Expert: Norman Auspitz - 7/21/2011

Question
My cat is going to be seven in a few weeks. I have never had any problems with him using the litter box.He recently has been checked by the vet, no medical problems.Almost two months ago I was taken into the hospital, he was alone for five days. Of course my son took excellent care of him.During that time, my son noticed he pooped all over my bed,which of course I thought was because he was angry being left alone.I came home, it seemed  to stop for a while he was using litter box.Again, this weekend popped all over my bed, now he's doing it with me actually standing there.I should add I do him leave him alone on the weekends, which I have been for years , again my son taking care of him.This is not his normal behavior,litter box location,type of litter remains the same. I think being no expert this is a behavioral  habbit he has recently developed ,but I am becoming frustrated as to what to do to stop it.I can not shut my bedroom door as there is no door on my bedroom.

Answer
Ben,

Assuming the vet checked your cat thoroughly for worms (tapeworms and round worms) and a blocked or infected anal gland, the assumption is that it is a behavioral problem.

Things to check for are whether or not anything changed in the household, which it had, even though temporarily. The cat may have really reacted badly to your absences, which may have started the habit, but now it appears to be a bit in grained.

When a cat messes somewhere where it should not, it is important to clean the area thouroughly with an enzyme based cleaner specifically for pet stains and pet odors (available at most pet supermarkets).  You may not be able to smell it, but the cat can if you do not use this type of cleaner.  Next you will want to make the area as unappealing as possible.  I would get a plastic sheet that will cover your bed which will make the area less suitable for this type of behavior and be easier to clean.

Please let me know if this works.

Best regards... Norm