Fat cat’s distressing behavior extends to litter box
We have a 7-year-old cat who is morbidly obese. She has been an overeater all her life. If we try to restrict her food intake, she starts eating other things, like grocery bags. The doctor has told us there is nothing we can do for her at this point and we must accept that she will have a shorter life span because of her weight.
Our problem is that she recently started pooping outside the litter box. We have tried a front-entry litter box, but she steps halfway in and still poops outside the box. We now have a top-entry box, which she will pee in but won’t poop in. She poops a few inches from the box. Do you have any suggestions on how to get her to use the litter box?
Dear Emma,
Cats can be very particular about their litter boxes, so it can be challenging to figure out the problem. But there are many things you can try.
What you describe at the beginning of your letter is called “pica,” which is when an animal eats nonfood objects. This is often associated with anxiety, stress, boredom or health problems.
Encourage more exercise and playtime, and put a feline pheromone collar on her to reduce her anxiety, which may control some of her strange eating habits
and overeating in general. (Pheromones may also positively impact her litter box habits, but it can take several weeks before you might see that kind of change.)
Next, add a litter box attractant (available at pet stores or online) to lure her back to the box. Sift the litter box three to four times daily. Make sure the litter box is in a quiet location
where she won’t be startled while using it. It’s one of the top reasons cats stop using the litter box.
Many cats like to stand on the outside edge of an open litter box to poop. So take the lid off the litter box for a few days to see if that helps. You can also pick up her poop and mix it into the litter to remind her of where she needs to go.
I also suggest taking her to the vet and asking them to check for health problems, which may involve blood work. When a cat’s stool changes in size or texture, it can be a sign of dehydration or a developing health problem. Rule out the health problem first. If you don’t think she drinks enough, get a small cat water fountain to encourage her to drink more.
The fact that she poops right next to the box is encouraging and means she knows she is supposed to go there. Keep trying different things until you find the right combination that gets her using the litter box again.