Not deficating in litter box

[Melina]

Dear Cheryll

I’m sorry to hear that your kitty has stopped using the litter box for defecation.

There could be several reasons for this behavior. Here are some key issues to consider:

1. Medical Issues: Conditions like constipation, diarrhea, digestive discomfort, parasites, or even arthritis could be causing her to avoid the litter box. It’s essential to visit your vet to rule out any pain or health problems.

2. Emotional Stress: Anxiety can lead to a cat avoiding the litter box. You might find a Feline Stress Audit helpful in determining if she’s experiencing stress. You can access it here: https://www.petnurture.com.au/feline-stress-audit

3. Environmental Changes: New people in the home, loud noises, renovations, or routine modifications can make her feel uneasy, leading her to defecate outside the box. Consider any recent changes in her environment.

4. Litter Management Issues: While you may have tried various solutions, it could be beneficial to add another litter box in a quiet location to see if that helps.

5. Multi-Pet Homes: If you have another pet that is bullying her, it could cause her to avoid the litter tray.

6. Safety Concerns: If she feels unsafe at home, she might mark her territory by pooping outside the litter box. This will require some detective work to understand what may be causing her fear.

7. Emotional and health issues of owners: Because cats mirror our emotions, even subtle changes in our bodies due to stress or illness can disrupt a cat’s emotional state.

Lots to think about. I hope this helps!

Melina

[Mimi]

Hi Cheryl – I so understand as I’ve been through this with one of my cats. I’ve tried multiple types of litter (have you?) and, as she was also peeing in different spots, I put one litter box in every spot. We have the boxes in our basement, so this wasn’t too difficult. My husband got sick of us having six boxes for 2 cats, so he took two away and she peed on the floor. We solved this by putting pads in her main spot and she now pees on the pads exclusively. For the pooping, I was yelling at her and then one day I read that cats don’t respond well to punishment. I happened to be in the basement and she was starting to poop on the floor, so I put her in the box and she continued pooping in the box. I told her what a good girl she is and gave her a treat. I began giving her treats every time she went in the box and she’s been really good about it for long stretches. When she strays, I reintroduce her to the box and reward her and she gets back in the habit. One thing about her that you might check with your baby is that her anal glands get full. When I have them expressed regularly (2-3x/year)(don’t do this yourself!), she does much better. I think there might be too much pressure and she just lets it out wherever. The treats have a special name – “Poopie Treats” and she gets very excited for them. Who ever said you can’t train a cat?!?! Anyway, I hope this helps!!! My heart is with you! Oh – and when she uses the box, which is now every day, my other cat is also rewarded, even though she is always a good girl!!!