Cat suddenly shitting in the lounge

[Savagebeauty]

Cat is 14 . She has a cat flap to go out and has always gone outside. We've never had a litter tray for her .
In winter she has sporadically peed on the bathroom mat....we always keep the door shut now and she doesn't pee any where else.
Woke up this morning to find she has shit in my lovely rug. To make matters worse it was dark and I trod in it

Is she just getting lazy? I can't put up with this on a regular basis.

I'd put a tray (or two) in directly. She's an older girl and may not feel up to going outside any more - for a variety of reasons - but can't hold it in.

PS. I feel for you treading in it though. Done it myself - and the odd pair of espadrilles (I use them as slippers) has gone to the bin.

Did you manage to clean up?

Mine did this once, in the lounge too when she normally goes outside. I think it was because it was pouring with rain and she thought 'sod that!'.

We have to let them off occasionally.....

I've always had a tray or two around, even for the cats that went outside. You never know when they're going to caught short. (And the fact that in recent years my boys have all used trays makes life a lot easier for urine collection, poo in the rosebeds, watching their health and nasty weather.)

All for an easy life, me.

Well every door will be shut tonight.

Did you get her a tray?

No.
She can access the catflap. At least there's no new deep pile rug in the utility room

She's an older girl who may be becoming nervous about going outside, may have arthritis/be sore for some reason and may not be so good with the nighttime weather. I think a tray or two should be on your shopping list for tomorrow.

You've really got to meet her half way on this.

If it becomes a regular thing may mean she's unwell? My cat suddenly started urinating inside when he had a urinary tract infection. We didn't realise why he was doing it at first - it was only when he did a wee on dh's lap that we thought, something is wrong here, better take him to the vet!

It's certainly a possibility.

Man, would you give your elderly infirm relative a commode when they can't make it or tell them the toilet is that way?

Put a tray down and take your animal to the vet.