In response to the 2 year old Maine Coon with what appears to be separation anxiety (defecating outside the box when you go away for too long), I created a new page on cat anxiety which has some ideas. My response was long enough to warrant a new page.
-Kurt
Feb 25, 2009 Rating
Why cats poop outside the box by: Kurt (Cat Lovers Only Admin)
The question "why does my cat poop outside the box" can have many answers.
I would take a guess that in this case there might be an issue with constipation, since that is a common problem. This is especially true with longer haired cats (Maine Coon certainly qualifies) and more probable as they get older. If constipation is at fault (or another physical problem), you'll have to treat it. Then, you'll have to treat the behavioral side of the problem.
There are two main categories of reasons behind inappropriate elimination problems. First, is a physical condition or disease, and the second is a behavioral/emotional issue.
Among the physical reasons are constipation, arthritis, mega colon, parasites, or other intestinal condition. Among the behavioral/emotional reasons are stress, and association of pain with the litter box.
So, the first step is to determine if there is a physical problem. Let's say that your cat gets constipated and experiences pain and straining while trying to use the box. This happens several times, and at this point your cat doesn't want to poop in the box because...
the box + pooping = pain.
So, even if the constipation is relieved, your cat still poops on the floor. That's just one of many possible scenarios. It could also be related to arthritis or any number of issues, some of which are serious health conditions. That's why anytime there are litter box problems, your vet should be involved. What seems like just a poop on the floor can mean something much more significant.
And here's a question and answer article about a senior cat with a litter box problem. The cat is quite a bit older, but the same concepts still apply.
I hope that helps to shed more light,
-Kurt
Feb 25, 2009 Rating
Pooping outside the box by: Barbra
You never really answered the original question as to why the cat poops outside the box - you focused more on why a cat can't poop.
Jun 08, 2009 Rating
Cat deficates outside of box when I leave by: Anonymous
I have a similar problem with my 2 year old Maine Coon. The first year after I got her we stayed in the same apartment with two other cats with whom she got along well. Then we moved in with my parents and their two cats and two dogs which she got along well with also.
Two months ago we moved again and now she is a single cat in an apartment with six people. Everyone is very nice to her and pays her ample attention but when I (her person) leaves to go on a trip (even if it's just for 24 hours) she poops in the living room.
She has never displayed this behavior before and I know it's an emotionally based problem but I don't know how to remedy it.
