I have an inside/outside female cat who is 8 years old. We have had her since she was 2 weeks old. She has all her shots and is spayed; she has been for over 7 years. She has always been very good about using the litter box or going outside. We actually removed the litter box about 3 years ago with "no" problems.
Now all of sudden we found out she has been peeing and pooping in my daughter's closet. She has been doing it for months now (the feces were rock hard and/or fresh), on clothes, in shoes, wherever. She's never done this before.
Nothing in our habits have changed, no new food, people or problems; my family thrives on routine. The only thing we have noticed is when it's cold we have to push her outside. However, we have lived in the same house for over 2 years. I don't know why or what to do. Help my Moose.
By Aleesha from Fernley, NV
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Have you taken her to the vet yet? There could be some sort of underlying medical issue (urinary tract infection comes to mind). Once you've had her checked by the vet, you'll need to get all of the urine/feces smell out of the closet, so she won't want to go back to the same spot. They have enzymatic cleaners for pet accidents -- not long ago I got a bottle of OUT! from the pet area at Wal-Mart, but there are other brands available. The enzymes eat up the biological waste. Since this has been going on for a while, I think it would be good for you to retreat the area a few times.
You might want to also keep your daughter's closet or bedroom door closed. At least for a while, until things are getting back to normal. I hope everything turns out okay, both with the cat and your daughter's closet.
The cat needs the litterbox back! Some cats hate to go out in the cold or snowy weather when the ground is frozen or covered with snow. Remember, unlike dogs, they dig a hole, use it and cover their droppings, no can do certain times of the year.
Agreed on putting the litter box back! As they get older, just like people, they are not as limber and resilient and may not have as much warning about when she has to go.
1. Replace the litterbox.
2. Taker her to the Veterinarian for an exam.
Please take her to the vet in case it's an internal problem! Also I am all for the idea of placing the litter box back and please don't push her out the door when she doesn't want to go out. Those two things are most likely the major reason she's poddying in the closet because it upsets her how she's being treated. Remember that animals do not think like humans but they do have feelings so try to put the shoe on the other foot.
Want to add one more thing for perspective. Your cat is currently about 48 years old in people years. When you took her litter box away she had used it for 36 people years.
I have her appointment with the vet scheduled for Monday. Deeli, I never thought of it that way, kinda feel like a meanie. Cat box is back in the house too. Thanks guys.
Aleesha, you just brought huge tears to my eyes! Tears of relief and tears that you are compassionate and appreciative! I am so very happy you have made arrangements to take Moose to the vet on Monday and that the litter box has been given back to her! You know, please don't beat yourself up that you hadn't thought about the emotional part on her behalf before because you're doing it now! There might be a few bumps in the road until she is back on an even keel. She may slip up for a bit but if you take precautions like the closet odor being removed and the door kept closed for awhile it will be fine.
Even we humans to humans do not always think about the shoe on the other foot for one another now and then but once we do there is always a solution for remedy. All will be much better for her, for you and for your family now! I will say prayers that her physical checkup rates A-1! And I also want to thank you for sharing such a nice response here at ThriftyFun. So many times many of us pour our hearts out never to know the outcome! God Bless you and I do kinda hope you'll let us know how you and your baby fair, Hint-Hint. ;-)
Ditto what Deeli said. :-) I'm glad you're taking her to the vet, and I appreciate the response. Again, I hope everything turns out okay . . .
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