Question:
I have a 10 year old male cat that urinates and poops outside the litter box. I have two other cats. I have three litter boxes out. The one that doesn’t use the box goes on the carpet within a few feet of the litter boxes. I had the urinating issue several years ago in a bedroom that had a window seat. This cat would urinate under the window – I believe to mark this as his territory from the other cats. I closed this room off to the cats and replaced the carpet and pad. Now three years later he has started urinating several feet from one of the litter boxes. I can’t close off this room as it is an open family room. If I can’t figure out how to resolve this issue I will need to rehome this cat or take him to the animal shelter. Any help would be appreciated.
Answer:
There are multiple reasons why cats will eliminate outside of the litter box. It is possible that this is a learned behavior over several years and it may take a while to correct.
To rule out in health issues, we first recommend a thorough physical exam to ensure there are no medical reasons to cause concern. Then, we would discuss things including: do you have the recommended “1 litter box per cat, plus 1” in your household. Also, are you cleaning daily or even multiple times a day? Are there any subtle “inter-pet problems” that may be adding stress or anxiety? There are aids that can be used for stress, including a product called Feliway. Ask your veterinarian if that product may be an option.
Also, a good website to consult with is www.veterinarypartner.com. You may find some helpful information there.
Dr. Nicola Gaither
Animal Hospital of Statesville