Expert: Becky - 3/16/2006

Question
Becky, We have three cats who we have had for quite some time. We have two litter boxes,which has always seemed to work well for them. I was using tidy cat multi-scent liter and then I changed to Sam's brand name because Sam's stop carrying tidi-cat.About a month ago one of them started pooping outside of the litter box, at first I thought the box must of needed changing, which I do regularly anyway, but I did it earlier than normal. That did not work, it happened again. I thought it might have been the new litter, so I added some tidi cat and Sam's together, that did not work, so I went back to tidi cat. This still has not solved the problem. My first concern is that there might be a medical issue, do you have any answers?  

Answer
Hi David!

I can't be sure, of course, but I do know that cats don't like change, and that could be the reason he is not using the litter box like he used to.  I change litter all the time and it doesn't seem to bother mine, but some cats are very weird about that.
If it continues , put them in the bathroom or other small area with food, water and litter pan.  This usually forces them to use the litter box.  Then you can gradually bring them out. You can also try to monitor the litter box and when he/she starts to use it, try to make sure it's IN the box.  I really hope this is something that is just a temporary problem and you won't have to go to all the trouble of putting them up while you're gone.  But if he/she doesn't stop doing that, then you should give it a try.  I have had many people with this problem that have tried it and it does work, however I must admit it is usually a problem of cats urinating outside of the box.... which believe me, is much worse!

God Bless,
Becky