Expert: Norman Auspitz - 11/30/2009

Question
Hello Dr. Auspitz,
I am looking for help in trying to determine why our male tiger cat of 18 months is pooping in the house from time to time.  He lives here in a Friary of 27 men, one other cat (about 13 years old) and two other dogs - all of which he gets along with famously
He gets a lot of positive attention from the other brothers but will from time to time poop on someones bed.  We have been letting him outside (although I was against this because of coyotes in the area) so he mostly poops outside although he shares a litter box with the other cat so we not 100% sure who is doing what.  Would times that we let him out have any bearing?  If there are new dogs around in the house from time to time - would this upset him enough to cause this problem?  Does he need his own litter box, especially with winter coming?  Any thoughts you have or different things we can try would be greatly appreciated - thanks
Br. Paul

Answer
Brother Paul,

Usually, pooping inappropriately is due to either medical problems or behavioral problems.

So, the easiest thing to do first is to see the vet to make sure there is nothing wrong medically (intestinal parasites, impacted anal glands, etc.).

If he gets a clean bill of health, then you will have to do some detective work to track down why he is pooping where he should not. The first question is he neutered?  If not, that would be the first step.  Other simple things to do are to supply a second litter pan in another part of the friary.  

As to whether he prefers pooping in the out of doors, I doubt it, but you never know.

Other things that can change litter pan habits are simple things like a different type or brand of litter.

One thing dogs often do is look at cat poop as candy. Sometimes they bother the cat when it is doing its business and, so, the cat will go elsewhere.

Anyhow, here is a link to a series of excellent articles on cat litter pan problems which may have further suggestions:

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

Please let me know how things go.

Best regards... Norm.