My cat keeps pooping on my rug and peeing on my bathroom floor...help!!!!?

Question

I think he does it because he gets mad when I leave. How do I make him stop? I mean, he's a cat--not a dog, so I can't exactly discipline him. He definately won't get it. He rules the world, in his mind. But I'm sick of cleaning up after him every day and it's driving me insane. How can I make him stop??

It doesn't matter if his litter box is perfectly clean---he'll poop or pee right beside it.

Answer 1

First, you should rule out a physical problem by taking him to the vet (just in case).
Secondly, make sure nothing has changed - not his litter, not his food, not the location of the box. If you have changed it, put it back, because this is what is causing the problem, most likely.
Thirdly, time for rehabilitation (I've got a cat like this, so I know). Normally, I would suggest the bathroom for this, but I'm afraid that since he is peeing on the bathroom floor, that might not be the best place. What you need is a smallish room, where you can shut him and he won't get into too much trouble. Put his litter box in there (make sure you clean it often) and some food and water. Oh, and a toy or two. He might be staying there for a few days, depending on how he reacts. I would take out any rugs, if possible - generally cats will go on those rather than a smooth surface. I know it sounds mean, but shut him in there. Feel free to visit him often and give him attention - he still needs that. What he does not need is the opportunity to urinate where he isn't supposed to. Since your cat is going when you leave, you might want to put him back in there when you're going to be gone, just in case.
For my cat, within a day or two, she figured out that the litter box was there for a reason and started using it appropriately. I kept her in there for a couple of days extra to make sure she didn't regress, and then let her out with supervision. At night, I still kept her in the bathroom for awhile. When she relapses (pretty rare), she goes back into the bathroom for a day or so, and she knows EXACTLY what that means.

Answer 2

First, make sure that you completely clean any urine or feces that were left when your cat did this. If he can smell urine or feces in a spot he'll be likely to go there again. I recommend a solution like "Nature's Miracle", which you can get at pet stores or grocery stores.

Second, I think the idea of putting him in the bathroom with his litter box and food and water might be a good idea. I recently read (on another Y!A question) that cats don't like to urinate or defecate where their food is, so being in an enclosed space might encourage him to use the litter box.

Finally, you might want to get your cat checked out by a vet if you think there is any possibility that your cat could have some kind of illness. Cats who have urinary problems, for example, may urinate outside the litter box simply because they can't hold it in.

Answer 3

Last year my beautiful Manx cat Theodore went out for the evening and never came back. I love cats and the house didn't feel the same without one, so I picked up Lola from a rescue centre. She was very frightened and would pee all over the house. I found Cat Spraying No More� on the internet and the techniques worked almost immediately. I haven't had a problem with Lola since. Amazing!

Can't stop your cat peeing in the house? Then worry no more...

Answer 4

Make sure his litter box is clean. Yes, cat will poop and pee if they are stressed out. I had a cat that my parents took care of while I was on vacation. As soon as I walked in the door, she ran upstairs and pooped in my bed. Like, see what happens if you leave me. I would suggest, when you gone, penning him in a room with the litter box.

Answer 5

Indeed he is "getting back at you" by not using his litter pan when you leave. Handle this by putting him in the bathroom with food/water/litter pan so if he still acts out it will be easier to clean up. You might put in a small radio to give him the idea that someone is still around. Then, when you come home, go into the bathroom with him and love him up a whole bunch...hopefully this will reinforce good behavior and reassure him that you love him and that he'll get a lot of attention when you get home.

Answer 6

He probably sees you leaving as a very emotional experience. If you can take the emotion out of him leaving, I'm sure he'll stop. Instead of saying, "Bye pookie!" and petting him and baby talking him, just leave. Make sure that it's not a big deal. He'll get the message and understand that you're going to come back. Cats, indeed, are smart.

Answer 7

Better use some sort of a strong scented powder on the places where he does his pooping and peeing!!!!!!! He is bound to forget the smell!! But werent u not supposed to give him some sort of training to 'do all those things' in a confined place like a certaiin basket or outside or somethin???????? And if anger is the reason for doing all this then may god help u.

Answer 8

I would try this.....it might sound a bit harsh but it is something you can do with kittens who don't get the idea to go in their box. Ok...get a small cage that can only fit a litter box, food/water, and your cat. That way he is pretty much forced to go in his box. Then mayb he will start to understand that is the ONLY place he is allowed to go. Someone told me that idea when I was having a problem with my kitten.

Never punish him by throwing him in the box and yelling at him because you don't want him to associate the box with something bad. I would talk to your vet, I have seen brochures at mine about litter box troubles. Good luck!

Answer 9

Yes its definitely sending you a message by misbehaving this way, he is trying to control you and this is the way it chose to do it. Each time the cat goes in the wrong area, I would pick it up or paper towel soak it up and put it in the cat litter tray. Then put him in the litter tray. Then remove it.

Sometimes pushing their noses in it works, and then moving it to the cat litter tray along with the cat. You also have to keep in mind the kitty litter tray must be kept clean, they don't like a messy one. Putting them in an area which is easier to clean would be a temporary remedy, put the litter tray in that room also, for instance the bathroom floor if its tiled is easier to keep clean than the carpet in the living room. If he thinks he rules the world, you have to keep reminding him -he lives in your world. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

Well since he's been going in the same places maybe you should try moving his box into the bathroom to see if he'll go then other wise you may want to consult a vet.