Cat Pooping Issues & How to Solve Them All
Licensed Veterinarian (Phi Zeta) and Certified Harvard and Oxford-trained Cat Behaviorist, the Clinic Specializes in Cat Defecation Behavior Issues with 33 Years in Practice
Update: we are scheduling Zoom and phone appointments with the doctor and cat behaviorist through December 31st. Through November 27th, receive the study participation reduced fee for urination or defecation appointments. Scheduled cat owners can also participate in Mieshelle’s cat behavior 2-time Academy Award-winning show production with Discovery Channel (with 1 billion viewers internationally it’s the most watch behavior show in the world).
Photo: (Zoom Cat Defecation Appointment). Oxford-trained Award-winning Cat Behavior Team 33 Years in practice, We Have More Cats Pooping in the Litter Box than Anyone in Over 30 Countries. View 350 Testimonials.
We Have Hundreds of Cat Poop Success Stories (View 350 Testimonials since 1999). Why is Your Cat Only Pooping Outside the Box and Not Urinating, You Ask?
We are the Cat Behavior Defecation Specialists: we have kept thousands of cats out of the shelters due to this “perplexing” behavior issue. The clinic has helped thousands of cat owners in over 30 countries get their cat’s poop back in the litter box for over 33 years. Over 1 billion cat owners have watched cat behavior science author Mieshelle’s cat behavior show around the world.
During your phone or video consultation, learn what is causing your cat to defecate outside the box. At least 80% of the time the instigating factor has nothing to do with the the actual litter box. Your cat may look like he’s just pooping for no reason at all, but if he’s in the 80% majority, there are specific reasons for the behavior. We can tell you not only why this “behavior anomaly” occurs, but how to solve it during your consultation.
Pooping outside of the litter box is not a common cat behavior issue as compared to urination. Compared to other common cat behavior issues, the cat defecation behavior issue is far too complex and unique to find specific and effective help online. Popular cookie cutter advice such as just “adding a litter box” or other litter box changes usually fail or give temporary results (usually lasting 1 to 2 weeks).
Cat Pooping Behavior Issues Are “Perplexing” For Most Cat Owners
Cat defecation behavior issues are by far the most difficult for cat owners to solve. At least 80% of the time the instigating factor has nothing to do with the the actual litter box. Your cat is also most likely not middening (unfortunately, there is a lot of incorrect behavior information about cat middening online that should be removed).
Schedule a defecation behavior consultation and learn how feline evolutionary biology, gene-encoded behavior and multi-factorial internal factors and external factors can play a role in your cat’s defecation behavior. View 350 solved case study reviews and defecation testimonials. To begin completing the Feline Defecation Behavior History Form, please begin the scheduling process through the clinic website or call the clinic at 503-267-8888.
Just a Few of Our Successes with Feline Pooping Behavior Problems
Phi Zeta (Honors) Veterinarian and Oxford-trained Cat Behaviorist: Cat Owners Enlist the Help of the Clinic When They Feel They Have Taken All Measures in Solving their Cat Pooping Behavior Issues. Pioneers of the Cat Behavior Specialty, We Have an Outstanding Success Rate for Resolving Cat Defecation Behavior Issues.
The Cat Behavior Clinic has 33 years of vast case study information that has proven invaluable in understanding the complexities of the behavior and why our clients have success solving their cat defecation behavior issues.
Schedule a defecation behavior consultation
Like most expert cat behaviorists, we are able to achieve full success with you over the phone or by Zoom video.
Call The Clinic Today at 503-267-8888
Nagelschneider Cat Fact: Did you know that cats typically do not form a habit for pooping in specific locations (even if they are pooping in a specific location repeatedly)?
The first “Cat Behaviorist” in the United States and founder of the first cats exclusively behavior clinic, Mieshelle Nagelschneider is the recipient of the Golden Purr Award in recognition of her contribution to the science of cat behavior. Learn more about her studies in animal behavior through Oxford University, The University of Edinburgh – The Royal School of Veterinary Studies, and her behavior experience at Harvard University that has enabled her to help cat owners gain a scientific understanding of their cat’s behavior in over 30 countries. Cats are still underserved in the United States even though they have become the most popular companion animal. Around the world, lack of behavior care and animal welfare is also a major concern. Solving a cat defecation issue has also proven to be the most difficult behavior issue for cat owners to solve.
Your Cat Might Need an Oxford-trained Cat Psychologist to Get The Poop Back in the Box.
Our Behavior Team Provides Scientific Behavior Changing Modalities for Your Cat’s Defecation Issue.
We can even help you to understand behaviors that many clients think is abnormal, strange, or unusual, and help you interpret what those behaviors mean.
- Effective behavior plans begin with a clear understanding of how the cat’s brain functions and what their physiological and instinctual needs are.
- Behavior modification strategies once the defecation behavior has been analyzed and understood.
- Strategies that take into consideration cat brain memory and how it relates to the learning process that may have contributed to forming a habit for the behavior is required to end the defecation behavior.
