File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Hey /an, I have a problem.

I have two cats. They're very cute and sweet, and have been raised to be indoor only. The issue I'm having is that over the past several months they have started to increasingly stray from the litter box. Mostly in the corners of rooms, but occasionally on a fresh pile of laundry sitting in a basket.

I'd spray them with water or something when they do it, but the problem is I never catch them. I simply find the evidence later.

The two litter boxes are kept clean, and in fact I just changed them yesterday (using the same litter they've had for the past two years). They've seen some use, but it didn't keep me from finding a fresh spot this morning.

Spots are thoroughly cleaned using pet oder remover and then carpet shampoo. They don't seem to be returning to places that smell like litter.

I want to keep my cats, and I don't want to put them outside, but it's getting to where I'm at my wits end. What can I do?
>> Anonymous
Well it seems you have a lot of pooper sticking to do.
>> Anonymous
Please don't tell me you spray the cats when you find the mess. If you catch them in the act if fine. They won't connect the two and just be confused on what they did wrong.
>> Anonymous
No, I don't spray the cats when I find the mess. I'd only spray them in the act, but they never act when they can be caught.
>> Anonymous
Hey, OP, is that pic your kitten? 'Cuz ZOMGWTFBBQCUTE!!!!

Have you tried covering up their favorite corners with things that would be difficult for them to whiz on, like a very tall box-shaped object? Or have you tried moving their litter box to one of those corners? That has worked for me in the past. Another option is to use a scent that kitties don't like on those corners, like lime juice or some commercially prepared anti-kitty spray (found at most pet stores).
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
Yup, that's one of them when she was young. Stayed pretty small, too. Unfortunately I have very few pictures. Here's one with no focus.

The corner litter box thing might be worth a try, though they seem to try and hit a new spot every time. I don't think blocking will work, though. I'd be too worried they'd just find the nearest pile of laundry. They almost completely ruined a recliner, too. I didn't realize they were using it so eventually I had to cut it open, wash the stuffing, and sew it back up.

You say lime juice is a repellent? That's a lot cheaper than the Cat-Away sprays I see. Good to know.
>> Anonymous
>>84024
Yeah, cats generally despise citrus. Lemon or lime would work, I imagine. Interestingly, dogs dislike aniseed.
>> Anonymous
>>84014
i just want to snuggle this little kitten
>> Anonymous
What type of litter are you using? Try "worlds best cat litter"

Where is your box located? Try putting it in an area they poop in or has little to no traffic (so they may poop in peace)

How long has it been since their annual? Pooping outside the box can be caused by pain in pooping being associated with the box, so they hold it until it's impossible to hold and thus poop outside of it. It means there's possibly a medical and painful reason at work. Vet vet vet.
>> Anonymous
talk to your vet, a big change in behavior like that might be signs of something else
>> Talec !gKQv5IanZU
>>84285
I concur

It's also possible that the area their litterboxes is in is too busy for their liking. =o
>> Anonymous
More kitty pictures!
>> Anonymous
>>84219

Sorry, I wasn't clear. They have never pooped outside the box, only pissed. Liberally.

Both are female, too, by the way.

One box is upstairs tucked in a mostly unused bathroom while the other is in the similarly low-traffic basement.

Litter is special kitty brand from Wal-Mart, the clumping kind. It's what has always been used since long before any problems started.

Don't have any more pictures of the kitten right now, unfortunately, and my digicam is on loan. When I get it back you'll see more of her.
>> Anonymous
I think I know what's going on. If they are now reaching sexual maturity, they will start to pee to mark their territory (they are in competition with each other), as well as to attract males. You should ask this question at a larger animal forum, I suspect this problem is quite common.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
7 cats, one catpan. Cats would occasionally poop outside of the catpan, sometimes a few minuityes after it had been cleaned. As soon as the two little indians seen here (Spot on right and Little Missy on left, both now 7 months) were old enough to go outside, meaning the catdoor could be re-opened, we put the catpan outside the catdoor when the weather was good and gradually moved it to the porch. Can't remember the last time any of the 7 cats did something inside the house
>> Anonymous
Like others have said, you might want to try visiting a vet. Abnormal litterbox behavior is sometimes a sign of infection.
>> Anonymous
>>84025
i think youve got that wrong,dogs love aniseed.ive heard orange peel and orange scent cats dont like.
>> Anonymous
have they been fixed? also, how old are they?
>> Anonymous
>>84679

Assuming you're referring to 84353, they are fixed (8 weeks is old enough for spay/neuter)
>> Anonymous
My cat only used to do this when she had cystits. I had to feed her friskies special diet. Just pee...

If they are pooing, don't know what to tell you except hide when you squirt them, they will think the water comes out of the air when they are being bad, and won't associate it with you.