Expert: Dear Tabbi - 12/15/2008

Question
Hi there.

I have 2 6-8 week old kittens (the vet wasnt sure how old they were) and all of a sudden they started pooping everywhere. We got our Christmas tree on friday and they were fine with it, then on Saturday night they pooped and peed all over the tree skirt, and once we removed it one of them did it again on the  carpet. We went out and bought this product called "Shoo" as it is supose to help keep the kittens out of where they are not supose to go, and it seemed to do the trick. Then this morning the same kitten pooped in the bathtub, which is literaly inches away from thier litterbox. I clean the litterbox 3 times a day and always make sure they it appealing to them. I have a step daughter and this weekend was the first time that they met her, but she is only 3 so i dont want cat poop all over the place all the time.
Anything you can offer is greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Katrina

Answer
Katrina,

Kittens and 3 year olds are not a good mix without constant supervision until you know how they will act with the kittens, and the kittens with them.

The kittens could have become upset by the child and improper elimination is they way they show it. It may not have been anything she did, just her being active around them could be a possibility.

The places the kittens are pooping are more secluded. You may want to put the litterbox somewhere 'private' for them. Some cats don't like it out in the open, and if your step-daughter was watching them when they used the litterbox that could have made them nervous.

There is always a reason for pooping outside the litterbox, you just have to be a detective sometimes to figure out why and what they are telling you.

Happy Holidays and/or Merry Christmas,
(these days, you aren't sure what is 'politically correct') (smile)

Tabbi