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Posted by PHMadameAlto on March 11, 2003 at 20:25:54:

In Reply to: my cat is rebelling! posted by cjborne2 on March 11, 2003 at 17:22:44:

:My 6 year old cat is acting like a teenager. We had a second child recently and my cat has decided to make a carpeted corner her new litter box. I know that she is doing this because of lack of attention. Most of the attention she gets is from my 2 year old. This has been going on for about a month. What can I do to get her to stop?!?

First off would be a vet check just to be sure there is no underlying medical problem. Dollars to donuts though it is related to the new baby! However, it may be more due to anxiety that another "creature" has invaded the domain rather than lack of attention from you.

First off, you should try retraining the cat to the litterbox. This involves confining him in a small room with just the litterbox, food, water and bedding. As the cat begins to use the box you can expand the area. Since it just seems to be poop, you might be able to calculate when the soiling is about to take place and confine the cat during that time.

Meanwhile clean that area with an enzyme cleaner like Nature's Miracle. You need to thoroughly deodorize the place. Put foil on the place to discourage the cat from using it again.

Your cat might benefit from the use of Feliway. Although it is primarily for urine marking, if your cat is marking with poop (yes, that happens too) then it could help. Check out www.feliway.com or catfaeries.com. If you order from Cat Faeries I think you get a free consultation about the problem. They used to charge for this service, but it is money well-spent because the woman who runs the company is VERY knowleable!

Finally if all else fails, ask your vet about using some sort of antianxiety medication like Buspar or Prozac. Your vet will be able to determine if this will help in your situation and will be able to prescribe and monitor. Generally after cats have been on this sort of medicine, the behavior is "unlearned" and the medication can be gradually withdrawn. Again, the decision to use this rests solely with your veterinarian.

Good luck!

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