my cat has litter box problems

by Kelley
(Salem, VA, USA)

Hi,

We recently adopted a dump and run, long haired female siamese about 6 months old. We are finding that she will generally use the litterbox to pee, but has yet to use the box to have a bowel movement. When she does go, it's on the carpet, when available, and after she goes, she takes off running as if something is out to get her. This makes me think that someone probably abused her with regards to her litterbox use, and therefore, she is scared witless that someone is going to hurt her after she has a bowel movement. I've tried giving her some Salmon oil to help in case it has to do being constipated, but that doesn't seem to be the case. We have moved her to the bathroom (no carpets) from the back bedroom. Both locations are low traffic. We have increased the size of the open littler box (about the size of two normal size litterboxes). We have added Kitten Attract litter and Cat Attract herbs to the litter. We are hoping something will work. The location change and increase in litterbox size happened last night, and this morning there had been no accidents, but then again, there had been no contributions. Do you have any other suggestions on how to help this poor kitten? She has not been spayed, and there is a female cat already in the house. They are both wearing calming good behavior collars and the hissing has reduced to a minimum. My next step at this point, if this doesn't work, is to put her in a large crate with a litter box, and also put litter on the floor of the crate, until she figures it out. I really don't want to do this, but I also can't have her escaping from the bathroom, just so that she can evacuate her bowels on my carpet. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. She has been with us for about 2 weeks now.

Regards,

Worried Mama

Comments for my cat has litter box problems

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Apr 06, 2011
 Same Situation
by: Kelley

We finally got Lily fixed, and things have gotten a little better. We have tried the blocking her in the bathroom, and she was still avoiding the litter pan. We crate trained her, then let her out, and things started over. So, we crate trained her again, and this time it seems that things are better. I think she's figured out that she's here to stay, so, as long as we scoop the box twice a day, she seems to use the box. She is a beautiful cat, but I was getting tired of steam cleaning carpets every weekend. I thought I had found her a home, but the longer she stays, the less I want to give her up as she is more affectionate than our Seal Point Female. The lynx point chases the Seal Point around the house, and the Seal Point still hisses at her. But, I caught them both curled up in the same chair. So, things are getting better. So, if you find any other less maintenance solutions, than scooping twice a day, please let me know! Good Luck! I truly hope things get better. I think it has a lot to do with patience, and with their getting used to being secure and safe in a kind and loving home.
Apr 05, 2011
 Same Situation
by: Anonymous

we also rescues a long haired lynx pointed siamese at christmas time and she also was btw 6 and 8 months. Ang guess what, she does not like the litter pan. She pooped in our bathroom sink and peed on the carpets in there. Now, I have cutting boards on the bathroom sinks and no carpets in the bathrooms. She only uses the litter if it is spotless! Do you think this is a trait of this bread? Sounds fishy! Good luck.
But isnt she the prettiest cat, thats what keeps me going.
Feb 09, 2011
 Litter Box Issues
by: Judy From Long Island

One thing you haven't mentioned is whether she's been checked out by your veterinarian. This actually sounds more behavioral than medical, but it's good to make sure. You're doing all of the right things...giving her space and peace and quiet. Since you don't know how long she was on the streets, it's possible that adding some outdoor dirt to her litter box might give her the idea.
Another thing you might try is adding some of your other cats' poo to her litterbox so that she can take a page from their litter habits. Once she begins using her litterbox for poo, leave a little bit in there so that she has a familiar scent to go back to. It's nice that we can share our questions and answers with other cat lovers.
Feb 09, 2011
 Good Advice
by: Kelley

Hi folks,

Well, no real success yet. We have the much bigger litter box, and she is consistently going pee in the box, but inconsistent on the poo. We did try two boxes, but I can try that again. The big box we got her is at least as big as two regular boxes. One thing I tried last night, was to vary the depth of the litter. Perhaps she doesn't like deep litter? She's a beautiful little girl, and I can't imagine anyone harming her, but someone must have. I'm also wondering if maybe some real dirt in part of the box, or just another box with just dirt and leaves, maybe she was an indoor outdoor cat? Just some other ideas. Wish this would resolve sooner rather than later. Thanks for the advice, and I'll continue to try to be patient.

Regards,
Kelley
Feb 09, 2011
 A second litter box?
by: Caroline

I also think you're probably right and that she's been abused at some point, but another thing you might try is having two (or several) different litter boxes for your new kitten.

I read this long ago and have also found with one of my cats that sometimes they don't like to pee and poo in the same tray. (My current cat's a bit fussy like this and won't use the litter tray if it's even a tiny bit dirty!)

Otherwise I think you're doing entirely the right things - it's a case of time, patience and perseverance.

Good for you for rescuing the kitty - good luck with her.
Feb 09, 2011
 abused
by: angelina diantonio

She definitely sounds like she was abused.Everything sounds great that you are doing.Make sure the bathroom she is in is quite so she is not startled.By that I mean do not have the washer and dryer on all the time if it is right outside the door.I have rescued quite a few abused cats.It just takes patience and time.Read my story : https://www.we-are-siamese.com/my-cat-journey-.html Hope this helps.Keep us posted and put up a picture.Would love to see this beauty.

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