Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am looking for advice. My cat (5 years old) has within the last month or so, started pooping next to the litter box on the carpet. We have had her since she was 6 weeks old, and we also have 3 other cats in the house. She has never had improper elimination problems before; all of our cats have always been good about using the litter boxes. The problem happens about 60% of the time or so, so sometimes she goes in the box, and sometimes next to it. In an effort to try to correct the problem, my husband recently steam cleaned the carpet all around where she poops, made two very large custom designed litter boxes for them, that don't have lids, one is in a private location and one is more out in the open, no liners, scoop away litter (we know they like it). She was examined by the vet yesterday and has been checked out to be fine physically. They did drain her anal glands hoping that would help. Just yesterday, we woke up to find a pile of poop on the bathroom rug, and we are pretty sure it is hers. We are desperate to get this problem resolved. Any advice would be VERY much appreciated.

Thank you!

Hi Marie,

I would almost always recommend a vet check first, But you have already done that. Good for you!

Have there been any changes in the household lately that your cat might find upsetting? I know the cats have new litterboxes, but did you change their location? Are you using the same brand of litter? Cats can be so picky sometimes.

The carpet needs to be cleaned with an enzyme-based cleaner to get the smell out. There are several from which to choose, and I'm sure your local pet store has a variety. I am presently using PetZyme, with good results, but if you want to try an old standby, Nature's Miracle is excellent. The problem could be that the smell has remained so the cat keeps returning to the spot.

Take care, and please let us know if you need more info.

PHKitkat

Does the cat seem constipated and she finds it easier to go on the carpet? It seems like she wants to go in the box because she is next to it.

Maybe she likes the box to be extra clean.

One of the other cats may have spooked her while she was using it and now she feels safer not to be in it.

She might not like the litter anymore. Maybe try a different brand. Some are different textured or different scented and that might be upsetting her too.

Did you use some type of new cleaner on the box last time you cleaned it? Maybe the scent bugs her.

She might be doing it as a cry for more attention.

There is some litter that has a scent that attracts cats to it. It might be worth trying out.

Good luck with your kitty!

The cat litter is called CatAttract and there is also a powder that can be added to the current litter as well.