I have a cat who uses the box to pee but not to poop. He goes behind our desk. It's very frustrating... We made the box more private for him hoping that it would change his routine..... and it is cleaned out often. Any suggestions or reasons what is causing this?? He's almost 8 years old also.
2007-05-17 07:13:31 · 8 answers · asked by Cornflwr33 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Is this a change for him? Did he use the litter box for pee and poop before? If it is a change for him, I would take him to a vet first to rule out any physical problems. Changes in litter box behavior are often indications of an internal problem. If he has never used the litter box to poop before, I can offer a trick that worked for my stubborn cat. Get an extra litter box and put it behind the desk where he poops now. Some cat's simply don't like to pee and poop in the same place. My cats have a box for pee and one for poop and we don't ever have a problem anymore. Another option is to try a different type of litter. I would not scold him for pooping behind the desk unless you catch him in the act. If you find poop in the wrong place minutes/hours after he's done it and then you drag him over to it an put his face/nose in or near it, he will not understand that it is WHERE the poop is placed that is the problem. All he'll think is "what have i done to make them put my face near my poop?" Doing that is old school training and most certified trainers agree that it doesn't work. Good luck!
2007-05-17 07:58:27 · answer #1 · answered by larey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat had a similar problem. The vet said to get a second box and put it in the area where the cat has been eliminating improperly. She said to move the box every other day towards the area you want the cat to finally use it. It is also a good idea to have a second litter box since cats like to have separate areas to pee and poop. Even if you clean the area thoroughly the cat will still smell it. You should try finding a spot cleaner with enzymes to help break down the smell. .There is an inexpensive spray at walmart in the pet area that costs around $3.00 (I can't remember the name but it has a pink spray nozzle and a cartoon picture of a cat and dog.) it seems to work better than the more expensive brands I purchased at the pet store. The spray also has a clean fragrance. I hope this helps :o) good luck!
2007-05-18 04:00:30 · answer #2 · answered by bronzeartist00 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long has he been doing the improper elimination? Did he just start? If so something has changed around his home to make him go elsewhere. Do you change the type of litter? Did you change the type of litter box that he is using? Ask yourself *what is different now than before this started?* If you cannot think of a major change that would start this behavior then I suggest that you clean that area behind the desk and block him from using that area. I also suggest that you get a second box and put it along side the first box. I have witnessed cats that have urinated in one box have left that box and gone to another to defecate. Good luck!
2007-05-17 07:38:49 · answer #3 · answered by chicki 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you changed the litter type you're using at all?
We changed ours for what on the face of it was a better quality litter and the cat refused to use it, she also started pooping around the house.
2007-05-17 07:23:16 · answer #4 · answered by Angela D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider getting a stand up screen (like the type you can go behind to change clothes) to block off the area where his litter box is located. I think he demonstrates this behavior because he feels vulnerable when he's using the litter box.
2007-05-17 07:23:08 · answer #5 · answered by sleepingliv 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Two things you can try - make space behind your desk for the litter box so he learns to associate the action with the box. Or you can try picking up the poo and instead of throwing it away, plant it in his litter box.
2007-05-17 07:23:03 · answer #6 · answered by JeN 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He needs to see the vet. How long have you had him? The whole 8 years? If this is just suddenly happening its a sign hes sick or upset. If you just got him he may be "testing the waters" or trying to get attention out of you. Check with the vet to rule out medical issues (blockage, urinary crystals, uti). Plus they can tell you if its more behavioral and how to try and solve it!
2007-05-17 07:24:52 · answer #7 · answered by jozoey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
point out his error to him, make sure he sees what it is he is getting scalded for - then pick him up and place him in the litter box..when he gets out pick him up and put him back in ...3 times total - never had a problem afterwards.
2007-05-17 07:23:52 · answer #8 · answered by Scann Mann 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