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Question
I have a 3 year old cat that I have had for 2 1/2 years now. I got him from the SPCA and he was already litter trained and we have never had any problems. Recently he has started having some issues when he is having a bowel movement. He will get in the litter box and dig and dig and dig and then finally start to go, but then jumps out at the last minute before he has finished going so he is getting poop on the floor. Its like he is attempting to use the litter box, but is getting out too early. This is a litter box he has had for about 6 months now and we have always used the same litter inside so I dont know why he all of the sudden has started doing this. Can you please help??
Hi Jessica,
I would have a vet check him out. Behavior like that sounds to me he is having some sort of pain at the end of his movement. See if all is okay with him. If he checks out okay the next thing I would do is get a bigger litter box. I have one cat who did the same. He was an overweight cat and moved out of the box before he was finished. I got him a larger box. I actually got him one of the doggie litter boxes. It was lower and bigger than a cat one. It worked great. But I would first make sure he doesn't have something wrong with him. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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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