I have an 11 yr old cat that has started pooping on the carpet. Nothing I do seems to stop it. I have 2 cat boxes, one upstairs, and one down. I have tried open boxes and closed, on carper, on tile, you name it. Our younger cat moved in and took over as alpha cat, and torments the older one to the point that he won't use the box, or the little one won't let him. We have a 10 month old baby who is walking and the idea of her find poop and "playing" with it worries us. We feel that our only option now is to put the cat down because he is older, we have tried to find a home for him without luck, and to subject him now to life in a case in a shelter seems cruel when we are all he has ever known. And getting rid of the younger catthat belongs to our daughter is not an option. I hate the thought of getting rid of the older kitty, but I am at a loss and my hubby is at the brink. If you have any advice or know of someone willing to adopt an older cat, please let me know.
Be sure it is behavioral and not physical. Older cats often do this when they start having urinary tract problems or other physical ailments we may not be aware of.
You need another litter box. Rule of thumb is a litter box for each cat plus 1. Keep all three clean. And make sure there isn't a physical problem.
And you can work on training the younger cat. It's normal for there to be an alpha, but you can impact the relationship. We have 6 cats currently and inappropriate urination & defecation is a sign for you to step in. When you see the alpha controlling a situation, step in and take control & show favor to the older cat. Let the cats know that you are the true alpha. If you know approximately when the older cat may need to use the litter box, clean the box & keep the alpha away in another room. A little attention now can prevent heartbreak latter. Just my experience.
Check your cat for feline diabetes. YOur cat is trying to tell you that it doesn't feel well. Giving insulin shots is easy if it turns out that your kitty has it. Good Luck
L
This lady will take cats as an option to having them put down. You might give it a try.
CATS/KITTENS
To adopt a cat or kitten from the North Texas Cat Rescue, please contact Jackie Ellis at ###-###-#### (Murphy). Once you see them, you’ll want to give one a home!
Is there a room the older cat could have to herself, with her own litter box and no other alpha or child to bother her?
There is also a cat rescue group somewhere in North Dallas that has pretty nice living conditions for cats until they are adopted - a big open room where cats can roam, have lots to lounge on and play with, and volunteers come in to play. I think it may be Operation Kindness in Carrolton, but I don't remember for sure if that is the right group (It's been a while since we were looking to adopt). Check them out - I think that is the right group. They could provide an environment that is not just a cage in a shelter until a loving home could be found for the cat, rather than it having to be put down because another cat has commandeered it's home.
11 yrs is still young for a cat, so find it a new home or surrdender it to the ASPCA who will adopt it out, but please don't put it down Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment, so betweent the other cat "taking over" and a 10 month old baby, it is probably just too much for your older to cope with. I've also heard of animal behaviorists if you want to take that route.
