Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/18/2008

Question
Hello,

Last year around August, I found that my cat ate rat poison, so I did want I needed to do, he just was at his year check up, and the doctor said he was healthy. But since then he has been pooping outside the box, its always right next to the litter box. Never anywhere else. He doesnt it do it every single time either. It got better for awhile, and how its getting worse again. Im moving out soon, he needs to stop this, I have tried to many things, more litter boxes, cleaning it everyday. Confining him, Im getting so stressed about this, bc I dont want to surrender him. I did notice the last two times, he did go outside the litter box, the day b4 that I was gone for awhile. Im not sure if its that! But I think sometimes could it be the effect of the posion, it screwed up his system. I need help!

Answer
Kimberly,

I think the clue here is what you said: "I'm moving out soon".
When a cat behaves like that because of a behavioral problem then he is sending you a message that he is upset and stressed about something. Cats are good at picking up on things and he probably senses about the move. And the fact that he does it when you are gone increases the possibility. He probably knows something is up but doesn't understand what and it is making him insecure and stressed.

Actually getting another cat about his age and temperment may help alot. He would have a friend to keep him company and comfort him when he was alone. Cats need a friend to play kitty games with, to snuggle with, and for companionship.

His behavior could also be a medical issue that may or may not have anything to do with the rat poison. He could have intestinal parasites, intestinal problems, etc. If he is having pain when he defecates in the litterbox then he will avoid it because he would associate that pain with the litterbox.

I would take the cat to another vet for a 2nd opinion and tell him/her about the inappropriate elimination issue. Your vet gave him a checkup, but he may not have checked for what could medically be causing his actions. I would also speak to the vet about the possible long term effects of rat poison.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi