Can I Presume She's Pooing Outside?

[RoastChickenDinner]

PreciousPussGirl has not done a poo in her tray for a few days, I can think exactly when the last time was, but I think it might have been Tuesday or Wednesday.

Previously she would go out for short periods of time (we've only had her since November, so only be going out since December), but preferred to use her tray still.

This week she has been going out a lot more and for longer, and I have seen her doing a wee in the garden (despite the snow!).

She seems fine, and has been eating fine (although hasn't eaten any of the food I put out for her last thing last night, but has just eaten some dreamies with gusto), so do you think I am OK to presume she is pooing outside?

Probably. Have you upended her to see what sort of state her backside is in? How old is she by the way?

Don't take the tray away though.

Erm, no I haven't inspected her bottom - what would I be looking for?

She's 7.

Can't take the tray away anyway as she is inside if we are out, and we don't have a cat flap.

I feel a TMI moment coming on!

An upend might show you if she's got a bit of constipation (not such a 'neat' bum hole) or - especially if she's long haired - might even show some traces of a recent pooing event.

(I'm assuming here that you haven't felt any blockages or heaviness in her gut that might indicate some retention.)

I'd be inclined to go with her general look and eating habits though - we tend to operate here on the principle that appetite is influenced by how much room your system has (all other things being equal) and it's worked well so far. Her peeing outside is also a big indicator for me - she may have decided generally that outside is where she does her duty if she can.

If she was constipated and not using outside, you'd likely see some scrabble marks in her tray even though there was no end result. Any signs of those?

Always a good idea to check behind the sofa though when they change pattern like this.

Yes, in some poor sod's garden.

Tell me about it. I had to remove two poos yesterday from the front garden. (New cat on the block I guess.) All my recent cats have preferred to use inside for their business which I actually prefer.)