Your cat may have suddenly stopped using the litter box and started pooping in the sink, bathtub, or shower for a number of reasons.
Modify the brand of your litter. Fortunately, you can probably stop this annoying tendency if your cat is healthy by improving the litter box and redecorating your bathroom.
Varied cats have different potty routines, and issues with the litter box can result from a variety of factors, including stress, the environment, or a combination of these. Spending some time analyzing the mental and physical health of your cat can help you pinpoint the problem and the best method to solve it.
Why do cats feces in bathtubs and sinks?
Cats are typically very orderly and neat animals. When your cat soils the house or relieves itself somewhere other than the allotted litter box, it’s trying to tell you something. To start, check the litter box to make sure it hasn’t spilled, smelled odd, or tipped over. Additionally, see if anything has prevented your cat from using the litter box. If your cat thinks something about the package is weird, it can take the chance to relieve itself somewhere else.
Health Issues
Then consider a health issue. Cats who purposefully eliminate in front of their owners—for instance, squatting to pee or poop in your presence—might be pleading for help. When cats have bladder stones or cystitis, which can cause them to urinate and defecate in unhygienic places, they may raise a scene by standing in front of their owner. For instance, cats who associate the cat litter box with discomfort may avoid it if they experience unpleasant emesis associated with constipation. If you believe the shift is brought on by a health problem, schedule an immediate consultation with your veterinarian. To find any infections or digestive or urogenital issues, the veterinarian may also request blood tests or radiographs in addition to completing a physical examination.
Behavior Issues
When circumstances in the home change, sensitive cats frequently experience stress and anxiety, which might cause them to use the toilet outside the box. The loss of a family member or the arrival of a new child are two examples of this. Major adjustments to your daily schedule, such a new work schedule or more time spent leaving the cat alone, may also make your cat anxious. Without a doubt, bringing a new pet home can also result in house soiling.
Defecating outside of the litter box is a very rare manifestation of the marking behavior, which is typically demonstrated by urinating on vertical surfaces.
How to Get Your Cat to Stop Using the Sink or Bathtub as a Pooper
There are a few simple steps you may take to assist your cat in changing the unpleasant behavior when health-related factors have been ruled out. Try the strategy that appears to best suit the requirements, way of life, and environment of your cat. Feel free to change a few things at once.
Litter box alterations
The situation can be improved by making little changes to the litter box itself. Add a second litter box, preferably in a different room, to give your cat a choice. Cat litter boxes need to be cleaned out at least twice a day and up to three times per day. Try utilizing a larger cat litter box to encourage utilization. Instead of considering how much room the litter box takes up, consider the size of the cat. The box should be around half the size of your cat.
What to Avoid
A cat’s food and drinking locations should be placed distant from the litter box. Some cats object to self-cleaning or covered litter boxes. The lights, noise, and mechanical motions might scare cats away, and being confined in a box can be uncomfortable. These could be enough to discourage a cat from using its container.
Environmental Modifications
Fill the sink and bathtub with a small amount of water. Your cat might be discouraged from using the sink or bathtub because of this water, which would halt the behavior. It’s an unfortunate turn of events that is both depressing and disrespectful. Because of their texture, fragrance, or other qualities, some cats don’t like certain kinds.
Future Actions
If your cat continues to exhibit this behavior despite changes to its environment, consulting a veterinarian behaviorist who specializes in felines may be helpful. This individual can help you retrain your cat to behave properly and may offer some solutions particular to your cat and living situation. Some behavioral disorders, especially those brought on by anxiety, can be helped with the use of behavior-modifying medications. If the problem persists, discuss this option with your veterinarian. Never give your dog any medication intended for human use.
RELATED: Why Is Your Cat Not Covering His Poop?
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your family pet, know the pet’s health history, and may make the best recommendations for your pet.
