My family cat (female 10 years old) stopped using the litter box a year ago when her brother started dying of kidney failure and has continued this behavior ever since. She has always been abnormally anxious. Every little thing freaks her out even us walking around too close to her. We’re at the point where we’re considering giving her to a shelter because we can’t deal with her constantly defecating on the carpet. We’ve tried tons of different litters, new boxes, showing her where the boxes are, putting her poop in the box. We’re at a loss for what to do. Is there any way we can retrain her. I would hate to have to give her up.
Hi Katherine
I'm sorry to hear about your senior female cat's defecation outside the litter box and her brother's kidney failure.
Defecation outside the box is usually caused by pain or other physical conditions, but it can also be triggered by fear or stress. It's essential to schedule a vet check-up to rule out any health issues.
Once medical conditions have been ruled out, try to identify the reason for her stress. If the defecation is related to anxiety, consider using calming music, supplements, or medication after consulting with the vet.
If she poops in the same spot, block access to that area (place food or water bowls and cat beds) and clean it thoroughly. You can also use vinegar or spray Feliway to deter her from that area.
As a last resort, consider confining her to one room with all her essentials, including extra litter boxes, for one to two weeks to retrain her to use the litter tray. Plug in a Feliway diffuser 24/7 to help with the calming effect.
If you can't determine the cause of her behavior, consider consulting an animal communicator after speaking with your veterinarian.
I hope these suggestions help ease her anxieties and build her confidence.
Sending love & healing
Melina