[HarryP]

Our 8 year old cat always uninates in the litter box and generally poops in there too. However, lately he is pooping in our bathtub. Any suggestions?
HarryP

[simoneaugie]

Has he had a vet visit lately. The tub is generally a cool surface. He may have a condition that causes him to feel too warm.

If it was my cat, I'd put a litter box in the tub and see if he uses it. Leave the original box as is. He may be feeling threatened by something in his environment and is using the tub to communicate with you. Have you changed his food?

[HarryP]

We haven't changed anything. Prior to receiving your response, here is what I have done:

1. I purchased another litter box with a cover for privacy,and placed it next to his old one.

2. I filled the new one with a different brand of litter.

I will try to put one in the bath tub if this doesn't work, however, he is pooping a different places in the house, so I don't know what to do about that. Any suggestions??
Thanks,
HarryP

[FlyYakker]

Mayhap it is feeling bad? Does the poop look "different" indicating an intestinal problem, say. As my old guy has gotten older and tends toward constipation he tends to search out new territory more.

It's a tough one. I sympathise.

[beebeecee]

My thoughts are first he needs a vet check, perhaps he has worms, or perhaps the food company changed its forumla without notice and it's upsetting his stomach. Those are things to talk to your vet about.

If not, then I would recommend switching back to the litter and litterbox you were using before, and then instead of just dumping new litter in the box if you want to switch mix a little in with the old litter each time you change the box and gradually put more of the new litter and less of the old. When you do this, take the cat gently and put him in the litterbox to show him, similar to a puppy especially right after he eats and when he normally 'goes' just put him in the litterbox and show him it's there. If that works I would still take the cat to the vet because maybe the cat is in some pain and it hurts to move so he's not able or willing to travel all the way to the litterbox when he has to go.

Also, and I don't mean to offend - how often do you clean the litterbox? Try upping it to twice a day or more, cats are very clean creatures and want to stay clean so he may not want to use the litterbox for that reason.

[HarryP]

I clean it within 15 minutes after he goes. I will try your suggestions, and I really appreciate your help.
HarryP