cat not using litterbox

by sherri
(MI usa)

My cat has been pooping outside of the litterbox now for about six months.
She is not ill, does not have worms, and eats a very good diet of Science Diet, for sensitive stomachs.

She is an inside cat, however, every now and then, she does go outside just in the yard for a few minutes. She had fleas last summer, so I am making her stay inside this year since our nice weather has hit. (we live in Michigan). The fleas have been gone for quite awhile now, I would say 10 months,so I cannot come up with anything.

We have tried putting litterboxes in several rooms, in the basement, as that is where she is most likely to go, but as of lately, she is choosing to go on my daughters bed. Which is quite grosse seeings how she does it while she is asleep and wakes up to it in her bed or on her clothes, from rolling in it.

We have not changed any type of litter, we have used the same litter for her whole life, she is 7.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, cuz I am at my wits end with her, and am considering having to get rid of her. (No, I really don't want to do this, but am so frustrated, and have tried really everything I can think of, and spend a lot of money.)

Help DR. Chris!


Hi Sherri,

I can see your frustration and see you have tried many things, so I hope my suggestion helps.

I think you need to keep your cat in one room with one litter box and see if the cat will use the litter box and only the litter box for a week or so.

By restricting the cat to one room for a while can sometimes help get the problem under control. Then you can expand the area she is allowed to go to.

Some people think keeping the cat in one room is cruel but it is not. Just go in there and spend time with her there and pet her. This would be a better option than getting rid of her.

Dr. Chris