Cat stopped using litter tray - help!

[hanette]

I have 2 boys, 8 months old from same litter, they get on fine. I have always had one large covered litter tray and they have used it without problems til this week.

One is allowed out, one isn't as he kept going on the main road. Not sure if this is relevant.

It's the indoor cat that has stopped using the tray - I have been keeping it immaculately (change twice a day) but he's not been using it for almost a week. He goes into the flap on the tray, then comes out and poos just outside the litter tray

I've cleaned the area very thoroughly - and suggestions? Planning to buy a new litter tray tomorrow to see if having two works.

He doesn't seem I'll, looks happy etc

Help!

[thecatneuterer]

Use white vinegar to clean the area. Get another litter tray. Other than that I've no idea. Good luck!

[hanette]

I hadn't heard about the vinegar - just cleaned the area again with vinegar and nipped out and bought a new litter tray. He's had a wee in there so far...would you recommend putting it in a different place, or in the same place as the other one?

[thecatneuterer]

Well that's promising. I would put it, if possible, nearby but around a couple of feet away. If that's not possible then anything really but preferably not side by side.

[thecatneuterer]

I've just realised it's the pooing he's doing outside the tray, not the weeing? The vinegar is a urine thing really - still it can't hurt. And in that case the two trays can be quite close to each other - they often seem to like to have one for each.

[shaska]

See how two trays works. I was having a 'weeing on the bed' issue which I really didn't think was tray related. Added another tray, weeing stopped immediately unless she gets locked in the bedroom. which is where the tray is. go figure

Also - is it a covered/uncovered tray? Perhaps get whichever one you don't have as the second tray to see if it's something to do with that.

They're strange little buggers.

[hanette]

Yes it just seems to be a pooing issue - no puddles so far

I bought another covered tray - perhaps I'll take the top off the new one so they have a choice

Have also scrubbed the old one out with vinegar and boiling water. I'd been washing it already but thought it might help!

Am hoping for no nasty surprises in the morning!

Thanks for advice

[hanette]

Success! He used the new tray this morning - no accidents

They're funny little things for sure!

Thanks again

[pumpkinpie5]

Can I ask where the litter tray is? Is it in a quiet area? Away from food? In a corner so he feels secure when using it? Cats like to be able to react and face any potential interruption or danger coming at them. Sorry if I am stating the obvious! I agree with the two litter tray. We always recommend this.

Some cats also like to use one for weeing and one for the poo.

Good luck!

[shaska]

Glad to hear of improvements and fingers crossed he keeps it up!

[NorbertDentressangle]

Was he pooing literally just outside the flap of the litter tray?

Our old cat used to do that - she would do that thing cats do, where they dig a bit, turn around and find a comfortable spot... only her bum would be hanging over the edge of the litter tray (although she was in the tray) - so it wasn't intentional to poo outside the tray, just bad positioning IYSWIM.

Hope the success continues.

[hanette]

It's in a quiet place facing out of a corner (accident rather than by design)

The other one is unused - he was pooping about a foot from the flap so it appears deliberate

Am just so pleased he is using the new one. Bit annoying as the one he rejected is a posh one I had imported - the new one is a basic £15 pets at home one. There's no accounting for taste!

[NorbertDentressangle]

That's cats for you. Fickle.