Cat pooping on floor near door where outside cat is

by Martha
(Tennessee)

My cousin's 9 month old cat uses the litter box regularly.

She is an indoor cat. There are feral cats that come to the porch to be fed.

Lately when my cousin goes out the door to feed the ferals, the kitten poops right by the door.

Is this territorial behavior? The kitten has been spayed.

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My Thoughts:

I think it's highly possible it's marking, Martha, or it could be a fear response. Some cats do mark territory by defecating, and a response to outside cats is not uncommon.

The reaction is often worse if your cat can see the offenders, but sensing them may be enough as well.

Can the ferals be fed farther away from the house? Is there a place where they can be fed where she can't see them? That may help.

Also, you might try Feliway as this may reduce the need to mark territory. As always, we're assuming she's 100 percent healthy.

I hope that helps. Please tell us how things turn out.
-Kurt