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Cats/my cat is pooping on my sofa!

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Expert: - 12/15/2008


Question
Hi,
I have a 10 year old cat and a baby on the way.  In the last several weeks, the
cat has started pooping outside his litter box and on our upholstered
furniture.  My husband and I have cleaned and covered the furniture and kept
his litter extra clean.  He continues to poop on the covering of the furniture.  
This morning, I found that he had also urinated on the covering.  We believe
it to be anxiety related to the coming of the baby ( in 3 weeks).  What can we
do?

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

First off i would take him to the vet for a check up. Changes in litter habits in an older cat are usually signs of something health wise going on. If the vet checks him out okay you can do a few things. First off get a good enzymatic cleaner that is made for pet odors. You want to use this to remove any temptation to reuse that area. Get him another litter box and fill it with a new type of soft litter. Make sure the box has low sides. he may be getting arthritis and it may be hard for him to get into the old box.  See if he will use this.

Try this stuff. http://www.preciouscat.com/
You should be able to find it at some of the larger pet stores. Get something called Feliway Comfort Zone. This mimics a cat's happy pheromones. If he is anxious it will calm him down. Here's a great link about your cat and new baby. http://www.2ndchance.info/babies.htm
Also here's one about older cats.
http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

Hope this helps you. Good luck with your old guy and your new one coming.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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