>>I've been having a problem with 2 out of my 3 cats going #2 outside of their litter box. I have 3 covered litter boxes in which I use a clumping litter. The brand is Arm & Hammer. 1 of the cats always uses the litter box, but about 2 years ago, the other 2 will only use it sometimes. They pee in the box, but like to poop a couple feet away from it. I clean the clumps from the boxes daily. It's getting really frustrating because sometimes the do it even after I have recently cleaned the boxes. Does anyone have any ideas of some things I can try? New type of litter? Anything else? Thanks in advance for your help.
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>>Garrick

Even though this problem has been going on two years, I'd like to rule out the obvious first. Take them to a vet and make sure a fecal test is done to rule out parasites or other things that might create pain when they are having bowel movements. You really need to do this first, because if they do have a medical issue, all the behavioral tricks in the world aren't going to work.

Second, have you tried removing the cover from one of the boxes? It may be that one or two of them have decided they simply don't like pooping with a lid on. If I were in your position, I would start by simply removing a cover first from only one box first and see if that helps.

Also remember to clean the area on the floor with an enzymatic cleaner specifically made to remove pet odors. (Nature's Miracle is a popular brand and is found in most pet stores.) As long as ANY scent remains on the floor, their instincts are going to tell them to go on that spot. So it's imperative that you clean it thoroughly.

Let me know if you've already done all of these, and we can move to Step 2.

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PHCurious
Cat Chat Host

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