- Addressing possible social conflict and social learning in the cat’s environment to stop the behavior (external factors).
- Depending on the reason your cat is performing the defecation behavior, behavior strategies that involve sensitization and habituation may be applied.
- Associative learning can be an important part of your cat’s behavior plan depending on why the defecation behavior is occurring.
- Classical conditioning strategies can also be an important component to ending the behavior.
- Cat Middening Behavior Issue: (this would be extremely rare for a house cat) would include hierarchy structuring strategies and territorial stressor reduction would also need to be implemented as part of the behavior plan.
Defecation Testimonial: “I’m already having much success with (behavior plan removed). All of her stools have been in the box since I started it. Should I send in a picture of a stool covered with litter? I’ll send a photo (behavior plan removed) and an update on her behavior to the link. Thanks so much for all of your help. Ann H. Costa Mesa, California
Nagelschneider Cat Pooping Behavior Issues Fact: Kittens generally defecate outside of the litter box for the same reasons adult cats do. (Mieshelle on Arm & Hammer spokesperson media tour in Toronto with Parent Magazine social media event).
Learn How to Stop Your Cat From Pooping on Your Bed, Floor, Sofa, or Just Outside the Litter Box.
The “Cat Pooping Behavior Issues” consultation is one of our most common consultations. The defecation program is a one-hour phone or video consult with two 30 minute follow-ups during the 4 week program review period. See why we have hundreds of defecation testimonials. During a defecation consultation, the clinic goes beyond the obvious facts and gives intelligent solutions to solve the most “perplexing” of all cat behavior issues. Our veterinarians conduct in-person consults locally only on a case by case basis.
Cat Pooping Outside Litter Box and on Bed?
Cat Poop on Wall-to-Wall Carpet?
Cat Pooping Outside Litter Box on Area Rug?
Cat Pooping Outside Litter Box on Treadmill?
Testimonial just in: — “Poop in the box for first time one day after consultation!” Mieshelle, Sammie used the box! This is photo of today, and the only thing we’ve done so far is (advice removed). So excited! C. Scott, Illinois (see Sammie’s poop in box photo below).
Testimonial: — Poop in the litter box for first time 2 days after consultation. “Cooper has actually been going in the box and photos are below”. Sherry R. Jupiter, Florida (See Cooper’s litter box photo)
Daisy’s Phone Consultation Testimonial:
Cat Pooping Testimonial: “Daisy is doing so much better — I’m absolutely amazed. And you can quote me on that! ;). The week is packed, but on Saturday, I’ll look into the (advice removed). If she continues to do fine, I may only do the (advice removed). A huge thanks to you, Mieshelle, and the staff at the Cat Behavior Clinic!” Susan C. Long Beach, New York – Skype and phone consultation client
Cat Defecation Review — My Cat is Now Defecating in the Litter Box. I am so very grateful for all your assistance and I am sure Gracie is very thankful as well! I am hopeful that we can keep little Gracie on track. I am still extremely thrilled that Gracie has been pooping the litter box all week thus far!!! It’s a miracle!!! Thank you so much! Charlene R. Ontario, Canada
Cat Pooping Behavior Issues? In your defecation behavior consultation with our Cat Behaviorist you’ll learn and we’ll also show you:
- The (behavior method removed) and why your cat’s evolutionary biology and “social glue” may be crucial in solving this and other behavior issues.
- Why your cat is just pooping outside of the box (urination is not an issue unless your cat also has a urinary issue this will be included in your behavior plan) and how to remedy this issue.
- Why cats prefer to poop on the owner’s bed or sofa?
- Why cookie cutter advice is not appropriate for this very special behavior issue (i.e. simply adding a litter box is not going to get you the response you’re looking for).
- How your cat’s innate instincts directly affect his litter box needs and how you can make the multi-faceted yet simple changes to meet these needs (but this is just one component of a comprehensive behavior plan).
- The retraining process to ensure your cat defecates in the litter box every time. If your cat falls into the 80% diagnosis and that problem is addressed, then your cat may begin defecating in the box right away (even if your cat hasn’t pooped in the box for 5 years). The majority of cats begin defecating in the box within 2 to 4 weeks.
- The latest behavior modification techniques to undo any habituated behavior your cat may have retained (this is the part of the plan many owners leave out and why they fail at remedying this behavior issue).
- Why social tension between cats and why it can be the cause of litter box issues and what to do about it (hint: it’s not about the box!).
- The latest scientific strategies to address dominance or scent tension with the litter box.
- What 4 popular litters to avoid that are top of the list for creating litter box aversions! You will be surprised.
- Depending on when you schedule your phone consultation, you have the option of taking part in our cat behavior data survey study to help cats just like yours.
