Why Your Cat Is Pooping Outside the Litter Box & How to Fix It

It seems like the topic of a cat that poops outside of the litter box, but pees inside of it is a common issue that comes up.  More often than not, someone will write in and tell me that their cat poops on the floor just next to the litter box, but not inside of it.

Recently, Floppycats reader JudyLyn wrote me about this issue she is having – so I wanted to post to see if you guys had ideas to share with her to help and help future  kitties too.

“I am at my wits end, and thought maybe you can offer your opinion please.  I like to think I am relatively pet savvy, but I have researched and research and applied what I researched, and nothing is working!!!!!  ugh

Problem:  The older kitten of two was having issues pooping on the floor right next to the box.  Overnight, he pooped inside the wire dog crate in the middle of the dog’s bed.

… the crate is in the living room for the dog to stay in when I am not home (but, I don’t work, so it is not long periods of time)…..the dog sleeps in the bedroom with us with the door closed, and the kittens stay out in the living/kitchen area.

I have changed the boxes (2), the litter (and added kitten attract), box location, and Vet checked.  Voltaire just turned 4 months old.  Other kitten is 3 weeks younger….plus I have a German Shepherd.

The Vet thinks it is behavioral.  Can cats be jealous or have spite?  Sounds crazy, but I am missing something!!!!

The younger kitten started sleeping inside the dog crate I noticed a few mornings ago…. then yesterday morning Voltaire was in the crate ….. now this morning CRAP  right in the middle!!!!  It was a little loose, so I checked their butts and found the evidence on Voltaire….which I suspected anyway.  Van Gogh, the younger kitty, has never had an accident and covers his poop like he is digging to China!

The only thing I haven’t tried is a covered litter box, because of course, everything I have read and seen, say that is a convenience for the humans, not the cats.  What am I doing wrong??????  OMG I am so distressed!  I even asked the vet if he could scope the colon and neuter him earlier than six months.  He said it wouldn’t help to neuter him, and that nothing indicated a physical issue with the kitten.  My next door neighbor is an EXTREME cat hoarder and I have tried everything but calling the police on them (which is probably in the near future) and the Vet said he thinks that may have something to do with it????

This kitten gets along fine with the dog and the younger kitten.  He was very cuddly with me until I brought the younger kitten home….now he doesn’t seem to care for attention unless it is on his terms…..usually when I am sitting on the toilet (sorry TMI) but that is when he wants to purr and get in my lap!!!!  ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you think of anything else I can try?  Does any of this even make sense????

Frustrated, but thank you,
JudyLyn”

Please feel free to offer any insight or help for Judy below in the comments!

Update! Dec 8, 2012 – Read JudyLyn’s and Voltaire’s Success Story