One of my three cats has a habit of deficating on the rug near

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One of my three cats has a habit of deficating on the rug near his cat box about every day or two. It's not every time but it's getting out of hand. I keep all 4 cat boxes in the house cleaned so this isn't the issue. Is there anything that can be done short of taking him to the animal shelter?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Hi, I just need a little more information please:

How long has your cat been doing this?
Do you use the same litter every time or switch brands?
Does he still urinate in the box?
Does he use only one box or will he use others?
Does he go outside at all?

Sincerely,
Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda
Small Animal Veterinarian
Special interest in canine and feline behavior.

Reply to Dr. Amanda's Post: Thanks-

This has been going on for about 6 months. He goes through periods where it won't happen for several days or up to a week.

I use the same scoopable brand (I buy it at Target and it's their own brand).

He urinates in the box but there have been times when he hasn't. He hadn't done it in a long time until last week when I noticed a spot next to the litter box.

I believe he uses 3 of the 4.

All 3 cats are inside. One of the cats is his brother - who doesn't have this problem at all. They were all 'fixed' promptly at the appropriate ages.

Thanks again-

It sounds like, for one reason or another, he has an aversion to the litter box for defecating. It doesn’t really sound like urination is a problem, but may become one. You already have things covered well with having 1 litterbox per cat, plus one extra one. Here are some more tips:

Make sure litterboxes are scooped daily
Clean the entire litterbox every week (dump out litter, wash with soapy water, rinse, refill)
No litterboxes near food/water bowls
No litterboxes near noisy areas or appliances (i.e. private)
Litterboxes must be spread out in the house so they can get to one without being bothered on the way (by children, people, other cats)

With cats that don’t defecate in the box, I worry that there may be a problem with arthritis or pain when having to squat to defecate. It takes longer than urination and may be difficult for them, thus just doing it “anywhere” that it comes out rather than get in the box and “try” to go. Another problem could be that the cat is being bothered while trying to go by another cat, or is otherwise stressed. Some cats do not like the height of some of the litterboxes that they have to step into. Finally some cats are more picky about where they defecate than urinate.

My two cats share two litterboxes (yes, I need one more). One is filled with clumping litter. The other is filled with Feline Pine. My white cat urinates in the feline pine, but only defecates in the clumping litter so he can bury it better. My other cat does both in the clumping litter.

At this point, I would have a kitty litter “buffet” with different litters in a private spot (clumping, clay, sand, Feline Pine, shredded paper, cloth rags). Also give choices such as high lipped catbox, covered catbox, “low lip” catbox such as a top to a cardboard box, etc. Also consider videotaping your cat to see what he does before defecating – gross, but can help understand his problem. You may want to conduct the experiment by shutting him up in a room where the other cats cannot bother him.

I hope this helps answer your questions. Please let me know if you have any more questions or concerns.

Feedback is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda
Small Animal Veterinarian
Special interest in canine and feline behavior.

Reply to Dr. Amanda's Post: OK, I have it covered by spreading the litter boxes throuhout the house Two are covered and the one he most frequently deficates near is a covered box. He always goes in the same general area on an area rug next to the box. None of the boxes are near their food and two are in very private locations that doesn't get much traffic (guest room, laundry room and other two are in my youngest son's room and the den)

I've heard the 'stress' issue before and I'm inclined to believe there may be something there. We adopted the two brothers from a coworker a few months after the birth of their daughter. They had concerns about having cats in the house so we offered to take them. However, that's been a good 18 months now. Could this still be the problem? Otherwise, how would I know what else could be stressing him out.

Also, I've been in the room when he's deficated behind my back. I'll be sitting in a chair and suddenly get a good whiff. He also does this to my oldest son and it's driving him crazy.

I'll take your advice and try cleaning out the litter boxes weekly. I did this recently hoping this would help but it started again within days. As you can see, I've tried many of your suggestions already so short of stress, I'm not too sure about the problem. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this issue. Thanks much!

Hi, sorry about the delay. I was having internet problems yesterday.

I would definitely try some litter in a cardboard tray, see if he likes that better. It may make the floor messy, so you can put it on top of a rubber mat to try and keep the litter in place.

For stress, it is hard to tell. I would also make sure he has an orthopedic exam done by your vet to see if he has any hip pain.

Lastly, make sure you try different litters. Like I said, my cats like peeing on one kind and defecating in another. You can try Feline Pine, shredded newspaper, or even rags.

Good luck to you!

Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda
Small Animal Veterinarian
Special interest in canine and feline behavior.

Reply to Dr. Amanda's Post: Thanks! Maybe hip pain? This silly cat sleeps on his back - legs up (funny to look at!). So maybe he does so due to hip pain - sleeping on his side(?). Just yesterday, he defecated next to a different cat box upstairs. I'll be sure to try the different litters and would be glad to let you know if this works. Thanks again for your help! I hope something works FAST.

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Cat not always deficating in litter box

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