cat keeps crapping under the stairs = any advice?

[TheArmadillo]

My (getting on a bit) incredibly neurotic cat started crapping under the stairs a couple of months ago. Nothing seems to deter her and we are not sure why she is doing it. It started when it was raining and she didn't want to go outside.

WE have tried putting different stuff down like disinfectant, lemon juice, tea tree oil etc but nothing has helped.

She's always been odd but she seems to be less panicy, neurotic than she has been in the past. So I don't think anything has particularly upset her.

Any more ideas on how to stop it?

If you can catch her doing it, spray her with a water bottle. This should work.

buy her an outdoors kennel and chuck her outside for a week or so til she forgets all about it

Sorry, but the last 2 suggestions are a really quite cruel. If she is an old and neurotic cat, there could be several reasons why she's doing it. Old cats sometimes just can't be bothered going out especially when it's raining - would you consider getting a litter tray and keeping it in the spot she keeps doing it in? You can get covered litter trays. Although you say you don't think anything has upset her, it's one of the main causes of cats starting to pee & crap in the house when they haven't before. Are there any new cats around the neighbourhood, or any big changes in your house recently?
Also, there might be a physical reason for her doing it, especially if she's getting on, so maybe a check up at the vets? HTH

outdoor kennel and water pistol too harsh I think - she would probably have a heart attack (gets very nervous).

I'm not sure if there are any new cats in the neighbourhood - doubt if she'd notice tbh. If she does go outside its no further than our backyard. And they don't come in there (our other cat is bigger).

I think it might be time to get a litter tray (I hate them). And a check up at the vets sounds like a good idea - she has aged a lot recently.

Thanks.

Put some little bowls of dried food where she craps. They don't normally like to crap where they eat. I did it with my cat a few years ago and it seemed to work.

ooh that sounds good. Think I'll try that tonight.

eggshells on the carpet worked a treat when my old cat started doing this. crushed ones I mean so they don't like pawing the area.

or put newspaper down. its a smell + texture thing apparently so if you change both it might work.

I'd be interested to hear how you get on

had friends over last night - will try tonight.

Thanks for advice.