What should I do? My cat poops in the bathtub, but he pees in the litterbox?

Question

He is 17lbs and 3 years old. We used to think that he did it because he thought his litterbox was dirty, but he poops in the bathtub even when the litter box is clean too. We also thought that maybe he wanted one litter box to pee in and one to poop in. He uses them both to pee in. We thought that he may be too big for his box (with the litterbox cover on) but he goes inside to pee. HELP!!!!!

He is 17 lbs, and the vet says that he is healthy, he is not overweight. My vet says that according to his bone structure and looking at his parents, that he is the appropriate weight.

Also, getting rid of my cat is not an option and if you use that as an answer to my question, I will report you for gaming for points since it is obvously not an appropriate answer to my question.

Answer 1

This is common. Cats are very particular about bathrooming. No help for it.
Try putting the (uncovered) litter box in the tub where he goes. He may get the message. Once he uses it in the tub for about a week, start moving it little by little out of the tub and toward where his litter box is. If he won't use it at all, or if he goes in the same spot after you start moving the box, you have a crazy cat with a weird quirk.
Look at it this way, at least it's not your pillow!

Answer 2

I have the same problem except my cat is about 1 1/2 years old and she's rather tiny. Even when the litter box is clean she pees in the bathtub. She actually pees down the drain, which I'd much rather than on the carpet or floor. When she poops she uses the litter box.

We have 2 bathtubs and you can always find her peeing down the drain. I don't know why. It's really kind of strange to me. She acts like she knows what she's doing. I'm not thrilled with it, but all I have to do is run a little water and its gone.

Your situation sounds worse though. I don't have the slightest why cats do this. All I can tell you is that cats obviously have a mind of their own. They obviously have a reason in their minds unknown to us.

Answer 3

Hi
I liked Lyndee's answer.
I have a male cat (dominate neutered male] who pees over the drain in the tub. He has always done[7 yrs] that when the oppertunity comes. It is a habit and one of the reasons I keep the bathroom door shut.
It would be good to talk to the Vet incase stress is a factor in this. It is very important to maintane a lower weight with cats.
It maybe he can't get in the right positon in the regular litter box. Some like large and deep boxes. Some like to rest front paws on side while swatting and straining. Think of yourself how sometimes you need to fuss before eliminating. Try different styles of boxes my like a covered box.
To desinfect tub stray with undilluted white vinegar and leave on 5-10 mins or till air dry. Than pour very hot water over. I'd scrub it before using tub for self.
??
Why do some write such stupid stupid remarks? Why don't they read and answer the question seriouly and not waste time?

Answer 4

The cat needs to be on a diet.

The box should be cleaned with new cat sand once a week.

If the cat still poops in the tub put the litter box in the tub so he can't avoid dumping in that.

If the behavior has only been since summer, maybe it's because of the heat and the tub is cooler.

I wouldn't recommend cleaning the tub with bleach, some cats are attracted to the odor of bleach.

Answer 5

First of all, after your cat poops in the bathtub, take your pooper scooper and pick up the feces and put it in the litter box half uncovered with the litter. Pick up the cat and show him where his poop is and where he is supposed to do his business. When you clean out his litter box, don't clean out all his poop for awhile. Every time he goes into the litter box, he will smell where he pooped and will continue to poop there.

Also to get rid of the poop smell in the bathtub, you might want to use Chlorox Bleach and scrub your tub with it to remove the smell of his poop that he is attracted to. Make sure you get rid of all the bleach so it won't burn his paws.

These suggestions should work within a few days. I've had many years of experience in this kind of problem. Good luck to you and I hope that the two of you remain to be each other's friends and companions for many years to come!

Answer 6

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You can consult with a veterinarian who specializes in behavior. But you do sound right that it is a preference thing. Have you tried a very low litterbox or flat rubbermaid container just lined with newsprint, or a thin skiff of sand. He must have a litter aversion, so you can try litters of finer texture. Just some thoughts! Good Luck, -a DVM Bonus points on taking him to a vet to rule out a UTI!!!!

Answer 7

Maybe try putting the litter box in the tub. You can remove it for bathing. Leave it in for a week, then take it out and put it on the florr by the tub for a week, then further yet for a week, and so on until you have it back where you want it to be. Maybe he'll get the idea somehow.

Answer 8

Could try putting the litter box in the tub for awhile / or completely limit his acess to the tub ie: then he has no option but to use the box. good luck

Answer 9

take your pet to the vet there might be a problem here make an appointment
thank you

Answer 10

A new one on me, call and ask you vet. Maybe they can share some insight.