cats new waste problem

Question
My 8 year old cat has started to leave feces in areas other than his litter box.  He will still urinate in the litter box.  There have been no changes in the home. I did change litter about four months ago but this problem is just several weeks old.  Even when I clean the areas with solution that supposedly will deter his behavior, he goes back again.

Answer
Toni,

There could be a number of reasons the cat is doing that. A lot of times it is their way of telling you that they are upset at something. Is there a stray cat he can see out the window but can't get to? Is the litterbox in an open area. Some cats prefer privacy. Try moving the box to another area. Are you not playing with him or giving him as much attention as you used to? Also try a bigger litterbox with deeper litter. Or try some children's play sand one time. You can get it at Home Depot or other building supply store.

You may want to have the vet check him for a medical issue. If he has pain from something being wrong when he defecates in the litterbox he may go elsewhere because he would associate that pain with the litterbox.

Here are some links that should be helpful also regarding improper elimination: (copy and paste, or type the whole link into your address bar)


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

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

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

I hope this information helps.
Tabbi