Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Help! My Bengal is almost 4, and has never had a potty problem, all of a sudden she stared pooping off of the side of her box and in my son's room! She has always had a "thing" with my son, chewing up his bedding and clothes, never bothers any other family members things.
Can anyone tell me why she all of a sudden started pooping in his room? Melody

Your cat seems to have a territorial issue with your son. Because he is small she may perceive him as another animal rather than as a human.

You may have to resort to meds to solve this problem. Many people may get angry with me here, but if you are dealing with a small child and poopy/pee issues then the child's interest has to come first because of the potential for infection from animal waste. Do your best to minimize contact between the poop and your child, do your best to figure out how to re-train the cat to accept the child. Good luck to you. Usually cats and children can co-exist without trouble and if you are persistant you will find the way!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Thanks for you reply, my son is 20 years old. I think it is a jealousy issue, my son and I are very close. We have been giving her lots more love and attention and so far so good. I think she was feeling neglected and if jealousy is an issue that would make total sense. She has only done this twice and just poop, no pee (thank God!) If it does continue I will see a vet and maybe even therapy, I don't think that is weird at all, after all our pets are part of our family and they have emotions just like we do.
Have a great Friday!
Melody

On another note, Bengals are known to be very needy and easily stimulataed. I have a 7 year old male Bengal and have had a lot of issues with him marking his territory after the intro of a new kitten. Feliway and Bach's REmedy has helped quite a bit, as well as giving him oodles of attention and feeding him first, making sure he gets treats first, etc. Often times outside animals and birds overstimulate him and he takes it our on another cat or by marking his territory. (I wish it would have been poop instead of pee!) Best of luck!
COlleen

Thanks for some more insight into this problem! I was wondering if could have been my sons Geico, we just fixed the aquarium up and he has been getting added attention lately. It is interesting to hear from all of you the different habits of your felines!
Have a great day, Melody

This may have been triggered by the addition of the reptile! Interesting...
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!