Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/pooping outside litter box

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/24/2008


Question
We have 2 4 month old male kittens that came from the same litter. When we first got them, it was no issue with potty training, but this last week 1 wasn't feeling well and spitting up.  It lasted only 1 day, but since then he's been pooping everywhere except the litter box.  I've discipline him by showing him what he's done then putting him into the litter box, but he still does it and only in the mornings.  What is his problem.

Answer
Sharon,

It may be a coincidence. It's possible the kitten has an intestinal problem like intestinal parasites, or an allergy to his food. If it is painful when the cat poops he will associate that pain with the litterbox and go elsewhere. You may want to take him to a vet for a checkup.

Also try putting another litterbox near where is he going that is bigger and with deeper litter. That sometimes will help.

It's possible that he sensed you were sick and was reacting to it. If so, then the pooping behavior should stop and he should get back to normal.

It's better to find out if his behavior is caused by a medical issue before dealing with it as a behavioral problem.

Tabbi  

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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