A house cat that poops?

Question

We have a seven-year-old house cat which, up until a year ago, always used the litter box for all deposits without exception. We moved two years ago and about one year ago, he had his first "accident" in the middle of the living room carpet. He has since done this four times, and always in the same place. We clean the area, spray with appropriate animal spray to discourage him and have once rubbed his nose in the poop harshly saying no, no. This has no effect on him. We're waiting for the next event. If he were peeing on the carpet, he'd not get so much patience from us. We want to resolve this so we can all get on with life. Any ideas out there? Thanks

Answer 1

Sometimes, for what seems to be no apparent reason, cats develop a habit out of nowhere. It is EXTREMELY hard to break them of the habit. There are two things I can think of that might help;

1. Sprinkle hot pepper (like red pepper or white pepper) on the spot where they poop, every day. They will sniff the pepper, and while this does not hurt them long-term, it will send them into a sneezing fit, giving them an overral "bad" experience associated with that spot.
OR
2. Put something on the spot every day that gets in the way of the cat pooping there. Something heavy that the cat cannot budge, in hopes that the cat will "give up" on doing what it does there.

Cats are very stubborn, mind you, and do not respond to what typically works on dogs. Even if something works and the cat stops pooping there, do not get relaxed about it. You need to continue sprinkling the pepper, or keep the object in that spot, or whatever technique you discover works, for several months. If the cat simply changes its poop "location", then maybe you should take the cat to the vet to have a psychological evaluation done (yes, they do that now) to see if kitty needs some meds.:)Good luck!

Answer 2

My cat 8 yrs. old & have the same problem,she was ok whem we first got her then after acouple of years she started going in the bathtub. We couldn't stop her in anyway, the vat didn't have any reason or soultion for it. Just hoped she would it on her own, well I wouldn't use the tub ant more just took showers. But please don't rub his nose in it. cause it my make things worst & confuse him. Now since I moved to a new apt. I keep the shower curtian closed and she was ok for a while now she goes pee in the litter box and comes out to poop on the floor beside the litter box.so I have to clean it every morning there's no answer to this, why we don't know I've tried putting the litter box out in the hall but she just found another place to go, like the kitchen floor.so I'd rather it be the bathroom then the kitchen. But I lovemy kitty very much & she has diabetes,so I can't do anything about it. The vet said that sometimes it is a sign of illness, that when they sometimes miss using the litter. maybe you should have the vet check him out.punishing him will never help.I would try some kitty spray on that spot where he goes. If there is a soulution I would like to hear about it also, sorry I couldn't be much help.

Answer 3

Well, rubbing an animal's nose in an accident is never the best idea for training. Cats especially need to be reinforced or reprimanded WHILE the naughtiness is happening; you must give a firm NO, pick up the cat, and place it in its litter box.

If this has only happened four times over the course of one year, I'd say it might be a behavioral thing. He might be doing it to get back at you for something. Another reason could be he feels his litter box is too dirty. Make sure to stay on top of cleaning his box, because most cats will not do their business in a nasty, filthy litter pan. Otherwise, you may want to bring him to a vet to make sure there is nothing physically wrong with him.

Answer 4

It is quite possible that these truly are accidents. It has only happened four times in a year. No one's perfect.

You can try placing something on top of the spot to prevent him from going there (a plastic place mat, a welcome mate, double-sided tape). Do you have another cat? If so, maybe the litter box was occupied when he needed to eliminate. Providing a second box could work.

Have you had him examined by a vet? A medical problem could cause this. He may not be showing the classic symptoms of illness, but you never know.

Answer 5

My cat was peeing for a while in places we couldnt find until smell lead us to it. So we had to steam the carpets twice let it dry with fans (the fan noise would scare her from the area) deodorized it with arm and hammer powder and after that we bought in a place like Uhaul this plastic that is like a giant tape. Put it all around the damaged area and its been working great , now she goes to her box everytime. I dont now if you will like the plastic in the room but is just an idea if he cant smell it he wont find it , change the brand of the litter too, mine after many diferent ones finally looks like the better Fresh step scoopable , maybe all these will work for you too. Good luck

Answer 6

What you should do is cut out that piece of carpet that the cat is going on. Then place it in the litter box. So the cat can do its business where it is supposed to.

Answer 7

Aww that suck. Cats are funny about texture too. Try putting double sided tape over the entire area. They dont like the sticky feeling. Smooth textures work also. I would also try the pepper thing too. Next time you scold your kitty rub his paw in the poo. This works better than the nose as they are constantly liking their paws to clean themselves. Kitties don't like the taste of their own poo. Good luck.

Answer 8

Try having the carpet in the new place professionally cleaned. It is possible that he is trying to cover up some other scent. If that doesn't work I'd consult a vet.

Answer 9

I have the same problem, only my cat does it at least once a day!
I hope you figure something out.
Good Luck!

Answer 10

HOUSE cat. When are you people gonna learn? Animals belong outside. Good lord.