Defecaton on couch

Question
We have had some new "used" sofas in our home for about a month before our cat has decided that they are a great place to poop, and there are not even any magazines! We have cleaned and scrubbed the sofa and chairs. Oscar (our cat) has noticed an outdoor cat hanging out outside of the same windows that the new furniture is by. The people who gave us the couches have dogs. We figure that the dog smells combined with the outdoor cat are causing our dilemma. We do not know what to do.

Answer
Dean,

Cats improperly eliminate when they are very upset at something. That is their way of telling you.

The cat outside is triggering a reflex re-action in your cat. It doesn't happen to all cats but it is common to indoor only cats.

He wants to get outside to fight the cat who is in his territory...but he can't. Usually in that situation the cat will turn on any cat or animal near them and fight, even if they are 'best friends' and never have had any problems getting along. Since it sounds like you don't have other pets your cat is reacting by pooping on the couch. It is just a re-action/reflex. He is not 'being bad' per se.

To solve the problem you are going to have to put a piece of cardboard, paper. or something similar on that window to block your cat's ability to see out and see the other cat.

I hope this helps. Thank you for using AllEperts.com and I hope you will again if you have further questions.

Carol