Why is my cat doing this? PLEASE help !!?

Question

My cat Pouncer is a little over 3 years old now, and is litter box trained, so she has, until now, gone pee and poo in the litter box. But just recently she has been going in the coat closet. Its very annoying because she will pee on things like bags and shoes, and then we have to clean it up and then theres the smell sitting in there. Why is she doing this? She has always until now gone in her litter box, no where else. She is an indoors cat, and we do not allow her outside because we live near a forest with coyotes. Other than this she has not been acting wierd, just the same as always, and her waste looks healthy, so I don't think it has anything to do with medical problems. Please help! Any suggestions are helpful!

Answer 1

Most likely your cat is bored at home and wants attention.  Try playing with her more and see if she goes in the litterbox.  Try hiding treats around the house to keep her distracted and not want attention.  Cats will do ANYTHING to get attention like my cat threatens me that she will jump from the balcony if I don't play with her!  

Answer 2

A cat will stop using its litter box if you do not clean it. They will start peeing and pooing everywhere else.

Another thing,if you have sprayed any perfume around her litter box or any kind of air freshener,she may not use it.

If all else fails,make sure to take her to the vet so they can rule out all possibilities.  

Answer 3

Here are two suggestions:

1. You may not think it's a medical issue, but only a vet can really tell you.  She may have a urinary tract infection.  Take her to the vet.

2. You may not be cleaning the box often enough.  Keep it sifted and the surrounding area clean.  They like a clean bathroom just as you do.

Good luck and by the way, love the name "Pouncer"!!

Answer 4

Medical problems don't show up in cats like they do with humans. She may have a UTI (urinary tract infection). Cats will go outside the box in another area letting you know that something is wrong. They don't show pain unless the infection is far more advanced. Take her to the vet.

Answer 5

She may not look sick, but it could be a parasite or infection with no other visible symptoms.  Since this has happened "all of a sudden", it seems likely that it's a medical problem.  Definitely get her checked by a vet to be sure.  

Answer 6

Many Reasons not using litter box.

I have had kitties and dogs for the past 40 plus years changes in behavior especially the litter box usually means a health problem, best to check that first before you move to anything else. In the past a few pets of mine had a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and one had diabetes and stopped using the litter box, one of my other kitties had inflammatory bowel disease and she stopped using the box, as you can see many reasons.  Have her check out soon as you can. GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

She MIGHT have a urinary tract problem...

You may have left the litter box dirty. (they won't use it if it is)

she doesn't like the type of cat litter you bought. (they are picky)

Clean all things in the closet with alcohol... it's cheap and will remove the smell completely.... spray/ blott/ spray / blott

Answer 8

Has she ever been fixed?  If not when in heat they'll pee elsewhere.

If so, is her litter box clean?  If it's not they'll find another place to do so...If it is clean then the only other thing could be a urninary tract disease...which is common in female cats - take her to the vet to be sure.

Answer 9

inappropriate elimination screams there is something wrong with the cat, and even though you don't think it is a health issue, there is a very VERY good chance it is.  I had two cats with urinary infections, and until I caught them in the act of peeing outside of the box, I had no idea which ones it was (two at different times - out of six)

get thy cat to a vet for a proper diagnosis, and more tips on fixing this if on the rare off chance that it isn't a medical issue (but I'd bet you it is)

Answer 10

She may be stressed, or bored, or may be sick, possibly with a bladder infection.  Have the vet check to make sure there is no medical problem.  Then, clean, clean, clean that closet and everything that even slightly smells - if Pouncer can smell her own pee in there, she will continue to go in there to pee (!)  Use vinegar on floors and walls, wash any clothes you can, and use Febreze extra strength on everything else.  Also, I'd keep the door to the closet shut.  This becomes a serious problem for most of us, who don't dare let the cats in the closet any more!

Answer 11

do you give her many toys if not than she might be trying to tell you that she is bored. if she is younger than 1 1/2 years old than that might be it. or if there have been any changes around the house she may be telling you, "change it back!" even something as simple as changing her food could make her very uncomfortable so make changes slowly.

Answer 12

move the litter box to the coat closet and see what happens