15 year old twin cats poo throughout the house

by Anonymous

I have two twin cats who are 15 years old. Over the years, they have slowly started pooping inside the house, against walls in closets, and sometimes in beds.

We are at the point where we find a poop a day. They even defecate in front of us and continue to roam the house like they own it.

I have noticed the poop is happening with access to the front door, or if they are left unattended. It's becoming really upsetting to constantly find poo and have to clean it.

We have had a litter box, but due to a busy family situation is not something we can keep up with.

My mum is at her wit's end and wants to have them put down. I have tried managing feedings, keeping them outside during the night, or hours after they eat, but finding any alternative is failing me.

They were at the vet not too long ago and we were told they were healthy and fine, other than issues due to age, arthritis and slight loss of vision in one of them. For this reason I am hesitant at the cost of taking them both back in for another check up.

I really do not know what to do and cannot live with the cats pooing on top of everything else.

My thoughts: I'm sorry to hear that your cats are having trouble. I'd be curious to hear your vet's opinion of the cause of the problem.

If they're both defecating outside the litter box, then either they both have the same undetected bowel issues, or they both have the same issues with the either the litter box or their living conditions.

I'm going to be very blunt here...

If you or someone else can't keep on top of the litter box duties, then you're inviting problems. It's unlikely you'll be able to fix this problem unless you have the right environment.

That means a low stress house, the right number of boxes in the right location, with the right cat litter, and the right level of cleanliness.

From what you've described, it sounds like you have only one litter box for two cats. Technically, you should have three boxes for two cats. You can often get away with fewer boxes, but more boxes are better.

I've mentioned this many times, but sometimes cats refuse to use the same box for pee and poop. This preference can start at any time in a cat's life.

I would try adding at least one more litter box to the house, and I would make a firm commitment to cleaning the boxes twice a day.

Since you mentioned the pooping happens when they're left unattended, I would consider the possibility they have some anxiety or stress.

Other than paying more attention to your cats when you're around, here are some things you can do to reduce anxiety and stress...

If it's separation anxiety, then I would suggest starting out by leaving for only a few minutes. Then gradually increase the time you're away so your cats get used to longer and longer periods without you.

Add scratching posts. Scratching and the stretching that goes along with it can be a stress reliever.

Increase playtime and exercise.

Add a Feliway diffuser to the house. You can combine this with isolation retraining to help get them both using the box regularly.

In extreme cases, some of readers have seen results with Prozac (fluoxetine). You might want to ask your vet about that.

I hope that helps and please let us know how it goes.
-Kurt