bad kitty! help!

[superjack]

ok, my cat sammy is really making me mad. i clean the litterbox daily. sometimes 2 times a day. well, if it is even slightly dirty, he will poop on the floor next to the litterbox. what is his problem???i am getting really sick of it. it's just gross!! :mad:

[Edith]

Some cats just do that, they are weird. I had the same problem!
I have a great solution and it's cheap! Go to the local Walmart, Zellers, Kmart, whatever and buy a storage bin with a lid on top. (Big enough for your kitty to walk in and turn around) Cut a hole in the side and there you go, mess free kitty box and a cheap low price! I placed a rug in front of teh opening so when she gets out it catches all the sand in her paws. There you go, I only have to sweep once a week now and it smells less.
Hopefully that helped!

[creativz]

Maybe try a bigger tray ? Some cats are well fussy, they don't like change in litter brand, don't like you moving tray... try some newspaper under tray to catch any mishaps, I used to sometimes catch my kitz in tray going poop with rear end sticking out over edge of tray.... :rolleyes: at least they made an effort ! I got a bigger tray.

[Jennicat]

Honestly, some cats are just like that. We got Loki. He'd go in a litterbox that hadn't been cleaned for 6 months before he'd go on the floor. You can either:

1.) Provide several more litterboxes, so that there's always a clean one
2.) Buy an automatic one to help.
3.) Buy a LOT of enzyme to help clean up poops. ;)

[opokki]

Agreed...some cats are very picky about the cleanlinest of their litter. Try adding a second litter box.

[Oestaira]

There are many reasons why your cat may be refusing to use it's litterbox. For one, it may just dislike the brand. Some cats don't like the feel of certain cat litters, or the smell. If you have changed cat litter brands recently, try switching back. Also, It may be trying to tell you it's unhappy. With many felines, bad bathroom habits can indicate an emotional or nutritional problem. Maybe a new pet has been taking attention from him? Maybe you have recently moved? Changing the location of the litter box can stress out a cat as well and they may continue to use the old spot or go somewhere entirely different. Like other people said, maybe his litter box is too small. Also, you didn't specify, but if the cat is a relitively new adition to your home, keep in mind that it needs some time to adjust to it's new owners and suroundings.
Asuming it is not a medical problem or behavioral problem, there is a relitively simple way to stop this behavior. Do NOT punish the animal for not using the litter box. This often causes even more stress. Instead, place the cat in the litter box every time he seems to be 'rooting around' for a place to go. When he does use the litter box, pet him and reward him with affection and attention. He'll eventually get the idea.
Good luck!

[superjack]

well, i clean the box everyday and i have NO room for another one. however, i did put some plastic runner, carpet protector, in front of the litterbox. and now sammy finally quit pooping outside of the box. he hates stepping on the plastic. i don't know if it freaks him out or what. but, he will step on it, jump around, and leap into the litterbox. i am so relieved!! :)

[Oestaira]

congrats, problem solved! =)