Litterbox woes while owners are away

[tjcarst]

Whenever my in-laws leave their indoor only mail cat alone for a few days, he begins pooping and sometimes peeing outside of the litterbox.  He does not ever do this unless they leave him alone longer than a day.

I heard on a cat behavior show that cats do not 'spitefully' pee or poop outside of the litterbox.

Since it only happens when they are gone, what is causing this.  Someone checks on him daily, feeding/watering him and changing litter.  He is mean, so they do not play with him.  He knows the people coming to check on him, they live next door and are relatives, so see him often.

 

[cococat]

He is stressed with the change.  Might want to try a Feliway diffusor.  

 

[tjcarst]

Thanks.  I'll share this info with them.  I read about people using them, but was skeptical it would help in this situation.

Strange.  He isn't even a friendly cat, so usually does not pay any attention to people when they are around, swatting at them if they get too close.