by Tay's Mommy
(California)

QUESTION:

I have a 14-15 year old cat. She is very house-trained and always knows when to use the kitty litter box. Today I woke up to find feces scattered around the room (including my bed). Why would my cat behave like this? Could it be behavioral or physical?


ANSWER:

I doubt that Tay's problem is just behavioral. Almost always, purely behavioral problems involve urinating outside the litter box, not defecating.

Even if it would turn out to be a behavioral problem, it is ALWAYS important to first rule out any possible medical causes when a cat urinates or defecates outside the box.

Tay is at the age when certain conditions are more likely to develop in a cat. These include kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Gastrointestinal problems can occur secondary to these diseases and cause a cat to stop using its litter box.

Also, cat illnesses without an underlying cause such as inflammatory bowel, constipation, urinary tract infections or inflammation and others can occur without an underlying cause and be the reason for not using the litter box.

Since your kitty has been so good about using the litter box until now and due to her age, she definitely needs to go to the veterinarian. She needs a complete physical and blood work. The conditions I mention can be treated, but if left untreated can be very dangerous.

If the vet determines that she has no medical concerns, I am sure he/she will discuss how to treat her behavioral problem with you. You can also write back and ask further about treating behavioral problems if you wish.

Again, medical conditions must always be ruled out before a cat is labeled as having a behavioral problem.

Thank you for writing and Best Wishes to you and to Tay!

Dr. Neely