Why is Cat Pooping in Corner

Question
I have a cat who is 9 years old and she always went to the bathroom in the kitty litter box, but now she poops and sometimes pees on the carpet in the dining area. We have 3 other cats and have no problems with them. Would you please explain why she would do this and how do I break her from this?

Thank you.

Answer
Mitch,

Your cat is 52 years old in human years and at that age things can start going wrong. She may have a urinary tract infection, arthritis which makes it hard for her to get into the litterbox, kitty Alzheimers, etc.

I would take her to a vet that is knowledgeable in geriatric cat care and conditions (not all vets are) and have an 'older cat checkup' done to check her thyroid, liver, kidneys, and overall condition.

Try a puppy pee pad next to the litterbox and see if she goes on that. Or try a large plastic container that has very low sides for a litterbox.

I would check for medical issues before dealing with her actions as a behavioral problem.

Tabbi