That's called anthropomorphism. Putting human emotions on non-human animals.I don't know about that. I have 3 litter boxes in the house and Sadie aka Satan has pooped on the floor and looks right at me when she's doing it. And it's that look in her eyes that makes me wonder--
We'll just have to agree to disagree that vengeance is a human emotion.Hey someone has experienced my issue!
I'm not ruling out that it WASN'T out of vengeful emotion. I'm simply (humorously) stating that it appears that that was Charles' motive. But you can't say kittens don't have vengeful instincts. Every animal in the animal hierarchy feels and acts upon basic emotions, especially I instintful. Not trying to argue, it was supposed to be humorous, not literal.
That look in her eyes is "Daddy/Mommy, there's something not right in my world."I don't know about that. I have 3 litter boxes in the house and Sadie aka Satan has pooped on the floor and looks right at me when she's doing it. And it's that look in her eyes that makes me wonder--
I second this. He needs to be retrained to properly use the box. He might be associating the litter box with the discomfort of having diarrhea. I know when one of my cats has urinary issues because he stops using the box. Sometimes I have to retrain him. I used to praise him and give him treats everything he used the box. Also if you see Charlie about to go I would calmly redirect him to a box. Kinda like you would when potty training a puppy. Set him up for success and you will see him using the box like he should.I'd have a litter box in my bedroom - and probably a couple more around, actually, until he was older and fully healed up.
We lived in a house with 7 cats, and had 14 litterboxes. But little/younger kitties (typically) need better access. Just like little children learning to use a toilet, smaller kittens sometimes don't pay attention to the fact that they have to go to the bathroom until it's too late. And Charlie, especially, because he's "used" to have poop leaking out of his bottom.
I assume you're praising the heck out of him when he uses the box? The positive reinforcement will help. You might also consider purchasing the Dr. Elsey Kitten Attract litter: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754846
And yes, he is only 5 months and I'm sure twice the size of little Charlie!
I have two favorite brands of treats. The first is Wellness Pure Delights Jerky. Ella, who is not food motivated, will dance around the apartment for these. But, they are very chewy so I don't think all cats like the texture. The second brand (and one I like better) is PureBites. Not only are they ridiculously cheap (like $2.99 a bag) but they are 100% freeze dried meat. And, they can be easily broken into smaller pieces. I highly, highly recommend PureBites, especially if you are going to be treating him a lot.Also, he's started a bad habit of using my lap top bag and couch for his stretching/scratch post. We praise him when he uses his actual scratch post, and purchased treats, but he wants absolutely nothing to do with the treats. Any suggestions on treats?
Also, have you tried catnip with him? You can buy catnip in spray form and spray it directly on the scratching post. If he's into the 'nip it will defiantly refocus his interest!