Emotionally Scarred Cat?

callitcompulsive

Hey folks. 

I just want some input here. Eastwood is a pooper. And by this, I mean sometimes in the box, sometimes in the corner, by the door, in the 2nd bedroom, in the bathroom (on the rug...) It doesn't matter. and it's not like every time. He can go days without pooping outside the box, but usually at least once a week he does it. He's been doing this for years now, ever since I brought him home from the shelter. He doesn't pee outside his box (THANK GOD.) but its poop. It's healthy looking poop, too. Not runny, bloody, etc. Just turds. I've had him checked out at the vet, no parasites, giardia, anal gland infections. ($300 later and they tell me nothing's wrong with him...gggrrrreeeaattt)

I've tried all kinds of cat litters. I started with tidy cats scoopable stuff. I tried the breeze system (pellets and sheets), and now I'm using the arm and hammer naturals corn-cob stuff. It doesn't seem to matter what litter I use. He prefers the carpet. I have two cats, and three litter boxes. Eastwood is a big cat, so I have three BIG litter boxes. Uncovered, in quiet, yet easily accessible areas.  

Now, he was at least 6 years old when I adopted him from the shelter. That means 6 years of god-knows-what happened to him before he moved in with me. Is it possible for a cat to have had such a terrible experience with a litter box that sometimes he just feels the need to sh!t on the carpet? The once in a while thing confuses me, too. It's not every time he has to poop, he just poops. It's literally... once in a while. It drives me crazy!

And when I see him coming out of the laundry room (where two of the three litter boxes are) I try to praise him, but he just kind of keeps his head down and runs out and avoids me. Even if I have delicious treats in my hand! I don't get it.

At least the kitten doesn't repeat this behavior. It's sad that my 6 month old kitten is way better with the litter box than my almost 8 year old cat. -_-

Could this be an emotional/mental thing? Is there anything that can be done about this?

I'm just curious if any of you have any thoughts on this! 

MallardDucky

How clean are the litter boxes when he poops outside of them? In my experince if the box is not up to the kitty's standards they will go somewhere else. Its like saying "Hey clean that thing out".   Some cats do not even like a little bit in there.

michaelandjulie2

Have you tried adding Cat Attract to the litter? There is a litter called Cat Attract but also this powerdy stuff you can add to any litter. We just sprinkle some over the top of our litter every week or so.

callitcompulsive

MallardDucky:

How clean are the litter boxes when he poops outside of them? In my experince if the box is not up to the kitty's standards they will go somewhere else. Its like saying "Hey clean that thing out".   Some cats do not even like a little bit in there.

I've heard that too. I usually clean them every night after work. The funny thing is, he went and pooped on my bathroom rug right after I cleaned out the boxes yesterday. ::sigh:: 

callitcompulsive

michaelandjulie2:

Have you tried adding Cat Attract to the litter? There is a litter called Cat Attract but also this powerdy stuff you can add to any litter. We just sprinkle some over the top of our litter every week or so.

 

I've never heard of that... where do you get it? 

michaelandjulie2

callitcompulsive:

michaelandjulie2:

Have you tried adding Cat Attract to the litter? There is a litter called Cat Attract but also this powerdy stuff you can add to any litter. We just sprinkle some over the top of our litter every week or so.

 

I've never heard of that... where do you get it? 

I ordered on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Precious-Cat-Ultra-Litter-Attractant/dp/B000PKUUU0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327862639&sr=8-2) but I have seen it in local pet stores. I have never looked for it in chain pet stores, but they might carry it as well. They most likely carry the actual litter, but I dont know if they carry just the powdery additive. It might be worth taking a look.

callitcompulsive

michaelandjulie2:

callitcompulsive:

michaelandjulie2:

Have you tried adding Cat Attract to the litter? There is a litter called Cat Attract but also this powerdy stuff you can add to any litter. We just sprinkle some over the top of our litter every week or so.

 

I've never heard of that... where do you get it? 

I ordered on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Precious-Cat-Ultra-Litter-Attractant/dp/B000PKUUU0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327862639&sr=8-2) but I have seen it in local pet stores. I have never looked for it in chain pet stores, but they might carry it as well. They most likely carry the actual litter, but I dont know if they carry just the powdery additive. It might be worth taking a look.

 

Thanks, I'll definitely look into it.