Cat has started pooing indoors

[FizzyBoobly]

Our cat who is 6 or 7ish (she adopted us!) has done her business indoors for the last 3 days. As far as we can tell she's in good health and is her usual self. The poo is being done in the same part of the house each time (wooden floors thankfully!). Cat flap is open 24/7. My only thought is that she could be feeling threatened by one of the neighbours cats. Anyone have any ideas why she might be doing this and how to stop it? Thanks in advance for any suggestions

You're probably right, she may feel threatened by neighbour cat, cats feel very vulnerable when doing their business. The other thing might be because it's getting cold and the soil is starting to get harder, she might not be able to dig! I know ours all tend to use the litter tray more in the winter. Maybe pop a small litter tray where she's been pooping? She may stop once she starts to feel a little more confident with neighbour cat.

Yes, it sounds as if she could be feeling threatened by neighbourhood cats or possibly foxes. They are pretty vulnerable when they are actually doing their stuff so I'd second the idea of a litter tray indoors.

Thanks for the advice, will get a litter tray and hope whoever's bullying her backs off soon

Is it a microchip flap that you have? If not, you might want to consider one so that she can feel super safe against intruders.

Do you mean the ones where they have to wear a special collar? It's just an ordinary cat flap, we didn't even consider a microchip one as she is like Houdini - has slipped out of and lost every single collar we've tried!

No, not the collar one, you can get microchip cat flaps that scan their microchips, so no collar needed. The sure flap is the best one! We have one for our three and it works a treat!

Our cat has had to have a litter box brought back into use. After not using one since a kitten, he's now an old man who is a bit intimidated by the younger, bigger cats. He's also got a bit of arthritis so going outside in the cold doesn't appeal either.

If the door's left open, he'll venture out, otherwise he'll go inside - anywhere to start with! Including under the Christmas tree. It's taken a while, but he's back to using the litter tray mostly now. Thank goodness.

\link{http://www.sureflap.co.uk/\Here's} a link, Fizzy. They're just under £70 online so not cheap - but worth it for the extra security. Many posters have them.

PS - the price I mentioned is on Amazon. (£69 with free delivery.)

Thanks Cozie I'll take a look. 2kids, I hope it's not his 'presents' you find under the tree on Xmas morning

2kids

Have you spoken to the vet about him? Pooing can become quite difficult with arthritis - even with a tray - and if you haven't, the vet may be able to assist with meds that would ease him a lot and mean that he could use his tray more effectively.

(Sorry for the hijack Fizzy.)

Thanks for the tip, cozie.

Happily, he doesn't seem in discomfort when actually doing-the-deed. But he avoids going out in the cold as much as possible and seems to avoid going in and out of the catflap too. And he's been to the vets plenty as he also has an overactive thyroid expensive cat .

I've sprayed cat repellant on the base of the tree, then piled ALL the gifts that will fit in the space there, so there's no room for him to get under there now. :) :)

Maybe have a word with the vet when you're next there? (Sounds as if that won't be too long away.) Cats cover up discomfort amazingly well and often changes to their behaviour are the main clue that they're not comfortable when doing something. Seniorboy looked and seemed quite normal but, prior to his meds, he just stopped jumping so much and started having accidents with his poos which were both a clue.