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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Can't cope with cat any more - what can we do?

131 replies

nostaples · 28/12/2017 20:49

Hi, we adopted a cat a few years ago. She was a stray kitten and we took her on after nobody claimed her following posters etc. She wasn't chipped. We've had her neutered. All well and then a couple of years ago she stopped toileting outside so we have a litter tray. Not great but could put up with that. Now she has stopped using her litter tray and craps all over the bathroom floor. Have tried everything - changing tray more regularly etc but there is a limit as we both work full time long hours. If we give her up what can we do? Do we have to have her put down or will an animal shelter take her on? Thanks in advance.

OP posts:

Insertawittynamehere · 28/12/2017 21:45

You're not answering the question - what did the vet say?

People are getting cross with you because your first post said "my cat poos everywhere. I want to get rid". Whether you meant it that way or not, that is what you said so of course people will be upset.

Bitlost · 28/12/2017 21:46

What others say about taking her to the vet, closing the bathroom door and having two trays. Also, where's your litter tray? Is it close to a source of noise (washing machine or whatever) or somewhere where people walk by? If so, move it to the quietest place you can think of. Good luck. Don't give up.

mrsrhodgilbert · 28/12/2017 21:46

Sorry you're having a hard time here op. It's a very distressing thing to tackle, for you and the cat. Our 13 year old started pooing in the house, very loose and smelly about 4 months ago. Lots of vet visits and tests eventually indicated a problem with the food she had eaten for years. She now has hypoallergenic food and all is well again but it took a good couple of months for her tummy to settle. You might need a specialist food.

Checklist · 28/12/2017 21:46

5 x in one day? My two do one per day max (BrotherCat goes outside and may use the garden, while the SisterCat doesn't go out for days by choice).

My last cat started with diarrhoea and vomiting - turned out to be aggressive lymphoma! Terminal in a 16 year old per the vet.

Anyway, when SisterCat is disturbed like when DD2 goes back to uni, she does not use the litter tray for several days and instead uses the carpet!

I've lived with cats all my life and ime they are fastidious animals - the only times they don't use a litter tray is when they are ill or stressed!

Goodgirl7 · 28/12/2017 21:46

Ok, I apologise for my harshness, but I was annoyed that you seem to think it’s an option to give the poor cat up because she has a problem. I know of another cat who did the same thing and it was when it was protesting that the owners were away from home too long in the day. Does it happen on weekends when you’re around more?

Greenshoots1 · 28/12/2017 21:46

try feliway?

Original poster

nostaples · 28/12/2017 21:46

Just one cat. Using bleach on the floor to try and get rid of the smell. We dread coming home. It's hard to lock her out though in this weather. She sits on the window ledge outside and cries to be let in.

OP posts:

Bluelonerose · 28/12/2017 21:47

Not sure if it will work but one of my cats decided by the back door was her new toilet.

I wiped the floor with vinegar and it stopped her and she started using her litter tray. Not sure weather this would help or weather it would just move your problem to another room.

BluebellTheDonkey · 28/12/2017 21:47

Oh, I read that bleach encourages them to keep going in the same place! You need a proper enzyme spray to eliminate any lingering smells.

monkeywithacowface · 28/12/2017 21:48

My older cat has just started doing this so you do have my sympathy it is very unpleasant to deal with and we now need to replace our carpet. I'm taking mine to the vet on Monday to rule out any health issues (she's nearly 15 years old) but I strongly suspect it is a dirty protest due to the arrival of the new dog. They have been kept separated and cat has her own safe spaces that the dog is't allowed anywhere near but obviously she is aware he's here and he takes really large craps in the garden so she probably doesn't want to do hers there anymore (It's a bloody myth that cats don't shit in their own back yard!)

Original poster

nostaples · 28/12/2017 21:48

Thanks Goodgirl. Honestly, if you knew the lengths we have gone to for this cat over the years! The children would be distraught but we really can't carry on like this.

OP posts:

Super123 · 28/12/2017 21:49

Maybe ring the RSPCA helpline. They may be able to give different advice.

You're being given a really hard time on here when you've asked for advice.

I don't understand Mumsnet sometimes.

Greenshoots1 · 28/12/2017 21:49

bleach is not good! Bleach makes a horrible smell for a cat, who's response it to try and improve the smell for you with some good wholesome cat smells!

