Expert: Tina - 2/23/2007

Question
Hi,I have a house full of loving kitties. A few months ago, we brought home two adoptees, and immediately started finding poop (no urine) on the floor next to the new girl's favorite box. We have tried adding boxes (both traditional and self-scooping) and cleaning them more frequently, and we have a visit to the vet scheduled. Meanwhile, the area has been expanding to encompass the whole library instead of just the few feet around the box. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
HI Rachael,

It's good that you schedules a vet check - be sure to bring a fresh stool sample, because this could be a sign of worms.

It's also possible that the cats don't like the type of litter, the depth of the litter (try a very thin layer) or they are afraid to use the box if it's used by the resident cats. Try moving the box around too, and separating them visually if they are not already.

Do you know if it is the 2 new cats pooping on the floor? Did they ever use the litter box correctly? It is possible they never really learned completely from their mother, in that case you might want to treat them as if they are kittens who don't know about litterboxes - confine them to  small room with the litter until they use it consistently and gradually allow them greater access to the house.

Good luck!