tribute pooping??

We have a three-year-old Siamese male (Oscar), plus one of his female litter mates, plus an elderly female cat. Until three months ago, we also had an elderly male cat that Oscar was very fond of. Ever since that elderly cat died, Oscar has been pooping outside the box--something he NEVER did  before he lost his friend. He's pooped in many different places, including the elderly cat's favorite sleeping places. He sometimes uses the box (we have four) and sometimes doesn't. I've read that this could be an expression of grief. Has anyone had a similar problem, and if so, what did you do to solve it?

That's weird. Have you talked with your vet about it? A clean bill of health would at least help to narrow down the cause.

I doubt it's grief. My money is on dominance issues. He now feels he has to be the top cat, and he feels unsure of his role with the smell of the old top cat still in the house. He may think maybe your deceased kitty is coming back at some point.

I'd concentrate on cleaning the areas where he's doing his business with enzymatic cleaner.

He is neutered right?

Yes, he's neutered. They all are. You make a good point about dominance. I just assumed he'd know he was alpha, since he clearly knew he was beta before. I'll try some serious enzymatic cleaning and see if he relents.

Thanks!

Kimmycat said:

Yes, he's neutered. They all are. You make a good point about dominance. I just assumed he'd know he was alpha, since he clearly knew he was beta before. I'll try some serious enzymatic cleaning and see if he relents.


Thanks!

Click to expand...

I figured he was but I had to ask. We get people on here all the time who have entire Toms living inside. SMH...

There are a couple of good enzymatic cleaners on the market. One specifically,for cat odors would be best. You need to totally remove the smell of his accidents and whatever smell is there from your kitty who passed.

I hope this helps. If not reply back and I'm sure someone else may have an idea.

Another thought is that maybe their is a dominance power struggle between he and one of your females. If that is the case I've heard Feliway can work wonders for cat relations.

You know, I've been watching the cats more closely wince you suggested that it was a dominance issue, and you may be right about a dominance struggle within the current trio. I hadn't viewed the elderly female as "a contender" for the top spot, but Oscar might. He spends a lot of time trying to get a rise out of her and he takes her favorite sleeping spot whenever he can. I'll get some Feliway.

Thanks!

It's always better for harmony to have one alpha in the group. My two kitties are both true betas so there is constant confusion between them.