There are other products you can get from pet shops which neutralise the smell and discourage soiling again.

MikeUniformMike · 28/12/2017 21:49

www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2174&aid=158

ocelot41 · 28/12/2017 21:50

Oh dear nostaples. I was hoping the vet might have been able to pinpoint a physical cause. I would be at my wit's end by now too. 5 poos all over the floor does not sound normal at all. If your vet is no more use on a return visit, maybe a cat behaviourist would be able to help? Have you tried messaging thecatneuterer? She may know one perhaps ?

RavenLG · 28/12/2017 21:50

You say you’re out for long periods of time. Perhaps the litter boxes are not clean enough? Cats are quite particular animals. Change type of litter, make sure there are multiple in the house, look at litter. Return to vet and explain that all advise hasn’t worked. Google can also be helpful

drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/what-to-do-when-your-cat-poops-outside-the-box/

IntoTheFloodAgain · 28/12/2017 21:50

How often have you changed her diet? Doing so abruptly can cause issues for cats.
I’m suprised the vet hasn’t confirmed any health issues as 5 poos in a day is a lot for a ‘normal’ cat. One of mine went that much when she had diarrhoea, does yours have it?

DeloresJaneUmbridge · 28/12/2017 21:52

Difficult issue OP and I get you. I lost a much loved and adored cat last year...a sudden death. I miss him massively but not the peeing everywhere. It is possible to love an animal but struggle with certain behavioural aspects.

OP I would advise seeing a vet nurse who is experienced in behavioural issues. I find they are more useful than vets once the obvious issues have been ruled out.

Yes to looking at different litters. Is your bathroom floor a hard surface (which is easier to clean)? Am assuming the litter tray is in there....if not pop it I. And see if your cat will use it in that room. Cats are funny creatures sometimes...my very clean current cat who is also a rescue peed all over the rig this evening....but only came back from the cattery this morning (we were away over Xmas). She's more settled now but hoping we don't get this again.

Regularsizedrudy · 28/12/2017 21:52

Hi op. Bleach is toxic to cats even just the residue so you need to find a non toxic floor cleaner. It also confuses cats as it smells like cat wee (to them) so they start going to the toilet everywhere they can smell it. You need to give the cat loads more toilet options. I would get 5 littler trays with different types of litter (to see what they like best) and leave them in the places the cat usually poops on the floor. As they get used to using the tray and pick a favourite you can remove them. But you should always have at least 2.

Original poster

nostaples · 28/12/2017 21:52

You perhaps missed the bit where I said we've tried everything then Insert which was also in the OP. Or perhaps you could have asked before rushing to judge. We have had this cat for years and have gone through all sorts of difficulties with her. The question is genuine also as we really, really don't want to have the cat put down.

OP posts:

RavenLG · 28/12/2017 21:53

IIRC bleach can also trigger a catnip like response to cats as in they enjoy the scent. Perhaps it’s a vicious circle. Cat poops, you bleach, cat gets to smell bleach is happy and knows if it poops again the bleach smell will come back? Look for animal friendly scent deodorisers online. Perhaps those chemical things you plug in to chill cats out too (forgotten name of them)

Original poster

nostaples · 28/12/2017 21:54

Yes, litter tray is on bathroom floor on ground floor. Not near any thing noisy. yes, hard wood floor thank goodness. Door always wide open.

OP posts:

Regularsizedrudy · 28/12/2017 21:54

Also do not change the trays to frequently at first! They need to smell of poo and pee so the cat recognised them as toilets!

HardAsSnails · 28/12/2017 21:54

You need to use an enzyme cleaner (eg bio washing powder) not bleach!

Again, what food are you feeding?

QuitMoaning · 28/12/2017 21:55

My mother has this issue as well (with a cat, my mother is fully housetrained). The cat (which is also a rescue but from 8 years ago) is very elderly and now refuses to go in the litter tray, she goes next to it... the cat has been fully checked by the vet who says she is healthy and all blood tests have come back fine. She doesn’t seem to be in pain and eats normally (soft food as she has few teeth left)and still loves a cuddle with my mother.
My mother is retired so cat is not left for long periods and has as much access to outside as she wants, which isn’t much at all really. It is demoralising as you are on constant look out for its business and the house stinks.
So, all those of you with advice, what should my mother do?

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