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this post was submitted on 26 Sep 2023
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Asklemmy
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When cats shit outside the box, they’re trying to communicate something. Unfortunately they don’t speak English and sometimes resort to speaking Catshittese.
Are there enough boxes? You should have n+1 litter boxes, where n is the number of cats in the home. Also they should be scooped two or three times a day (before work, after work, and bedtime is a good routine). The litter should be about 3”/8cm deep: they need enough to bury their piss and shit, but too deep feels unsteady beneath their feet.
Is she a really big cat? She might want a bigger box. I once had a big fuckoff tabby who needed jumbo boxes with extra-high sides.
Maybe she’s having digestive pains. Does her shit look normal? If not, put the misplaced turd in a zipper baggy and have your vet check it out.
It could also be an emotional issue, like loneliness or anxiety or dominance, but make sure the litter boxes and digestive health are all in order before deciding that’s what’s up.
Unfortunately we can't have more litterboxes currently, we rn have one for that one cat, but when we have a bigger flat it might be possible
Her shit is normal
Totally understandable. When I lived in a small place, I only had room for one box, so I got the biggest thing that would fit and scooped as often as possible.
That reminds me, some cats are picky about litter too, just like some humans will only wipe their ass with certain brands of toilet paper. So it’s good to find a brand they like and stick with it, but I know how hard it is to experiment when there’s only room for one box.
We know that she doesnt like every litter, but this litter has been working for probably like 14-16 years, i dont think that changed. But thanks for the suggestion :)
Is that how old the cat is? If so, it's probably arthritis. Mine is about that age and has problems squatting. It could be that she has trouble getting in and out of the box, or she's inside but standing too close to the edge and not squatting enough. You could try a supplement or ask your vet. Mine offers monthly injections for arthritis.
Yes, 16, the thing with the too close to the edge is 100% impossible, its not JUST outside the box, its like a tiny bit further away, enough that it can't work, but ill try some suggestions regarding her mavye not being able to go over it