Why Do Cats Poop Outside the Litter Box?
If you are trying to determine the reason behind your cat’s habit of pooping outside the litter box, you have a number of different options. Some causes are associated with GI disorders, while others can be related to House soiling. Keep reading to find out what you can do about these problems.
Why do cats do business outside the litter box? Your cat can have litter box problems for a number of reasons, including medical issues, dislikes the litter box, or likes to urinate or defecate outside the litter box.
Fluorescein causes cats to poop outside the litter box
Cats that poop outside the litter box can have several medical problems that aren’t immediately apparent. For example, your cat may be arthritic or old and not have as much space to eliminate in the litter box as it once did. Or, your cat may have a problem with its bladder or kidneys. Whatever the cause, it is a good idea to visit your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
Fluorescein is a common pet-safe dye that is used to diagnose ulcers on the cornea and is sometimes used to determine whether cats are eliminating in an inappropriate area. The dye is administered to your cat in the form of a digestible capsule and makes its way through the cat’s digestive system. Once it reaches the outside of the cat’s body, it will become visible as an apple green or bright yellow stain.
If your cat is defecating outside the litter box, he or she may be suffering from feline interstitial cystitis. This condition can be life-threatening. In some cases, it can cause your cat to strain to relieve itself or urinate, or to produce blood in the urine. During treatment, your cat should be able to eliminate in the litter box with ease.
FIE is a serious problem that can lead to cat behavior problems. It accounts for more than 50 percent of all behavioral referrals to veterinarians, and it’s one of the leading reasons for cat abandonment. In fact, cats that fail to use the litter box on a daily basis are eight times more likely to be relinquished than those who do it weekly.
Another possible cause of inappropriate elimination is conflict between cats. If a cat is battling another cat for dominance, he may find it difficult to reach the litter box. If this is the case, you can try treating the bully cat with an anti-anxiety medication. In some cases, this problem is due to urine marking.
GI disease
If you’ve noticed your cat pooping outside of the litter box, you may be concerned about an underlying medical condition. Often, this problem is a symptom of another, more serious condition, such as a kidney or liver problem. Fortunately, there are some treatments to address the problem.
GI disease can be caused by a variety of problems, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. It can also be caused by drugs, toxins, and foreign bodies. Treatments for GI disease vary, but are usually individualized to the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms persist for more than a few days, it’s time to see a veterinarian.
The first step in treating this problem is to identify the culprit. If more than one cat is responsible for this problem, you may need to separate them. To find out which one is responsible for the problem, the veterinarian can give you a special non-toxic stain to look for in the cat’s urine. The stain is similar to a brightly colored child’s crayon and will show up in feces and urine.
A cat’s behavior can also be triggered by a number of different things. For instance, if your cat’s litter box is always dirty, he may start to associate it with pain and may therefore avoid it. Another factor is stress in the household. New babies, new pets, moving, and changing routines can be stressful for a cat.
If you notice that your cat has been pooping outside of the litter box, you should take them to the vet immediately. Symptoms such as blood in the stool are signs that your cat may be suffering from a serious disease.
Preference for a soft, sandy texture
Some cats prefer the texture of a soft, sandy litter when pooping outside the litter box. This may have to do with the time they spend perching when pooping. If this is the case, you can try an alternative litter that has a softer texture.
If your cat has this preference, you can make a litter box with the same texture. Place it in a carpeted room, if possible. If your carpet is too soft or too rough, then make it similar to your cat’s preferred surface.
Another reason your cat may prefer a soft, sandy litter is the smell. Cats have very sensitive noses, so perfumed litters are a turnoff to them. If you want to help your cat eliminate their waste, make sure you provide a second litter box. Make sure the new litter box is not next to the original one. Otherwise, your cat won’t recognize it as a separate box. The second litter box can be in a different room, a different part of the house, or a different location.
House soiling
Cats may poop outside of the litter box for a number of reasons. These may include medical conditions or a change in their environment. They may also have aversions to specific litters, and may develop a new elimination site. If you notice your cat pooping outside the litter box on a regular basis, you should seek professional help.
Although this behavior can be extremely frustrating for owners, it can be prevented. One of the first steps is to get your cat neutered. This will reduce the influence of hormones on spraying. You can also install motion-activated sprinklers to discourage your cat from going outside. Other effective solutions include electronic mats and double-sided tape.
Another way to prevent your cat from house soiling is to make sure he or she has an indoor litter facility in the room where they are most comfortable. It is also helpful to provide a familiar environment for your cat to stay when you are away. Some cats even benefit from boarding at a cattery.
Other reasons cats poop outside the litter box include gastrointestinal problems. Cats can experience constipation and diarrhea, as well as dehydration caused by hyperthyroidism or kidney disease. Cats can also be stressed, which can throw their schedule out of whack.
Changes in the home may also cause your cat to avoid the litter box. A new roommate, new baby, or new pet can all cause stress in your feline. These changes can make your cat avoid the box and begin to poop elsewhere.
Recent changes to cat’s litter box routine
If your cat is pooping outside the litter box recently, it may be because of recent changes to its routine. Cats are sensitive creatures and can have trouble adapting to changes, so even the slightest change can affect their behavior. For example, rearranging the furniture in the house or inviting visitors to your home could be stressful for your cat. If your cat is pooping outside its litter box routine regularly, consult a vet to determine the cause.
Your cat might also be missing the litter box because he or she is uncomfortable eliminating in the litter box. A new person or pet may be causing this problem. You might have recently moved, or you might have changed the furniture in the house. Your cat may have a preference for a certain type of litter. If this is the case, try to change the location of the litter box.
Changing the location of the litter box may be a factor, as your cat may have become fearful of a change and choose to use a more prominent location. If this is the case, you can temporarily relocate the litter box to a new location and gradually move it back to the same spot. If you notice your cat peeing outside the litter box in a new location, you should try to change the location of the box. If you have changed the location of the litter box and your cat is still pooping outside the box, you might need to replace the old one.
If your cat has always used the litter box regularly, it’s probably nervous about the new routine and feels uncomfortable. You may have recently introduced a new pet or roommate, or you have had some major life changes. These changes can cause your cat to poop outside the litter box. It’s vital to take steps to correct the behavior quickly before your cat develops an unacceptable preference for this behavior.