Cat going outside of litterbox

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Cindy & Pets

Cindy & Pets

Member Since 2012
Alright....so I have a bit of a major problem here. ): One of my cats has been poo'ing outside the litterbox for a while now. It's been happening since even before their yearly checkup in July. I had mentioned it then, but both of them checked out fine past some fleas. Got some more frontline, still battling fleas, but they aren't due until Sept. 8th or so for their next treatment. I've seen some bullying, and have switched brands of litter. But it took a while for it to start after I switched the litter.

Now....I've been trying so hard to figure out the problem. But my family is starting to give me an ultimatum. Either fix the problem by the 29th this month, or the cats go. I've had these cats for practically half of my life, so I really don't want to get rid of them. At this point, I'm willing to try anything. Any suggestions for me to try?

Thanks in advance.
 
If there is bullying it is very possible that one cat is keeping another from the box or the box is in a location that the submissive one feels like they will be attacked in the box. I had this situation in my house and since I couldn't find an optimal location I would separate the cats 2x day and take the submissive one to the box and stay there with her. I did this until she knew she was safe and contined the separation so she knew she had a set schedule where she could go to the bathroom in peace.

Sometimes they like to pee in 1 box and deficate in another. You should have n+1 boxes for your cats. So if you have 2 cats you have 3 boxes. Also highly recommend dr Lisa link given to you above. Keep at it and you will find the solution!
Cj
 
My kitty was going outside the box a little, and he was constipated, so I got some lactulose from my vet, and there hasn't been a prezzie on the floor since.
 
Is there any way to figure out if it's constipation before going that route?

I do have Dr. Lisa's website up, and am thinking about getting the cat attract litter.

I know with the litterbox I've never had a problem before, unfortunately I did not know the n+1 litterbox formula, and currently only have 1. I plan on hopefully getting 2 more. To see if bullying is the problem, 1 will be on the other side of the house and I'll only show Christmas. I can try the separation tactic for now. Just unsure how well I can keep it up when I start classes back up(27th this month).
 
If you have a constipated cat, he or she will probably show signs of either straining on the litter box, fewer stools, and may often have stools that are small and look very dry. Conditions that may result in a constipated cat are numerous, and some are severe, so a veterinarian should see any constipated cat.
 
Alright, I'm asking because this issue was going on when they had their yearly check-up and the vet did a through check to see if anything was medically wrong.
 
I'd try a bit of Miralax in the wet food - and add water. Mine seems to want to go outside the box if he's a bit constipated.

From what you say about the rest of the family, are they complaining cuz the cat is going on the carpet? My box is in the laundry room on a tile floor, so at least it's a breeze to pick up the poo with a paper towel. I keep a bottle of spray cleaner handy too to clean that part of the floor. I am not sure the lingering odor isn't an invitation to go there again, so I try to keep in pristine.

When he poops in his box, I make a big deal of it and he is instantly rewarded with a food treat.

I think that one box is maybe not enough for two cats. Can you set up another?
 
You definitely need more litter boxes set up and also need to keep them very clean. You may have a very clean cat that won't use a dirty box.

My cat will not use a previously dirtied spot. She looks for a clean spot and if one was not there, she might go on the floor too. I don't know. I keep it clean. She will urinate on one end and poo on another. As someone else said, some cats won't even go in the same box. I'd be willing to bet that not enough boxes is a major reason for the problem.

Melanie & Racci
 
I just got home with a new litterbox(I asked my grandpa for 2 litterboxes, but he said no), and her old arm&hammer litter. I set it up on the other side of the house in case bullying is the culprit and showed her, and only her, the new litterbox. She jumped in, sniffed around, and poo'd, yay! So I gave her a treat right after she hopped out. :)

And yes, it's because it's a carpet. We ripped it up because we had some extra from when it was put down and sprayed it, emptied 2 cans, with citrus magic. That at least got rid of the smell.
 
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