messing in the house!

[sassy843]

I have 2 8yr old sisters, one of them has decided for the second winter running its too wet/cold/windy to go outside to poo or wee and is now doing it round the house, wherever she can, in fact she not even bothered that we're in the same room. She even does it when we have visitors. There has been no changes to the house, family, lifestyle etc. Last week I came home from work to find her covered in faeces' as she'd slept in the litter tray. It's causing friction between me and hubby as he's constantly finding wet patches or little piles round the house, any ideas cos he says if she carries on again she's going to have to go!

[meriad]

Welcome to CC

First off - when were they last at the vet for a health check. A cat sleeping in a dirty litter tray (esp lying in poo) isn't normal so I would make sure there isn't an underlying medical issue.

Then; how many litter trays do you have and how often are they cleaned and what litter do you use.

A lot of cats don't like using the same litter tray for both wee's and poo's and most like to know that their toilet is clean. So once the vet has ruled out health issues then I'd make sure you have two litter trays and make sure they are both cleaned as often as needed (which will also depend on the litter you're using)

[Crewella]

I also would get her checked at the vets, just in case there is a medical issue.

The only time I've known cats to lie in their litter tray is very scared cats trying to comfort themselves by being surrounded with their own scent. It does sound like there is something wrong here - how does she get on with her sister?

[sassy843]

Thanks for your replies, she is fit and well and it only happens when its cold and raining. During good weather she will virtually live outside and use the garden/alleyway for toileting. It's as if she really is lazy and the easiest thing to do is use the house so as not to have to go outside, her sister doesn't have any issue in this area. They get on well together.

[meriad]

If you're 100% sure there is no underlying health issue then definitely try more litter trays and also maybe a different litter

[sassy843]

She has now taken upon herself to perch on my husband's shoulder and pee down his back! One very angry hubby!!! (30 mins after peeing all over the kitchen floor!)

[Kay]

I don't think this is the behaviour of a lazy cat - it sounds much more like a cat which does not have proper control of her bladder, and I do feel some investigations are needed

[JulieandBarney]

Gosh Sassy, I have to agree with the others, poor mite sounds as though he has some urinary/bladder problems which need investigating, Cats are amazingly good at hiding pain, my last boy kept the pain of an awful, growing oral tumour very much to himself, until a week before we had to have him put to sleep. Please, please, get him to a trusted vet and explain what is happening, even if it is a behavioural problem, it really needs looking into....good luck, let us know how you get on ...x

[lilynmitz]

I agree, you need to take her to the vet. This is a cat in distress.