defecating

Question
Hi Jessica,
Hi have a 7 year old female Birman who is the most loving and adorable cat. She is very very demanding for lots and lots of cuddles and affection which is something I gave to her from a little kitten. I sometime think as I have always given her so much love its also made her very demanding? maybe Im not sure?
Anyway she has a habit from time to time of defecating on the concrete floor of the garage. Shes always been a very timid cat and hardly ever goes outside unless Im in the garden. There are no other cats around and the small courtyard is completly walled, sunny and private. Ive always used a litter tray since she really doesnt go outside much. We have cat door so she can if she wants to tho. I keep the litter trays spotlessly clean and check 2/3 times a day. I now keep 3 trys incase one is ever dirty when she wants to go. She has been at times defecarting in the floor of the garage where the trys are. This is not every day but maybe once or twice a week. She always urinates in the tray tho, which is strange. Ive changed the litter to different brands but the same thing happens. The strange thing is this is not every day, I just dont understand her. I never ever growl at her when she does this as she is so beautiful and I love her so much. Tho I must say I do hate it. Yesterday out of the blue she did it for the first time on the carpet. What do you make of it? its all so strange. This seemed to start about 3 months ago after going away for 3 days. I know she hates me to leave her and was wondering if it was that? I will never put her in a cattery if I go away but I will make things very comfortable for her. I leave the radio on and get all my friends who really love her to visit about 2/3 times a day, for feeding litter cleaning and cuddles. What more can one do for this very demanding lovable little Birman called Domino? Whats your thoughts on this problem?
cheers
Murray

Answer
Hi, Murray.

Defecating outside the box tends to be related to a physical ailment more often than urinating outside the box, so I'd start with a visit to the vet. Gas, constipation, impacted anal sacs, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal parasites and infections can cause discomfort upon defecation, and this can cause the cat not to use her litter box, which she grows to associate with the pain.

If the problem persists, you may be looking at anxiety-related behavior. Since it seemed to have surfaced when you last went on vacation, I'd say this would be likely.  And I think since you mention she is timid, this is even more probable.  Try to reduce any situations that may cause her stress, such as visitors in the home or trips away, unless absolutely necessary.

I suggest to purchase some Feliway. Feliway is a synthetic pheromone - hormones proven to induce relaxation and a feeling of safety. It's an excellent tool to use at all times, and is essential, in my opinion, for use prior to and during vet trips, vacations, and any other situation that may cause stress. See their website, http://www.catcontrol.com for more information and to order. It's available at pet stores and some vet offices, too.

Because you mentioned the behavior worsens when you leave her alone, separation anxiety comes to mind, although it's less common in cats than in dogs. Defecating outside the box is a number one complaint. Feliway can help in most cases. I also HIGHLY recommend getting another cat, or even a dog, to keep the kitty company. Cats who live with other cats are much healthier physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally than cats who are single pets. Adding a companion that will be with him 24 hours a day dramatically helps separation anxiety. However, I do only recommend this if the case is ruled separation anxiety, and not another type of anxiety, since adding a pet can worsen other anxiety problems.  

In the worst cases of any type of anxiety disorder, a prescription anti-anxiety medication usually works. Talk to your vet about this.

Don't forget to clean the stained areas with a pet stain remover. It needs to be an enzymatic cleaner, which breaks down the fats in cat waste that cause the stains to cling to carpets and other surfaces. Nature's Miracle and Especially for Cats are enzymatic cleaners available at pet stores. I also highly recommend Greased Lightning Orange Blast, which uses orange oil to break down fats.  Cats also dislike the scent of oranges, usually, so this cleaner also acts as a deterrent.  

Unless you remove the stain, the cat is likely to return to the accident area. A cat's sense of smell is 14 times more sensitive than a human's, so even if you can't smell the stain, the cat can. That's why it's so important to use an enzymatic cleaner to remove stains, not just cover them.

So, do start off with a visit to the vet.  He/she can rule out physical problems, and then he/she can point you in the right direction to start dealing with behavioral issues.

Personally, I don't think your showering her with attention has caused the problem, unless you are rewarding her with attention after bad behavior, such as biting, yowling, waking you up, or not using the litter box.  If you feel you have done any of these things, it's time to make a change.  It will be difficult at first, since she's used to getting her way, and she'll pester you relentlessly with the behaviors for a while.  But ignore her when she nags you.  Reward her with attention only when she behaves and when it's convenient for you (not at 2 a.m.!), and she will begin to learn.