she's started pooing on our lawn

[ruggedhitchhiker]

Our little cat normally buries her poo very effectively.

We've just moved into a new house. At first she was disgusted by the whole idea, but she's starting to settle down, find her own special places.

However, she's also started pooing in the centre of our lawn!

Better than doing it in the neighbours - but a bit alarming.

Is this normal for cats?

As it's a new house, have you dug over the earth beds yet? They might be hard and compacted - and quite difficult to dig and bury in.

PS - and are you sure it's her?

Thanks Cozie. Good ideas, but yes, we have dug them over - and we know it's her - she's done it in front of us :-(

Mine does that when he deems the borders too wet to dig in. Brazenly in front of us, too!

I'm just wondering now whether it could be a protest poo. Have you thought of keeping a tray inside the house for a few weeks until she adjusts to the new place?

I've just moved home and my cat had started doing this too! I just presumed it might be because he doesn't feel safe outside the confines of the garden yet?

I get the impression that pooing is one of their 'sensitive' occupations and that they like to luxuriate over it and take their time in a place where they feel secure. Otherwise, it's the equivalent of a 'splash and dash' with one eye over their shoulder.

I know that when The Lodger stays here, he uses an indoor tray despite being an ex-street cat. (And then goes outside to get the craic.) He started doing this all by himself because we had put an indoor tray downstairs for emergencies - and now has a routine when he's here.

I'd put a tray out for use just in case - it might help.