Our 13 year old tabby has begun to defecate?

Question

on one of our beds. He is FIV positive, very well treated and basically doing well. Other than that behavior he is very sweet. Help!

Answer 1

Who's bed? There is a meaning to this.Cures for Kitty Crimes
By Cricky Long for The Daily Cat


Cats often surprise us, and usually it's in a good way, such as with an affectionate head butt on the ankle or companionship just when we need it. But sometimes they can rub us the wrong way. For some reason, this usually happens after a long day when all you want to do is sit down, relax and snuggle with your kitty. Only the moment you start to unwind, you discover that your kitty wasn't such a good feline today.

It could be a torn curtain, a soiled rug, an overturned plant or some other tell-tale evidence. In that moment, you might think your cat is out to get you. But it is only following natural instinct. It's up to you to channel your cat's energy in a more positive direction.

According to feline behavioral consultant Mieshelle Nagelschneider, "Cats will repeat behaviors that give them a reward, but they will stay away from behaviors that give them a negative experience." This means you can change your cat's behavior by providing appealing alternatives, while simultaneously laying down deterrents to prevent your cat from exhibiting undesirable behaviors. Here's how.

1. Never reprimand or use physical punishment of any kind on your cat When you reprimand your cat, your cat will learn to associate you, rather than the act, with the punishment.

For example, if your cat soils outside the litter box, pushing your cat's nose in the soiled spot is not going to do anything except stress out your cat. Conversely, according to Nagelschneider, you can stop your cat from eliminating in an inappropriate spot by playing with your cat in that location. This activity, which will trigger your cat's prey drive, should put an end to the potty naughtiness, since cats usually will not soil where they eat, hunt or play. However, you must also figure out what is causing your cat to eliminate outside the litter box, and fix that problem. More often than not, litter box aversion stems from the type of litter you're using, the location of the box or its sanitary condition.

2. Never punish your cat after the fact Felines are smart, but no cat is going to be able to associate punishment doled out a minute or more after the "kitty crime" took place.

For example, if you come home and find that your cat unraveled a roll of toilet paper throughout your house or decided to play in your laundry hamper, nothing you do to your cat in that moment will deter your pet from going after the TP or the hamper the next day.

However, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent this type of undesired behavior, which usually stems from boredom. First, make the problem areas inaccessible for your cat. Then, save your feline's favorite toys for when you are about to leave so it has something to play with while you are gone. You may also want to hide treats and toys so it can hunt for them while you are out of the house. Also, try to make sure your cat is getting enough playtime while you are home.

3. Never get caught at the scene of the crime -- or punishment Keep the action and the consequence very clear for your kitty. Allow no room for misinterpretation.

Let's say you want your cat to stop jumping up on the table. If you scream every time your cat jumps on the table, your cat is more likely to think you are nuts than perturbed by its actions. (A really smart cat may even learn to jump up on the table only when you are not present.) But if you put something on the table to deter your cat, such as a motion-triggered noisemaker or any kind of unpleasant-feeling surface, like crumpled foil or bubble wrap, your cat should have no problem associating the act of jumping on the table with the unpleasant result. You then won't be perceived by your cat as the screaming nutcase or the bad guy.

4. Call the experts If your cat suddenly begins to exhibit unusual behavior for no apparent reason, take it to the vet for a checkup. A medical issue could be at the root of the problem. If your pet receives a clean bill of health, yet you are still unable to resolve its behavioral issues, call in a cat behaviorist for help. Your vet or local cat rescue organization may be abl

Answer 2

You should consult your vet immediately. FIV cats have weak immune systems and any bacteria can kill them if it isn't treated. Your kitty could very well have an intestinal bacteria that his immune system can't handle. Cats very often have no way to tell you that something is wrong except by acting it out. This is his way of telling you that he knows he has a problem.

Answer 3

I don't want to alarm you but any cat who changes its habits all of a sudden is generally an indication that something is wrong. It could be a multitude of things from new litter which it doesn't like, to having a new pet, new baby, new boyfriend, changing the place you had his litter box, moving, changing its food or something physical. The physical problem is of course the most critical. He could be having problems internally with his kidneys or bowels.

You sound like a wonderful owner to be looking after this little guy and I commend you on it. I do think however you need to at least telephone your vet and ask him about it just to be on the safe side.

Answer 4

A FIV positive cat has a lower immune system and are more prone to getting sick easily. Pooping can be one sign that something is wrong and it would be best to take your kitty to see the to rule out anything. Hopefully, it's something treatable. Keep us posted.

Answer 5

If he is going in your bed he might be trying to tell you something. Maybe he wants more attention. Also cats really like a clean box maybe try adding an extra litter box. My cats peed on my mattress to send me the message that it was time to change the litter. After that I made sure it was scooped out at least once a day. If the litter is clean, maybe call the vet to make sure nothing is going on with his tummy. Good luck!

Answer 6

It's a behavior problem.... wash all the bedding to remove the cat's scent. Keep the door to THAT room closed. Chances are you cat will not move the bad behavior to another room.

Answer 7

I would definitely close the door to keep him out of the bedroom. Maybe restrict him to the bathroom or a room that he can't mess up too much?

Answer 8

I bet that is one fat cat if he has been holding it in for 13 years!

Answer 9

ONLY you can love that individual till death! If it were the other way around.....

Answer 10

- Spank with rolled up news papper . . .