litter box problems

meg_2006

Ever since we got our cat at the shelter (2 months ago) she has had problems with using the litter box.  The weird thing is she uses it almost every time, but once every few days she defecates either in the leather chair on our 1st floor or in the blanket in the basement (where she stays at night).  I've tried using a urine destroyer to get rid of the smell, but she still does it.  We have tried different kinds of litter and litter boxes, but to no avail.  Plus the fact that she still uses the litter box mostly makes me think that's not the problem.  She does it when the litter box is both perfectly clean and has a few messes in it.

I've about had it, since I'm the one that is continually cleaning it up and we have an almost 1- year old who is shoving everything in his mouth...including one of the presents the cat left that we didn't see in time. 

starshineamator

Have you tried a litter attractant? Dr. Elsy makes a litter with the additive or you can just buy the additive on its own and add it to the litter you already use and she is comfortable with. I bought this when my cat was having issues with going outside of the box and after those initial uses, I've never had to use it again, and there hasn't been any accidents since. 

Have you spoken to your vet? There might be something going on that is more than meets the eye. Given what you've said it isn't (cleanliness, smell, using it most of the time), I'm really curious as to what is causing her to do this, if there is something happening that prompts the defecating outside of the box. Have you ever caught her in the act? 

Kaiene

Is she just pooping outside the box? What brand of urine destroyer are you using?

I have a mobile baby and 5 cats, so I understand where you coming from.  There are FAQs at the top of the board; try some of the suggestions there.

My 2 cents:

Pooping out of the box can be a sign your cat is anxious.  We did not start having issues until DS started crawling.  2 of my cats are on antidepressants, and we are all happier.

I would also make sure you have 2 boxes.  Some cats don't like to pee and poop in the same one.

Also, remember that she has gone through a lot of changes recently, and babies freak most cats out.  Only one of mine will actually come up to DS and lay by him.  DS just pet (with my help and supervision of course) another one for the first time.  If he crawls toward them, they run away.  It also wouldn't hurt to talk to a vet. I would add some cat trees, too.  Cats like to be up high. 

hlmlvt

Rule of thumb for each cat one littler box plus one so if you have 1 cat you should have 2 boxes.  Are the boxes covered or not covered if both are take on off, try not to change little always use the same one some cats hate change.  She is still dealing with a lot of anxiety and stress from being adopted. You can try Felaway defuser you plug them in the electric outlet and it helps with anxiety.  You might also want to have a fecal and urine done just to rule out any issues or parasites there since she was at a shelter and talk to your vet.  She might have had this problem before and that is why she was there. It could also be the stress of a new home, baby in the house everything is new for her and it might take a while.