Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/cat deficating outside of box

Advertisement

Expert: Dear Tabbi - 3/1/2009


Question
A few weeks ago my house cat decided to quit using her cat box for pooping in she still uses it for peeing just fine I've had her to the vet and they say there is nothing physically wrong with her.When she does this she runs from it and spreads it everywhere.I've made no changes to stress her out her litter is the same and I clean the box regularlly please help.

Answer
Michael,

There could be a number of reasons the cat is doing that. A lot of times it is their way of telling you that they are upset at something. Is there a stray cat she can see out the window but can't get to? Is the litterbox in an open area? Some cats prefer privacy. Try moving the box to another area. Are you not playing with her or giving her as much attention as you used to? Also try a bigger litterbox with deeper litter. Cats can outgrow a litterbox and need more room so they go in a larger area. And try some children's play sand one time. You can get it at Home Depot or other building supply store.

Since I cannot put all the information in this reply, I am including some links to good articles about improper elimination. Please read them. They will have good information that you should find helpful in dealing with the cat's behavior.
(copy and paste or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://cats.about.com/cs/behavioralissues/a/outsidebox_two.htm

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/pointe/9352/litterboxhelp.html

http://www.apbc.org.uk/article10.htm

Tabbi  

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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).

Education/Credentials
***********

Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.