[MustMoveAgain]

I have a three y.o. male cat that up until about six weeks ago used the litter box routinely for his needs. Now he still uses his box but is also pooping in various other spots around the house. My family hasn't changed any way; no new babies of our own (more on that in a second), no change in food, we are not doing anything to abuse or neglect, etc. He has a very stable environment. Now as for the babies my wife started doing home daycare in early September. Also some additional info is the male cat lives with a female cat. They still get along and fortunately so far she has not followed him with messing outside of the litter box. Both great cats, love'em to death. But if the one doesn't change his behavior then we need to isolate where he will be during most of the day to keep the messes to a tolerable area of the house. Anything would be helpful. Thanks.

[bushg]

Is he eating the same brand of cat food and the stools that he is leaving outside the box are they firm but not to dry and hard. If he had problems with his stool he may have went outside the box thinking that it was the box that caused his bm's to hurt. If that isn't the case I have no clue as to what could be wrong. 1st I would check his stools and I would also provide an additional box... he may deveoped an aversion to pooing in the same box as the female. I think I would leave him in 1 room with the new box for at least 24 hours or until he did both pee and poo in the new box. I would also try to keep the boxes as clean as possible.
Make sure the little kids are not bothering him... he could resent them being there and if they are giving him unwanted attention that could even be worse for him. Good Luck.

[MustMoveAgain]

First off, thanks so much for the quick response and perspectives.

[QUOTE=bushg]Is he eating the same brand of cat food (yes, no change).

... and the stools that he is leaving outside the box are they firm but not too dry and hard (do they make cat stool softener? I've heard him grunting but didn't think too much of it).

If he had problems with his stool he may have went outside the box thinking that it was the box that caused his bm's to hurt. (good call)

I would also provide an additional box (good call, we'll try that)

I think I would leave him in 1 room with the new box for at least 24 hours or until he did both pee and poo in the new box. (we'll try, just thought of that this morning)

I would also try to keep the boxes as clean as possible (could do better; we don't let it get too bad though).

Make sure the little kids are not bothering him (not an issue; kids/pets have to be separated during business hours)

Thanks again. Will update with changes/results by end of month.

[bushg]

Grunting to me is a sure sign of some type of a problem. If he eats only dry food, wet/canned food may help his stools become softer. I would, maybe try a tablespoon at a time mixed in with dry. I have never looked for or needed a softner for my cats but I am sure they make one. If that doesn't help or you hear him grunting a lot you probably need to visit a vet. I would not let this go on for too long. If you have noticed he is not eating or drinking or is becoming inactive I would surely get him in for a visit.