Pooping problem

by Vernessa
(St Paul, MN)

Hello,

I have 2 cats and the older cat has been pooping outside of the litter trays for about 2 years now. For months I tried yelling at the cat and putting her nose in it and nothing helped. Eventually I just gave up. She is 13 years old and I don't have the heart to put her to sleep. The good thing is that she still urinates in the litter trays. Could you give me some suggestions?

Thank you,

Vernessa

RESPONSE:

Never yell or punish a cat for inappropriate elimination. She has no idea why she is in trouble and your methods of corrections have only served to increase her stress.
Has she been checked by a vet? She may be having digestion or elimination issues and associates the box with pain so is reluctant to use it. Is the sand in the box deep? She may have a need to dig a deep hole and if the sand is too shallow she can't bury it properly.
The sand may also be uncomfortable on her feet. Since cats have a need to bury their poop, if it is uncomfortable for her to dig in it she will avoid it. At 13, she may have arthritis and that could also make it difficult for her to dig.
Get her check by your vet and discuss with him or her what has been going on. Bring a fresh stool sample with you.
If she is healthy and there is no medical reason for going outside the box, try changing the box, the sand, etc. (Click the Litter Box link on the left for more info on this)
Be sure to completely clean up any areas where she has gone including the smell. If the odor is not completely eliminated, she will continue wanting to go in that spot. Use an enzymatic cleaner especially formulated for pet stain and odor removal.
Bear in mind that, at 13, she is getting older and everyday things can become difficult for older cats. Be patient with her. She has been doing this for 2 years so in her mind it is normal. She is trying to tell you something in the only way she knows how. Stop punishing her and start trying to help her.

Donna
House Full Cats Mom