Litter box behavior change...medical or behavioral?

Question

My 5 yr. old female cat has recently begun going to the bathroom outside of the litter box. Last week she peed in the bathroom sink, which was the first time she has ever gone outside of the litter box. Last night I came home to find p**p on the living room sofa, and this afternoon she peed in the sink again. My father passed away last month, so my husband and i were away for 2 weeks, came home for 3 days and then left for another week on vacation. I'm wondering if she could be "acting out" because we have been gone so much, or if she could possibly have a medical problem? She doesn't seem to be in any pain, and the litter box is clean and there have been no changes in litter. I don't know what to do with her, please help.

Answer 1

Medical. Search up crystals.

Answer 2

She is more than likely angry with you and acting out.  But just to be on the safe side I would have the vet check her out since you hear so much that it could be a sign of medical issue's.  If the doc says she is fine, then you know she is just upset by the recent changes and you can start working with her to get her back to her normal behavior.  Best wishes and good luck!  

Answer 3

I have three cats. Let me tell you what I have learned over the years.

Peeing and pooping outside of the box is  USUALLY behavioral.  it happens in my house once in a while.

HOWEVER!!!!

When one of my cats starting peeing in the bathtub and sink, it turned out to be MEDICAL.  It seems that the cool surfaces ease some kind of burning.

I suggest a trip to the vet.

:)

Answer 4

ANY time there is a change in litterbox habits, you need to take the cat to the vet. The first thing to look for is a medical reason. If the cat checks out ok, then behavioral issues need to be looked at.

You say your father passed away recently. I am sorry.

The two weeks you were away, and then on vacation, where was your cat? Did you have a house sitter come in, or did you board the cat?

Cats are notorious for dealing with stress by inappropriate litterbox habits.

You (and you husband) have both been stressed by the death of your father. Then you had to suddenly leave. After being gone for 14 days, you come home for 3 and leave again. Please understand, I am not beating you up about that.

But your cat doesn't understand, only that you have been stressed. That stress transferred to your cat, and then with your leaving and the cat in unfamiliar circumstances, whether with a sitter or being boarded, has compounded that stress.

You may want to consult a behaviorist if the inappropriate elimination is not medically related. The longer it goes on, the harder it will be to break it.  

Answer 5

My little "Whoopi" did that a few times, and I couldn't understand it. I took her to the vet and they tested for a UTI - Urinary Track Infection. I had to give her drops of anti-biotics and 1 day later, she was going in her box again and has ever since. SEE A VET...

Answer 6

I would have her checked by the bet to rule out any medical issues, then if she is healthy, it's most likely behavioral change in her. She's showing you that she didn't like you being gone so long. Reassure her that this won't happen again any time soon (hopefully) give her extra attention and treats to reward her for using her litter box.