ArcaMax

I have a four-year-old rescue cat that we got at nine months old. For three years, he had no problem using the litter box. A little over a month ago, he started pooping in the dining room. He still uses the litter box to pee in but won't when he poops. The litter has been the same brand since we got him. We have had cats for over 40 years, and this is the first we have ever experienced this.

— Joe, Seaford, New York

Dear Joe,

Whenever sudden behavior changes occur, I recommend visiting the vet to first rule out any health problems. So, please do that first. There is a chance that your cat may be a little constipated, and if he is, it can be uncomfortable for him to poop in the litter box. Your vet can talk to you about that as well, but here are my recommendations.

First, add more water to his diet by feeding him wet food or buying a kitty water fountain. Cats love drinking water from a faucet, so your cat should easily adjust to the fountain.

Second, add an over-the-counter digestive supplement to his diet, which could be a high-fiber treat or a supplement that aids digestion. There are lots of products and even pet foods that are designed to improve digestion.

Next, try an over-the-counter cat litter attractant that you can sprinkle in the litter box. These products are scent lures designed to draw your cats back to the box.

And, finally, add a second litter box to your home. Make sure you place it in a low-traffic location where your cat can’t get startled by other animals or humans. If your cat was startled while pooping, he may associate the action with the fear he felt at the time.

Let me know how it goes.

Dear Cathy,

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