Expert: Tina - 4/9/2007

Question
I have three cats. But my baby Daisy does something very strange that no one can seem to help me understand. I have had Daisy since she was approx. 5 wks old. She is now almost 2 yrs.  She has had this problem ever since I have had her. The place that I use to work always had stray cats running around, and one of them had kittens, she never returned... So we took the 3 surviving ones (Daisy and two others). I kept Daisy, and two of my friends kept the others.  All of the cats have the same problem. They will pee inside the cat box, but poop right outside of it! Then if you move the cat box, they poop outside of the box, in the new spot... but also poop right where the box use to be. I have tried many different things to correct this problem. For example: I have three cats (who were strays and I have had since about the same age, they don't have this problem) and five litter boxes. So I have enough. It was suggested that the box was in an area she didn't like, so I moved it... but no change. The box she use most often is at the bottom of my closet. The others she doesn't seem to like, for what ever reason. I have also tried to change litters. I've tried pretty much every brand. I've even tried the natural litter (pine), and none of my cats will use it. They didn't go to the bathroom at all for the three days I had it in the box! My vet suggested I put her in the bathrrom alone with the box. They said because it is a small area she will go where she is suppose to... Yeah right! She went to the bathroom in the tub, and didn't go near the box. So I really don't know what to do. I have not gotten her spayed yet, that will happen within the next month. The vet said that shouldn't be the problem, but the local shelter I asked said it could be. I have also inquired about behavioral meds, one vet told me they have them... another vet told me there is no such thing for this problem. One vet even told me that some cats just do that, and it probably wouldn't change.  I keep hearing different things from different sources, and none of it has helped! So now I'm stuck, and don't know what to do. I've exausted every option I have been given and nothing seems to help. So do you have any advice. I'm not going to give my baby up... but this is really annoying! Please help!!! Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Ashleigh,

First of all I assume you've had her checked for all types of parasites, and there is no diarrhea or other problems with bowel movements. Having worms can be a reason for passing stool outside the box, so be sure to check a fecal sample if you have not already.

I have seen this problem before, and only in cats who were orphaned or weaned early, like yours was. I have a bunch more suggestions for you:

First place an empty litter pan with very shallow sides - or a baking pan or similar tray - right beside the litterbox your cat uses for urinating (at least she gets the pee right - that's much harder to clean!). If she goes anywhere but in the empty litterbox, pick up the poop with a tissue and place it in the shallow litter box - or at least a small piece of the poop. Clean the spot she went thoroughly with some Nature's Miracle or full strength white vinegar.

Leave the boxes in place and every time she goes somewhere else move the feces to the appropriate box. If she starts using the empty box, let her do that for a few weeks. Then add a tiny bit of litter in the bottom - just a dusting - and gradually increase the amount.

You might also want to try Cat attract litter or litter additive, it has herbs in it that attract cats to use the litterbox
http://www.preciouscat.com/our-products-c-1.html
I do not advise any pine or scented litter because most cats are sensitive to the smell and will not use the box.
You can also try adding a handful of dirt from your yard, the smell of real dirt attracts cats as a bathroom spot.

I am surprised to hear your cat is 2 years old and not yet spayed! Unspayed cats are at much higher risk for breast cancer and they can get uterine infections and other problems, I hope you get this done ASAP. It is possible that her pooping around the house is a type of territorial marking related to her hormones. If that is the case, using a Feliway plug-in or spray may also help. Feliway helps reduce anxiety and inappropriate elimination by cats, it mimics relaxing pheromones that cats exude from their cheek glands. Spraying doorways and furniture with Feliway can help deter them from urinating or defecating in those areas. The plug-in diffuser creates a constant release of Feliway, the spray is best for local and immediate but short-term effect. It is not detectable by humans at all (the spray smells like rubbing alcohol when you first use it, but that quickly evaporates). It is sold in most pet stores and online.

Good luck, I know it is frustrating and I hope these additional tips will help solve your problem!