Cat is pooping next to the litter box?

by Catherine
(Michigan)

My cat is about 2 years old and all of a sudden the last week he started pooping outside the litter box?

I can not figure out why he has this issue? Help.

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My Thoughts:

I'm not sure what possibilities you've explored so far, Catherine, but if he were my cat, I'd start here...

Two of the most common reasons that cats stop using the litter box are:

1. Health problems, such as constipation, urinary tract infections, and other illnesses.

If the veterinarian gives him a clean bill of health, then...

2. Box conditions -- not enough boxes, cat litter choice or changes in litter, a dirty box, or location.

And a third...

3. Stress -- life changes, changes in the routine or number of household members, or just about any change you can think of.

If he's pooping right next to the box, I'd start by assuming that either the litter box or cat litter is not to his liking, or he's associating pain with defecating in the box and just can't bring himself to use it.

Has he been constipated? He may no longer be, but is still associating pain with the box.

Has anything changed? Frequency of box cleaning? Type of litter? Location of the box? Routines?

Try thoroughly cleaning out the box and replacing the litter with the exact type of litter he liked before. Add Cat Attract. Then, add another box right on the spot he's currently using.

Is he under any stress? Try to figure out what that stress might be and a resolution.

I hope that helps and please keep us updated on his progress.
-Kurt