Expert: Jessica - 1/8/2011

Question
my second oldest cat of 3 from time to time will poop outside of the litter box. we've tried multiple solutions to rectify the problem. multiple boxes throughout house, clean litter boxes almost every day, litter boxes are in secluded areas,no stress he pretty much stays in the back and no other animals bother him, when he does it it usually in the same spots, so we clean the areas very good with solutions and carpet cleaner and put a litter box over the same spot he pooped previously. he then pooped in front of the box on the floor. I don't know what to do any more any suggestions. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi James,

I would suggest getting the kitty to the vet for an exam, along with one of the stool samples that he has missed the box with.  It could be possible that when he's missing the box, it's because he's experiencing pain.  Cats might defecate outside the box if they're experiencing gas, constipation or soft stools, which can be caused by inflammatory conditions, parasites, food intolerances and bacterial or fungal infections.

If the vet finds all is in order, you should discuss the possibility of anxiety as the cause.  Some cats experience anxiety for no known reason.  Pheromone sprays like Feliway can sometimes be helpful in these situations.  You can use the spray directly on accident areas, and use a plug-in diffuser to treat the home (see www.feliway.com to learn more).  In tougher cases, a prescription medication might need to be used.  Most cats only require treatment for a few months until the behavior has been corrected.

You might also try a litter such as Cat Attract to try to get him using the box consistently.  This litter was formulated with an herbal attractant to get cats to use their litter boxes 100% of the time, and it's money back guaranteed.  Find a retailer at www.preciouscats.com.  You can also order the Cat Attract additive to use with your own scent-free clumping litter through many websites, if you're unable to find Cat Attract litter in your area.

Best of luck!

Jessica