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Having problems with new kitty

post #1 of 7
2/28/10 at 1:05pm
Thread Starter 
My boyfriend and I just brought home our kitty Friday night. I found on Craigslist the very same day. He's a very sweet, and well mannered little guy. VERY talkitive, and has yet to be neutered (until tomorrow).
In spite of the fact he's been moved to 2 different homes in the span of a week, he's adapting very well. We're just having a some issues with him pooping in the bathtub... His litter box is mere feet from the tub, but that doesn't stop him. To make it further confusing, he's been peeing in his litter box.. Just not pooping.
We have tried putting things inside the tub, to make noises when he gets in. Stacking things alongside the tub to produce the same effect, and still nothing. Today we're trying filling the tub with water.
Any advice on why he's doing this, or how I can prevent it from happening again would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
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post #2 of 7
2/28/10 at 1:16pm
Some cats do not pee and poop in the same box - they need two. Can you fix him up with a second box? Hopefully, that will solve it.

Also, you ask his previous owner if they kept the litterbox in the tub? Some people do.

And finally, it may also be just the newness of your home. Kitties do all sorts of odd things until they truly get used to a new place.

Good luck with him!
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post #3 of 7
2/28/10 at 1:24pm
Good advice there. I would add, don't actually fill the tub. An inch of water should discourage him.

You are good to take this little guy in. If you continue to have probs, try Cat Attract Litter. I has solved a lot of problems.
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post #4 of 7
2/28/10 at 6:05pm
Ondine is correct, some cats do not like to pee and poop in the same litterbox. Also, if he is young, he may have been taken away from mom too sonn, and does not know that the litterbox is for pooping. I would also suggest to pick up his poop if he goes outside of the box and place it in the litterbox. That way he realizes "Ohhhh... I'm supposed to poop HERE!"

I hope all goes well with your new kitty!

Okie

P.S. I love your screen name! I'm from Oklahoma (Tulsa area), though currently in Florida. I miss Oklahoma ALOT!
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post #5 of 7
2/28/10 at 8:31pm
I agree with the two other posters. Add another box.

Congratulations on your new family member! What's his name?
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post #6 of 7
2/28/10 at 9:21pm
Welcome to TCS!

I'm also wondering the same thing as everyone else has said - if you add in another box, I wonder if he'll stop pooping in the bathtub?

Several of my cats will not pee & poop in the same box, so I have multiple litterboxes. The general rule of thumb is one more litterbox than you have cats.

Here is a link to an article on litterbox maintenance.
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post #7 of 7
3/1/10 at 12:53pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you for all the great suggestions!
We had some success last night. We filled the tub with a few inches of water, and that seemed to deter him, because he actually went #2 his litter box!! (although didn't cover up what he left).
However, at some point last night while we were sleeping he pooped in our sink?
He seems very secretive about going potty, so far. usually does it while we're asleep, or gone? I'm really boggled by this. I've owned several cats, and have never had a problem like this?

ps. We decided to name him "Hank"
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