Expert: Becky - 1/12/2005

Question
I've had the cat for 7 years and she was full grown when she came to us.  For the past couple of months she has been pooping everywhere in the house.  But she still goes to the litter box as well.  I thought that maybe that was a sign that she was mad at one of us.  I had a friend who works in a vets office look at her and she said that she feels ok that maybe we need a second box.  Is this normal cause she is getting older?

Thanks..

Answer
Hi Lillian,

No, this is not normal.  Cats are very smart, and they usually do this kind of thing for a reason.... either medical or psychological.  Have you made any changes?  Any new pets? new food? new litterpan or litter? Do you kee the litter box clean??  Has anyone new moved into your home, or have you changed anything about her bedding, location or anything different?  If all of these answers are no... then you need to make sure she is doing ok physically.  A trip to your vet might be a good idea for a good physical check up.   When cats get older, their needs change.  

It may be nothing more than a bad habit she has started, if so, then you need to retrain her by putting her in the bathroom or small room with the litter box and do not let her have the run of the house until she starts using it again.

 I would also look online for further information on incontinence in cats.   

Good luck and God Bless,
Becky