Lately, our eight year old cat has not been using the litter box. We've taken him to the vet two times and still no answer. At the vets recommendation, he's on Miralax for constapation, however, that has yet to bring results. Whenever he has to have a bowel movement, he gets very nervous and runs around the house deficating everywhere; as he's running, he's pooping everywhere. After he's finished, he'll hide somewhere for a bit and then come out like nothing is wrong. Any advice anyone has to offer is greatly appreciated. Thanks....
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Eight year old male cat
turtle319
May 18, 2003 11:52 AM
Replies (1)
PHMadameAlto
May 18, 2003 05:08 PM
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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