Expert: Becky - 6/12/2006

Question
Hello Becky -

My 6 yr old neutered male indoor-only kitty has started an
annoying habit - he poops on the bare concrete floor right next
to his box.  He still uses the box if he has to urinate.  I have
another kitty - a spayed female who is 2 yrs older with whom he
shars a box who has no litter box problems (also indoor-only).

We moved in October to a new home and he took to his new
place well and we experienced no litter box problems.  A couple
months ago, however, he stopped using the box and started
using the floor.  

It doesn't mater how clean the box is.  I scrubbed his old box
very clean and kept it spotless.  No change.  I got him a new box
and took the old one away and kept it spotless.  No change.  I
brought the old box back and had two boxes for the cats.  No
change.  Every time there's a mess, I wash the floor throroughly
so there's no mark, odor, or extra litter left (not so hard to do as
the floor is concrete).

I've never noticed any irregularities in his stool.  It looks normal.

He never urinates anywhere but his box, although he did spray a
nearby door to the outside 2 weeks ago (first time he's done
this).

I'm stumped at why he does this.  He knows he isn't supposed to
do it as he usually acts guilty after he's done it, even if I haven't
seen his mess yet.  He's such a good cat most of the time.  He's
happy and loving and just a sweet guy.  I am worried he doesn't
feel well, but he acts as happy and healthy as ever.  Since his
box is on concrete (though I do have a little carpet at the door to
his box) cleaning up is more annoying than anything else.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Monica!

Cats are so strange sometimes.  If we only knew what they were thinking!  At first, when I read that you had moved, I felt sure that was the problem as cats do NOT like change. However, you said that was in October, so that can't be it if he just recently started this.   I normally get complaints about cats urinating outside of the box. In that case, I usually suggest confining the cat to a small room such as a bathroom with litter box, food and water when not home in order to "force" the cat to use the box instead of being able to run all over the house and "go" wherever.  In your case, however, pooping outside of the box is hard to change, especially since he is doing it right next to his box.  You are sure that he is not inside the box and his bottom is hanging over ?  Sometimes that gives the appearance of an accident, when for all the cat knows, he is in the box and thinks what he is doing is fine!  If you know for sure that isn't happening, I think I would try a larger box with lower sides that covers more area.  For instance, they make those hard plastic boxes that are short enough to fit under a bed that might work. You can get them at Walmart.  I'm thinking that maybe if he had more area that maybe he would not go outside of the box and a lower box would give him less confinement.  I'm just guessing here, but who knows it might work.  Be sure to clean up any area with a solution of vinegar/water added to any cleaning product.  The vinegar is a natural deodorizer and will take the scent up where he can't smell it.  This is also an excellent cleaner for when he sprays.  I hope he doesn't start doing that all the time, as it can be pretty gross.
I know I haven't been much help.  He may or may not stop on his own.......as I said... I wish we knew what these cats are thinking!!!  LOL

God Bless,
Becky