cat has stopped using litter box

I have a cat who was adopted so I can't be sure of her exact age, but we think it's about 5 years old. We've had her for 2 years and she's never had litter box problems. Now, suddenly (within about the last 2 weeks) she is defecating on the rug, on an almost daily basis. I tried cleaning the litter box, and that seemed to work for about a day, then she was back to the rug again. We've tried NAture's Miracle, Out!, No-Mark, Woolite Pet Stain, and Oxy Pet Stain. nothing has worked.

This morning, I was up earlier than usual and after I fed the cats I heard a strange meowing. That's when I discovered this:



There's been another cat hanging around my house! Could this be the cause of the problem? If so, what do I do?

BTW We're going to get her to the vet ASAP.

Are your cats spayed/neutered? Is this just a defication problem or a urine problem as well! If it is a urine issue the cat may be avoiding the box because he/she associates the box with pain (common when a UTI is present)! Im glad you are taking her to the vet!

I think you should get another litter box. I have 2 cats and 2 litter boxes. Maggie decided last year she wanted another one and pooped on the rug until I got the message . I got the 2nd litter box and problem solved. Good luck.

I would get your cat checked out at the vet asap... It worries me that there's never been problems before and now suddenly there is? It could be a health problem causing this. Also get your cats neutered/spayed if they aren't already- that helps alot! As she could be going into heat. Good luck! Keep us posted.

Originally Posted by jamasmom

I think you should get another litter box. I have 2 cats and 2 litter boxes. Maggie decided last year she wanted another one and pooped on the rug until I got the message

. I got the 2nd litter box and problem solved. Good luck.

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Good point! Each cat should have their own box and an extra box "community box"! The rule of thumb is one per cat and one extra for all cats! Do you keep the box clean constantly (Im sure you do just put it out there)! Sometimes if a box isn't clean cats will go elsewhere (they can be quite picky)! I am lucky because both of my cats use the same litterbox! i have one for each but they insist on sharing just the one... So I put the other one away for now!

Yes, they are all spayed and neutered. She is urinating as well.

Also, I should add, the problem cat is Lacey, the really fat one on the far left in the photo. As you can see, she is quite overweight. We live in a three-level townhouse and the litter boxes are in the basement. It could be a mobility problem, but she seems just fine on the stairs and has never had this problem before.

So, I;ve narrowed it down to:

1.) Stress from the wandering neighbor cat
2.) Mobility due to the litter box being in the basement
3.) Unknown health issue

For the next couple days we are going to try keeping her in the basement and feeding her there (don't worry, it's very nice and comfortable down there) so she doesnt have to use the stairs after she eats.

My best friend had an obese cat who had litterbox problems (pooping outside the box was the first, and main, one). She also ended up with recurrent bladder infections due to having difficulties cleaning herself.

Do take her to the vet , but also try an extra large, extra litterbox for her, and see what you can do about getting her weight back down to a healthy place . I know how difficult this will be, especially with multiple cats, but I would hate to see you lose her over a weight issue, like my friend ultimately did... There are lots of people here who will probably have good advice about how to do this - good luck, I hope you get her sorted out soon!

I would make sure there are litter boxes on each floor and I would also seek a vet's opinion and check up... Which you stated you are in the processes of! She could be having UTI issues but we won't no for sure what the deal is till a professional can examine her! I have an overweight cat myself and I make sure he has the biggest covered litterbox available along with regular check-ups! I on the other hand am lucky I suppose because he just had severe diarrhea nad made sure he went in the box everytime he had an urge... I wish he would do that when he has to yack! Off topic I know... get her checked out and best of luck! Where there cat's that lived in your townhome previously? She may be urinating and deficating where there scent remains!

I think she may be stressing about seeing this other cat outside. Is it there alot? If thee vet rules out physical causes I would think she is letting you know she is not happy with there being an `intuder`.