Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone!

New to the forum. I've had my cat for about 4 years (he's about 5), and just in the last month or so he's been pooping outside of his box. The vet tested a sample and that came up negative. I thought he could've outgrown his box so I have 2 bigger boxes which weren't helping. Recently though, he seems to only do this while I'm at work. Can a cat suddenly experience separation anxiety or something? I haven't changed anything else as far as the type of litter or food.

Hi There,

Welcome to the Board! We are glad you found us!

Yes, cats can have separation anxiety, especially if left alone for long periods of time. Your kitty might be more likely to use the litterboxes if he is confined to a smaller area with them while you are gone. I am assuming that the new boxes are in the same area as the old, smaller box, and that they are of the same type (such as covered or uncovered).

If it is at all possible, you might consider adopting another cat at some point. I think that most cats do better if they live with at least one other cat and they will have each other to play with.

Take care,
PHKitkat

Thanks so much for your advice! I've been thinking about getting another cat. I actually have one that my parents are taking care of because I had a roommate that was allergic. I took in this one after I moved out because he came from an abusive home. The only thing is Joey has never been around any other animal at all so I don't know how he'd react. His form of playing is strictly defensive and can get pretty rough which I understand because I saw first hand how he was abused. Any advice on to acclimate the cats to each other? The other one (Sammy) has pretty much lived with other animals all of his life.