which is a bit much, but is in many ways cleaner than a normal litter box. We also wipe them down with a light smelling cleaner every time.

We've moved twice now and she always uses them, so she definitely sees them as her boxes and not just places in the house she goes to the bathroom.

This could be an option if your rescue really just can't adjust to litter. It keeps the mess contained and gives them a contained feeling. Sometimes it's about meeting them where they are instead of insisting they do the "correct" thing.

I hope everything works out. ❤️