Cat deficating throughout house!

Question
Hi,
My sisters' cat Sam has recently started a behavior where he deficates
throughout the house. He'll do it right in front of you. She has 2 litter boxes
because she heard he might like his own. She has 2 other cats. One an older
male and one kind of dominating female, but she's had all these cats for
years and this is a relatively new behavior problem. Can you help me help
her?!?! She'll have to get rid of him if we can't figure this out, he's a great
cat,very intelligent and quite a clown. It would be quite a shame if it comes to
that....
Thank You!
Daniel

Answer
It definitely sounds behavioral, although I would take a sample in to your vet to eliminate any intestinal parasites or other issues.  If she has changed the litter recently to a different brand, it could be he doesn't like the texture.  Some cats can be very particular about that and generally prefer a litter that has a finer texture.  Changing from unscented to scented litter can also do it.  If there have been any other changes in the house, such as moving to a new one, someone moving in or out of the house, a host of other things could have him stressed right now to where he is having this issue.  There is a product on the market called Feliway.  It can sometimes help with improper elimination.  It is similar to the pheromone released from nursing mother cats, and provided he was nursed and not bottle fed, then it can have a calming effect and possibly help.  It can take up to a month to work however, and you must place it in the room he uses most often.  (It comes as a diffuser you plug in your wall).  Good luck, I hope he gets better.

Amanda