Hi,
Usually, when a cat starts eliminating inappropriately, it's either due to a medical reason (urinary infection, crystals [tiny, grit-like particles which occur in urine that is not pH balanced], dry hard painful stools) or has a behavioral cause.
First, you have to rule out the medical reason, so your cat needs to see the vet as soon as possible for a definite diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.
If a cat experiences pain upon urination or defecation, he will come to associate the PLACE of eliminating--the litterbox itself--with that pain, and then choose to eliminate ANYWHERE else. Cats in this situation usually choose 'soft' materials to go on, thinking this will avoid the pain. Carpet, throw rugs, bathmats, clothing, backpacks, sofas and beds are favorite places.
In order to prevent your cat from returning to the places he's already soiled (if he smells it, he'll keep thinking they are appropriate toileting places), you can use an enzymatic cleaner to completely remove all traces of stain and odor. Nature's Miracle is a good product for this purpose and can be found in Petsmart/Petco, most pet supply stores, and online. For more info and to view all related products, please see:
http://www.petcarecentral.com/nm-155.html
Cats can also sometimes start eliminating inappropriately if there has been any kind of change in their lives or environment, as this causes stress and anxiety. If the reason for eliminating outside the litterbox is NOT found to be medical, it would be considered behavioral.
Cats are creatures of habit and do not take kindly to change. If you have had any new people added to your household, or if a 'usual' person has left, if you got new furniture, carpet, appliances, another animal, etc., or if your usual daily hours at home and/or away from home have changed or you've gone on vacation recently, any of these situations could cause your kitty stress.
Feliway is a product made from a synthetic feline pheromone which can help to calm stressed cats and curb urine marking or inappropriate elimination. It comes in both a spray and plug in diffuser form. The diffuser plugs in to an electrical outlet like an air freshener, but has no scent to humans.
For more information, please see:
http://www.catfaeries.com/feliway.html
www.felineway.com
Major pet supply stores like Petco/Petsmart carry Feliway, you can also order it online, and some vet offices carry it.
There's another product which I think may help you get your kitty back to the litterbox--it's a clumping kitty litter called 'Cat Attract'--it contains herbal attractants which encourage use of the litterbox. It too, may be found in major pet supply stores.
Keep in mind that first you should get your cat to the vet to determine the cause of eliminating outside the litterbox.
I hope all goes well, and please let me know what the vet says.
Cher
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