Dr Katrina Warren explains why cats poop in the bathtub
By Katrina Warren|
A recent tongue-in-cheek post I ran across my social media detailing the "crimes" committed by my mischievous cat Leo resonated with many of my followers.?
One of Leo's "criminal acts" involved him leaving an unsolicited surprise in the bathtub. The post struck a chord with my followers, prompting a flood of comments and questions about this unpleasant behaviour.??
Cats are well known for their cleanliness and fastidious grooming, making it a surprise when they relieve themselves in unexpected places, such as the bathtub.
Watch the video above.?
READ MORE: How to stop your cat scratching the furniture?
You're not alone if you've also encountered one of these 'gifts' in the tub จC it is quite common and an indicator that something is bothering your cat.
There are a number of reasons why a cat may choose to poo outside their box:
Stress
One of the most common reasons for a cat to defecate in the bathtub is stress, particularly during periods of change or upheaval like moving house, welcoming a baby or introducing a new pet.?
In Leo's case, we had just moved house and were babysitting a friend's dog, and both those situations can be very stressful for cats. Plus, his litter box was now in a much busier area than previously, and a sudden lack of privacy can also upset cats. I had overlooked the impact this may have had on him.
READ MORE: Ways to keep warm in winter we bet you haven't thought of
Issues with the litter box
Any sudden change in their litter box routine can cause cats to seek alternative spots. This includes changing the size or type of tray, the type of litter used, the depth of the litter, the cleanliness of the box and its location.
Cats like their box clean, and a dirty tray will often put them off.?
Cats don't like to share with other cats, so each cat should have their own litter box.?
Cats like privacy so the box should be located away from foot traffic and not near something noisy like a washing machine. If a cat feels unsafe, it may choose the security of the bathtub.
If you recently changed the litter brand, switch back to the previous litter and transition slowly by mixing the two.
Medical conditions
Underlying medical issues such as gastrointestinal problems or constipation can lead to discomfort and make a cat associate pain with using the litter box. If your cat is suffering from an underlying health issues they may be unable to access their litter box in time.?
If you notice any additional signs of illness, such as changes in appetite or behaviour, consult your veterinarian. Older cats can develop cognitive issues similar to dementia in humans, which may cause disorientation and pooping in places other than their litter box.
READ MORE: Dr Katrina Warren's top 10 tips for helping cats adjust to a new baby?
Discovering your cat's faeces in the bathtub may be gross, but it's a sign something is upsetting your cat and understanding the reasons behind this behaviour can help you address the issue effectively. Stress, litter box problems, medical conditions, and environmental factors can all play a role. If the behaviour persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, please chat with your vet
As for Leo, thankfully, it only happened a couple of times and he has settled nicely into the new place. I have moved the litter box to a much quieter area?of the house so he can do his business in peace.
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here
