[boomer74]

We have a four year old cat who never used to poop outside his box. About four months ago we got a dog. We have slowly introduced the two, so that they can be in the same room together. However, since we have gotten the dog the cat seems to poop outside his box once a day. It's always very near his litter box, but far enough away as to say "Here I am". We have taken him to the vet and were told that they will just eventually get along. We have tried everything... cleaning the box thoroughly... cleaning it every day... putting mats outside the box to make cleaning up easier... rubbing the cats nose in it... rubbing it on the cat... even putting it in his food bowl as a way to tell him NO!! We have at times put the dog and the cat together in the same room to "break" this nonsense, but nothing has worked. Does anyone have any ideas or other suggestions?

Any help would be appreciated!!

[rex123]

I know my cat and dog love each other, they get along great, we can even feed them together! And my cat doesn't even mind that he's a husky(many people believe huskies are dangerous around cats because of their high prey drive). I'm not sure if this behaviour is realated to the dog, the cat could be marking its territory. The only thing I could think to suggest is to try and move the litter box to another area, or to try a different type of litter. Sorry I'm not much help.

[simoneaugie]

Yes, try moving the litter box. The cat has to feel that he has his own "territory." The cat is not being bad just to annoy you. Something is bothering him.

[kraussnumber2]

Definitely make sure that the cat has a safe zone... an area where the dog can't get to him... Our cat hangs out on the back of the couch and on the computer desk cause the dog can't reach him there. I'm wondering how you keep them out of the same room... if you are locking the cat up and are in the room with the dog like the living room or something then the cat will definitely feel threatened... like you are choosing the dog over the cat. I would say just open all the doors and don't separate them at all. We did this a few months ago when we got our dog. Our cat hid for a couple days where the dog couldn't reach him and just watched and observered. Try this... keeping them separate might be alienating your cat and making him more upset. And make sure you give your cat extra attention... hold him more or longer then usual and give him treats to show him you still love him. Our dog and cat now love each other and play with each other all the time... they even cuddle and sleep together! Yours will get there too...