What would cause pets to forget bathroom training?

DEAR JOAN >> We adopted a kitten from a shelter in late June. With patience and time, we have managed to make sure he uses his litter box and does not leave “presents” in the living room, but recently for some reason, he decided to poop in the living room. I have no idea why.

His litter box was clean, no changes to his diet or anything else. Any ideas?

We also have been pet sitting our nephew's pit bull on and off for several months now. The longest stretch was from October through early January. He is a wonderful dog, 2½ years old and we have had no issues with him, but on Jan. 1, we woke up to find that he had pooped and peed in the kitchen.

No idea why since he had not had an accident before.

He sleeps in the family room in his bed at night, so we were really shocked to see this. We cleaned it up and then he did it again the next morning. Again, no changes had occurred in his routine. We take him out at about

7 a.m., and he goes in the backyard before bed every night.

Starting the next night, we put him in our small laundry room with a night light and his bed. The room is just small enough for him to sleep comfortably in his bed and have his water bowl nearby. No accidents in the laundry room.

Why is he pooping in the house all of a sudden? He never had any accidents, even when he visited for the first time almost a year ago.

By the way, I also have a senior golden retriever who has been with us for more than 12 years now, and the cat, Wasabi, and both dogs get along with each other extremely well.

— K.T.,

San Jose

DEAR K.T. >> Both pets should be seen by a vet to rule out any physical issues and illnesses. Chances are they are both fine, especially if the behavior hasn't been repeated.

In the case of the cat, he might have had an upset stomach. The most common reason for a cat not using the litter box is a problem with their stomach or bladder. If they had a painful experience the last time they used the litter box, they tend to blame the box and go somewhere else the next time nature calls.

Housebroken dogs can sometimes forget their training if they're having health issues, suffering from anxiety or feeling the need to mark their territory. The date of the mishap — Jan. 1 — provides a clue.

If your neighborhood greeted the new year with a barrage of explosions, the dog might have been stressed out or frightened enough that he went to the bathroom in your kitchen. If the explosions continued that night, they might have prompted a repeat experience, or he might have been suffering from the aftereffects.

DEAR JOAN >> When I walk over to feed my goldfish, Moe, won at our church carnival in May, he/ she gets so excited and practically jumps out of the bowl. My son says that Moe needs a friend or some toys. I've seen a goldfish playing basketball on Youtube. What do you say?

— Elaine,

San Jose

DEAR ELAINE >> Goldfish are social animals, so yes, Moe needs a Larry or Curly to make its life complete.