Cat is pooping on the bed in the guest room

[candothis247]

Hi there

Thank you in advance for reading my post.

This is my 1st post here. I was catless until about 3 years ago. I love my cats.  I have a situation on my hands w/my cat that i dont understand.

I have 2 boy cats, both about 3 years old, cat # 1 was at my house 1 year before cat #2 arrived on the scene. It took at least 9 months to adjust for both cats and now they are pals.

During the adjustment period cat # 2, pooped on the bed about 3 or 4 times, in the guest room where the litter box is. I paid attention to the pattern and found out cat # 2 is a very clean cat, so exactly every two weeks I wash (hot soapy water) and change the litter box. Daily I scoop and toss. And I keep it nice for them.

Cat # 2 stopped popping on the bed after that, 9 months ago.

Recently, this month Cat #1 decides he is going to poop on the guest bed now.  Cat #1 is a big fat cat and Cat #2 is smaller, so I do know whose poop is whose. I guess one of those things only a mother would know.

I'm wondering why  Cat #1 who has always been the “good” cat would suddenly start pooping on the guest bed? he has done it 3 times now.  do you think he is a copy cat? or a territorial type thing?

oh P.S.

I have 2 litter boxes for 2 cats, a smaller box and a bigger box with a cover on it. I use fresh step and scoop the poop daily, I noticed today the fat cat pooped in the smaller litter box, but missed totally, so he pooped behind the litterbox. In this situation, i think i should get a bigger box. what do you think,

Thank you very much.

[candothis247]

Thank you so much, I think a new large size litter box would be good for big kitty, and to sanitize the bed cover, great idea, then like you said if it happens again, take him to the vet. I appreciate your feedback.  i tried to post this on ask a vet, but it didnt work... next time. thanks again.  penny

[Thomas Dock, CVJ, Vet. Technician]

Hi...it sure is frustrating when our cats decide that they prefer our sleeping area for a toilet!

The first thing I am going to recommend is that you post this question in the new Ask A Vet Behavior forum.   We have a pet behaviorist and 2 veterinary behaviorists that are helping us answer these tough questions.

Next, ANYTIME there is inappropriate elimination, it is always best to get a good physical examination done by your veterinarian.   With this case, the odds are that it is a behaviorial issue, but its always better to be safe than sorry.

I would add another litter box (general rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one) and definitely go with the larger size.   Your bigger kitty may "think" he is in the litterbox when his front feet are in it, but obviously, he may still hang over and miss the box.

Is the covering on the bed new or is it the same one that Cat #2 used originally?   It may simply be that you need to have it cleaned enzymatically to remove all trace odors.  Any changes in the litter type?

I hope this helps a little bit...please keep us posted.

[opus88]

hi I sympathize with you, I also have 2 males and one has an issue with peeing in inappropriate spots, I too have tried everything to change his 'occasional' habit..
One suggesstion when something happens out of the ordinary is to first check to see if there is a pain problem.....some times when they do something that is totally out of character it could be because they are trying to tell you something like 'mommy it hurts'...just a suggestion, hope you will get more to help you resolve this. good luck.