Who Keeps Doing this?

[catnapper]

Every day this week, and I mean EVERY DAY, someone has pooped on the carpet in the front room. Last night, before bed I made triply sure that the box was perfectly scooped and clear. What did I find first thing? Poop by the front door. Someone isn't even trying to make the box, which is a good 5 feet away.

I have NO idea who it might be. All I know is it upsets Pouncer because as soon as he sees it, he runs into the room and tries to cover it (and he's covered it with some interesting items..... an emory board, a sock, a Post-it note, etc). It can't be Allen because.... well trust me, its not Allen. That leaves Harry and the girls. Flutter has a history of doing that as a kitten.

The poop is a nice solid, regular poop. Nothing to indicate illness. I've cleaned it up and used enzyme cleaner afterwards so there shouldn't be any residual odor to promote repeat offences in the same spot.

The litter is clean. Its not higher or lower than normal. Any ideas?

[BastetsMum]

Could it be separation anxiety? Bastet throws up if she is locked in one room for too long and hears our voices. I sometimes have to close the door to the spare bedroom with her in it if I need to do something that doesn't involve pets being curious (such as mopping floors).

Do you get other cat visitors? Has there been another cat marking its territory on your front door?

To be honest, I am not sure as to why they would want to do it at the front door.

[Laura's Babies]

I have no idea who is doing that and no suggestions except that you start watching them close about the time that happens and see if you can catch who it is.

I have been having some litter box issues with Amy this whole time off and I started watching her real close to make sure it was her "going" on the bathroom floor. I was surprised to find out, when she has to "go" she has tale tale signs... She walks closer to the walls, behing everything she can get behind on her way to the bathroom. Then I started working on what litter box to use and what litter she would use.. I discovered the fine grain stuff, with her wobbeling and tremors, she only sinks into it and can't get her footing using that.. I got the cheap ole cat tidy and she hasn't used the floor since.. (knocks on wood)

[catmandu]

Mice?

[K & L]

Fear to go to the litter box? I'm having this issue with Shadow. Every day I have to carry to the litter box, close the door, let her do her business, then carry her out. Are you having any bullying issues?

[jazzcat]

I don't have any nuggets of knowledge but just want to say sorry and good luck.

[catnapper]

That box has been the #1 box for a while. There is another box no more than 20 feet from the first box, and another box a few feet further from the second box. It used to be in the livingroom next to the fireplace and I moved it over a month ago into the front room. No problems related to the move in the least, in fact I think they like it more in the new location (I know I do). It is more secluded in there.

I DO think there might be some truth to the idea of another cat. The front room is actually a small enclosed porch. I've seen a few strays try to make their home under the porch over the years, and I TRY to get their trust but they run off never to be seen again. Anyway, Flutter will sit for HOURS and stare at the door, once last week I actually quickly opened the door ot see what might be on the other side.... perhaps we have a kitty visitng us?

They put the Littermaid automatic litterbox on clearance at work today -- $189 down to $54 plus my discount... I seriously contemplated it.

[Catty1]

I don't get it...what would an Automatic Litter Box do for this situation???

I wonder if getting some enzymatic deodorizer and doing the whole area by the door(and outside the door) would help? Someone is picking up someone else's odor, maybe?

Hope you get this figured out!

hugs
Catty1

[catnapper]

I don't get it...what would an Automatic Litter Box do for this situation???

Nothing outside its somethign I thought might help since the litter is always scooped, so nobody would have to be the 3rd cat into the box to poop.

I've enzyme cleaned the heck out of the floor. Steamcleaned the carpets too. I never thought to clean outside the steps too -- will get there this week.