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The litter tray

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My girl has started making messes since Ddog died

4 replies

Templeofthedog · 17/04/2026 14:02

Lost our Ddog in January, he was 13 and we'd had him since a pup, only other pet is Dcat who is 10yo, has been with us since 6 months old and is an indoor cat. They didn't have much to do with each other but were companionable enough, no issues but wouldn't have said they were close.

Since then though Dcat has started pooing in the hall, right by the front door. At first I wondered if another cat had peed near the door outside and it was a scenting thing but she only seems to be doing it while I'm getting ready for work in a morning and I'm starting to wonder if it's basically a protest because I'm going out and leaving her alone. She has become exceptionally needy recently, spends far more time with us than she used to and seems to constantly want attention/fuss which is new since Ddog died.

It's increasing in frequency and this morning she peed instead of pooing which is much more problematic in terms of cleaning/residual smell, I'm not sure what to do now. She's been seen by the vet, no issues except she's a bit overweight (too many Dreamies, already cut right back) and she's toileting normally in the litter tray the rest of the time. I'm thinking of leaving an extra litter tray in the spot she's using overnight but it will have to be moved when I go out in the morning as it will obstruct the front door and I'm not sure that's the right thing to do anyway.

I've also wondered if she needs a friend for company but am aware that could just as easily cause more problems rather than solving this one and I don't feel particularly equipped (financially or otherwise) for an additional cat if I'm honest, I have a lot on my plate atm as it is. Any thoughts or ideas are welcome, we all adore her and I'm really worried she's lonely or unhappy.

OP posts:
PrizedPickledPopcorn · 17/04/2026 14:24

Ah, what a worry. It’s not something I have experience of but random suggestions…
Can you restrict her, so she can’t get to those areas?
Have you tried feliway and leaving the radio on?
Could someone visit her at lunchtime for a while?

Templeofthedog · 17/04/2026 14:52

All suggestions welcome, random as you like! Will think about restricting her, not the easiest with our layout but might be possible. No, haven't tried Feliway or radio, good ideas. I only work part time, am out at 6am and back around 12.30pm and most days DD is around for part of the morning while she's getting ready for college so Dcat really isn't on her own for long at all. I was at home pretty much all the time until about 18 months ago though so she has had a lot of changes to deal with, maybe losing Ddog was just one change too many for her Sad

OP posts:
PrizedPickledPopcorn · 17/04/2026 16:15

I think I’d put a litter tray near where she’s going but out of the way of the door, in the hope she moves to that spot. Assuming she uses it, I’d give it some time and then move it gradually back towards her usual tray. She may settle and stop using it on her own.
I’m sorry about losing your dog pal. She may be picking up on your feelings, too.

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 17/04/2026 17:31

No suggestions but just to echo pp, we always have the radio on for “company” for our cat. I tend to switch it on (it’s in the kitchen) when I make breakfast, and it’s on through until bedtime - it actually serves as his audio cue that it’s time for bed when it’s switched off. We’re a BBC6 Music house, he’s an indie kit.

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