Cat Litter Box Defecation Problems

First Signs

• Cats that always toileted in the litter box will often start defecating or urinating outside it. This might appear as if they have "missed' the tray, or could be more noticeable---on furniture and furnishings such as carpets, sofas and doormats. It can even happen on tables and in open bags and on counter tops. None of these is uncommon. The pattern of defecation varies; it may be just urine, just defecation or both, or may alternate. Some cats show distress or nervousness while others may behave normally.

What You Should Do

• You should always take your cat to the veterinarian and describe the problem. The veterinarian will examine the cat, palpating his bladder and intestines for possible abnormalities and will probably take blood samples for analysis, to rule out kidney disease. You will probably need to obtain a urine sample for laboratory analysis to check that the cat does not have a urinary tract infection, especially problematic in male cats. It may assist to keep a diary monitoring the cat's behavior over a few days if a repeat visit to the veterinarian is requested. This will help ascertain whether referral to a pet behavioral specialist is required.

Common Causes

• Common causes of defecation outside the litter box include urinary tract infection and pain on urination; total urinary blockage; gastric upset, diarrhea or loose stool; pain from illness or declawing; a new litter type; a litter box being moved from familiar place; a litter box that needs cleaning; a litter box sited in busy place; a move to a new home; or a stressful home. The cat may feel stress if you are away a lot or have been on holiday, it has been in a cattery, the house is unusually noisy or unsettled, or new person, pet or baby has joined the household.

Unneutered Male Cats

• When a veterinarian rules out physiological causes of defecation outside the litter box, stress messing is usually the reason. The exception to this is if there is an unneutered male cat---in this case it is imperative to neuter the cat so that he stops territorial marking. This will usually fix the problem.

Stress Messing

• In stress messing cases you must make the house as calm and restful as possible, and examine your own patterns of behavior to see what's changed recently. You must never show anxiety or anger toward a messing pet since this only exacerbates the problem and cats are unable to link their messing behaviors to your displeasure. Give quality veterinary food, eliminating any stress-messing through gastric upset. Never give cats milk or human foods.

Helpful Products

• Veterinary practices can advise on and usually supply plug-ins and sprays which reduce stress in cats by diffusing synthetic pheromones to make cats feel more relaxed in their environment. These are especially useful for multi-cat households where new cats may be part of the problem.
  Cats can rapidly learn to use puppy training pads. You should place them in many areas of the home. Many cats also use them if they're placed inside the litter box, although they should also be available on carpeted and hard floor surfaces and anywhere the pet habitually messes.