Is the cat urinating outside the box as well as pooping? It could be that the cat associates the box with pain from defecation and has also transferred the feeling to urination.



He really will need some intensive LB retraining. This involves putting him in a small room like a bathroom with just the box, food, water and bedding. Hopefully he will get the idea and start using the box. Then you can expand his area a bit. Also since he seems to be elsewhere when the urge hits, put several boxes around the house - at least until you've settled his bowel problems. What could be happening is that he is far away from the box when he feels like he has to go and for some reason is unable to get to the box fast enough - or he THINKS he can't get to the box fast enough.



Wherever he's been pooping, clean up thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner like Nature's Miracle to remove the poopy smell so it won't attract him back.



Another thing you might try is Comfort zone - a plug-in with Feliway. Feliway is used to help stop territorial urinary marking, but it might work in this case, because the cat seems to be agitated when he wants to poop. This may calm him a bit. Also check with the vet about the possibility of using antianxiety meds.



Good luck!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

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• Eight year old male cat - turtle319, Sun May 18 11:52:03 2003
• RE: Eight year old male cat - PHMadameAlto, Sun May 18 17:08:17 2003