Female cat litter box problem

by Heidi Toepel
(Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)

My female cat of 5 years has recently started pooping in front of her litter box, and spraying in front of it as well. How do I stop it? She has never done this before.

Answer by Kate
This kind of behavior is normally displayed when something has changed in the home recently. It might be something small, like moving the furniture or a strange vistor to the house. or it could simply be because the litter tray smells different, ie has another cat been in it or has the litter changed.
The problem is to identify the cause of your cats upset and to try and rectify it.
It really does sound like that there is something wrong with the litter tray and the cat does not feel secure enough to use it. Make sure it is completely clean and that the litter is the usual one he is used to. make sure the litter tray is in a quiet spot and in an area where the cat will feel safe.