Cat box issues

salsanchips

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My male cat, Wingnut, refuses to defecate in his cat box about 90% of the time. Instead, he goes on the floor next to it. Urinating in the box is no problem for him (thankfully). My female, Moonbat, has no problem using the box at all.

The box is one of those large plastic affairs with a swinging door that you can get at Wal-Mart. I change the litter completely every morning and use a plastic liner. I have noticed he seems to do it most often in the morning, right before I change out the box. Thus leading me to believe it might have something to do with him not wanting to get in the box when itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s been used.

I emphasize with the guy; he knows I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t approve and I can tell he feels guilty as I scold him while cleaning it up.

Wanted to get some input as to what is the most likely cause of this behavior and what I can do to help him get over it.
 

graciecat

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Have you tried adding another litter box?
I know some cats don't like to poop in the same box they pee in.
Also, maybe he simply wants his very own box.

We have three cats and three boxes...Annabelle and Elliott will use the same box to pee in, but he only poops in his box.
Then we have Princess Gracie, she has to have a box all to herself she would only share with Lizzie who was her Sister.
Since Lizzie death Gracie wants the box all to herself.
 

missymotus

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If this is a new behaviour, he needs to see a vet to rule out anything medical.

Get another box (or two). Try a different style, sounds like you are using an enclosed box so try an open one. Large plastic storage tubs work very well and are much cheaper than littertrays. I believe the brand is Rubbermaid.

And please don't scold your kitty.
 

yayi

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Originally Posted by Graciecat

Have you tried adding another litter box?
I know some cats don't like to poop in the same box they pee in.

2 of my cats do not urinate in the same box they defecated in so try providing Wingnut with another box.
 

darlili

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I agree - vet check, enzyme cleaner (and black light to make sure you got everything), and new box in different location, preferably an open box, in addition to existing boxes. Also, I always suggest trying Cat Attract litter - works wonders with my boy and his issues. And, yeah, my girl never has an accident no matter what I use in the box, or what type of box it was - it's my boy who's very picky.
 

white cat lover

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I'd take the cover off....IMO it's likely he hates the stink of a filthy box so won't use it.
 
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