Multiple Cats

Question
Hello,

I have 2 cats that are ages 4 and 2, they get along, play, restle and love eachother!!

I have never seen any signs of them NOT getting along and are in general very happy kitties.

However I have only ever had 1 litter box and I know that was WRONG of me BUT so far so good. I have never ever had any problems so thought it was ok just to have 1 box. I am faithful to clean it oue EVERY DAY and was it out once a month. It is never very dirty.

About six months ago I noticed some small poops in the corner of the room where the litter box is (downstairs). It is from the older smaller cat, Abby. I thought it was bc the litter box was not full enough so I started keeping it nice and full and the problem went away.

Then this week I was cleaning up around the house and I was SHOCKED!!!! I saw more poops in the corner of the room where the litter box is AND in the next room too. I have no idea how old it is but it is not rock hard and I am so bothered by this. But all from Abby again.

I obiously need to get 2 or more boxes but I don't know where to put them. And is this the problem??? I don't know. The cat's both had physicals in Aug and were very healthy.

We want to keep the boxes downstairs but where? Can they be the same room but in different corners? Would this be ok? I don't believe bullying in an issue. Or should they be in different rooms anyways?

What would you reccomened? Also this may be a stupid question but do u think I need to have a night light on in the same room as the box? Can they see in the dark, I thought they can see best at dusk?

Thank you so much, I am so stressing about this and feel like the worst pet owner in the world.


Answer
Jennifer,

Of course you are NOT the "worst pet owner in the world"...a guy name Jack was. No, I'm just kidding! (smile). You are trying to find an answer for your cat's behavior problem instead of taking her to the pound (improper elimination is the #1 reason people have their pets put down) so that shows you care and are a responsible pet owner.

It's not bad to have one litterbox. I know they say you should one per cat or something like that but....don't tell anybody...I have one litterbox and I have 13 cats! They have never messed in the house because of it. They are indoor-outdoor cats so they go potty outside too....BUT I have to clean the litterbox about every 2 hours!

First, even though they were OK in August, it still could be a medical issue causing her behavior. If possible I would tell the vet about her behavior and have her checked. She could have contracted a urinary tract infection, have an intestinal issue, which includes the likely problem of intestinal parasites, be constipated, etc.

If it is behavioral, there is a reason for it. Sometimes you need to be a detective to try and figure it out. Can she see another cat out a window that she can't get to? Have you been ignoring her or leaving her alone alot? Has anyone moved in or out of the house? Anyone bringing a pet with them when they visit? Those are some possibilities.

As far as the litterbox as an issue is concerned, it could be a number of things...and there are a number of things you can try to see if you can narrow down what the problem is.

Try a puppy pee-pad or a piece of plastic with newspaper over it next to the litterbox and see if she uses that. Some cats do NOT like the feel of litter under their feet. I had one at one time that would NEVER use the litterbox, he would ONLY go on newspaper!

Some cats like privacy and are uncomfortable using a box that is in the open. Try moving the litterbox to the corner where she is going, or to a spot that has more privacy. Sometimes cats don't like to go downstairs to use the litterbox or have to go too far. Try putting it upstairs. Try a bigger litterbox. As cats grow they need more room and don't want to get in a litterbox that they feel is too confining. Try some children's play sand. You can get it at Home Depot, or other building supply store. Some cats prefer sand to litter. Don't be surprised if they play in it first, cat's love to play in sand for some reason.

That should give you some directions to go, plus I am including some  links to good articles about improper elimination that you may  find helpful: (copy and paste or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://cats.about.com/cs/behavioralissues/a/outsidebox_two.htm

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/pointe/9352/litterboxhelp.html

http://www.apbc.org.uk/article10.htm

Tabbi