Using my bed as litter box!

[dancinh]

I have an 8 year old cat and a 2 1/2 year old cat. I've had both since they were little kittens and when I got the younger one, my older cat surprisingly took her in and now the two of them get along great. The 8 year old is a male who thinks he's the younger female's mother. Anyway....lately he has been using my bed, both urinating on it and pooping on it. A couple days ago I was standing right there in front of him and he pooped on my bed with me watching! I've never had this happen before. I heard that when they do it right in front of you, then there is something wrong...like he is upset about something. The cats have an automatic litter box that I check daily and is always kept clean. He has not had any change of environment. I did start putting Linatone in his food to control his shedding and really bad dandruff problem but when I realized he was hating it and trying to eat my other cats food I stopped it, assuming maybe that could be contributing to the problem. Other then that there have been no changes for him. Also, I use Feliway Comfort Zone spray on the bed and other areas he sleeps. Does anyone have any idea why he is doing this?

[Savas]

Well, it's a hunch, and I'd only worry if it happens again, but some animals don't always react to these products the way they're planned to.

I'm not saying that this is absolutely the problem, but when a new problem arises, it's best to backtrack and try removing any changes you recently made. I got the impression from your post that the feliway is a new addition to the household.

[dancinh]

Do you mind if I ask why to stop using the feliway? Please explain.

No, he does not strain when he goes and yes, the feces is normal.

[Savas]

Stop using the feliway comfort spray if it recurrs. It could be the problem.

Otherwise, be sure to clean the bedding with an enzymatic cleaner like "Nature's Miracle". Normal human cleaners don't remove the smell entirely (to a cat's nose) - and cat's recognize their bathroom spots by the odor of previous usage.

If you're vet has checked out your cat and found him healthy, then it's either environmental or behavioral. I have a faq in the health pages on this issue. Give it a read through and see if it helps.

Otherwise... start by stopping the feliway.

Also; is your cat straining when he defecates and urinates? Is the feces normal in color/ texture?

If it doesn't happen again than Prettykitty hit the nail on the head; be sure to bribe your cat with many treats and appease with long petting sessions to keep recurrances from happening. :-)

[PrettyKitty1]

Hopefully! Keep your fingers crossed that it was just a one time event. Yes, when they get upset, they can also potty outside. It's a way for them to let you know they mean business when they're angry, stressed or ill. Let me know in a couple days, how he is behaving...k?

Good Luck!

[dancinh]

He urinated in the bed one time and pooped twice. It hasn't happened since. It's been a couple days since he pooped in front of me on it. Is it possible he was just mad at me for something or stressed and now he's over it?

[PrettyKitty1]

Thanks for clarifying.

In that case I would take kitty to the vet's. Is he also urinating in the bed?

[dancinh]

I've had that litter box about a year now. They don't mind it as long as it's clean. Sorry if I wasn't clear, but only the one cat (the 8 year old) is the one doing this. The younger one is not.

[PrettyKitty1]

Ack.....how long have you been using that litter box? Some cats hate those litter boxes with all their hearts and souls.
If you figure out that the box isn't the issue here, it may be ONE of them has an issue and the other one is just playing the 'monkey see monkey do' game. My cats copy/imitate each other's behavior. I would consider a trip to the vet to make sure there are no health problems contributing to this behavior. Also, the vet can help you figure out how to put an end to this.
In the meantime, don't let them go in your room!