Cat Pooping on the Floor Testimonials: “It’s week 4 and Grady has been pooping in the litter box perfectly every time! I can hardly believe it! Since week one of (behavior advice removed) and also the (behavior advice removed) even when we went out of town over the weekend which is typically a disaster, we returned home and he’s been PERFECT. It’s really amazing that just those strategies solved this. Seriously, I almost wanted or expected it to be more complicated. All I can say is, thank you, from all of us. You have another testimonial now and I have an early Christmas gift. Cat poop in the box. Who would have thought… Kind Regards, Michael K., San Francisco, California
Cat pooping on the floor testimonial: I started (behavior advice removed) Bella only (Behavior advice removed) as on Wed. morning. Her 1st poop (photo ending in #417) all other photos are of her poops – ALL IN THE LITTER BOX, NONE ON THE FLOOR FOR EACH DAY THEREAFTER. Thank you, Abe G. New City, New York
Testimonial: “I just wanted to follow-up on Tolstoy’s progress with pooping outside the litter box. The short version is he is pooping in the litter box now…yeah!!! A bit more detail of what’s been happening the last 3 months is that we did start him (behavior advice removed) and he started pooping in the box…it started with 70% of the time, but after about a week, it became 100% of the time. We’re now on about 3 weeks of consistent litter box use. We are thrilled. Thank you so much!! Let us know if you want to do another Skype meeting. We may not have time for the Skype meeting for a couple of weeks, but wanted to start on the (behavior advice removed) if possible. Thanks! Karen H. Cambridge, Massachusetts
2019 Defecation Testimonial: OMG, thank you, thank you, thank you. I have a cat that never defecated in the litter box. In fact he was my daughter’s cat and she couldn’t handle it any more, so she gave him to me. Tried everything – – multiple boxes, etc. No health issues. Friday after work (behavior advice removed). When I arrived home, I immediately (behavior advice removed). WITHIN HOURS no more defecating outside the box!!!! AND he covers his urine too, something he never did. Just urinated on top of the litter and walked away. Now I have to scoop down into the litter to find the urine and feces. I am telling everyone I know and my relatives and friends are amazed because they all knew about Capers and his out of box experiences (sometimes in the middle of the night stepping on it when they got up to use the bathroom, icky). Just wanted to extend extreme accolades! Barbara K. Forest City, California
May 26th – testimonial: Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that Reuben is now pooing in his litter box! YAY! for the past 2 weeks. I got something from (behavior advice removed). He has stopped biting as much but I’d like to use the last bit of my time to talk to you about that if we can organize a time. Thanks so much for all your help with this! It’s a huge relief. Andrea P. Toronto, Canada
Defecation testimonial just in: Mieshelle, I just wanted to let you know that everything is going perfectly now. It’s been 10 days and he has been pooping in the litter box every time! I can’t tell you how relieved we all are that we don’t have to clean up poop every day. After 4 years of daily poop patrol, we almost don’t know what to do with ourselves. Our seven year old daughter wants to be a cat whisperer now too! Thank you for giving us our lives back! Munchkin is clearly a happier cat which like you said was a big part of the problem. His happiness alone was worth the consultation. C. Cooper and family — Brooklyn, New York
If your cat is pooping outside the litter box (no urination issues), you may have already gotten advice such as, “Add a litter box.” Whether your cat is pooping on the wood floor or carpet, pooping on the bed or house furniture, or just pooping everywhere, litter boxes are occasionally just a very small part of a real, long-term solution. Our behavior programs, The C.A.T. Plan, includes not only training the cat back to the box, addressing environmental stressors and circumstances (this includes the social hierarchy structuring), but also un-training your cat from the unwanted behavior.
And then there’s the big one, the Territory: how to create an environment that makes sense to them (after all, we are keeping them in captivity), so that your cats have all the resources they need and in locations that make sense to them for minimal behavior problems. We’ll explain how to set up your cats’ environment to help them structure their social hierarchy the way we do our own cats — a big part of why our clients have lasting success with this issue.
If you schedule a consultation we require a photo of where the defecation is occurring (stool included), litter box areas, feeding areas, and perching and resting areas.
Still asking, “How Can I Get My Cat To Defecate in the Litter Box?” We’re constantly receiving testimonials for solving cat defecation issues.
That’s how we solved this cat’s (Taffy) problem (note: cats are never spiteful or bad; they don’t have this level of cognition). IMPORTANT: Taffy is NOT bad, and he is not just “pooping”. He’s in the 80% and a descendant of the African wildcat (just like your cat).
From Taffy’s owner after day one of initiating just one piece of the behavior plan: “I expected a nice surprise when I opened the bedroom door, but there was nothing!” T. Whalen Oakdale, New York 2009
The cause of your cat’s behavior is critical to understand fully. Is the problem related to territory? How can you be sure that your cat is defecating rather than marking in a territorial behavior called middening? How do you know a secondary problem hasn’t developed like a habit for location or a substrate preference? Identifying the problem(s) makes all the difference between wasting your time and money and getting a real and lasting cure. Mieshelle Nagelschneider cat behaviorist and our veterinarian are here to help.
Testimonial for: Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box?
Testimonial for: Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box?
Here is a further update on Tater: 2 weeks since consultation. We continued all efforts described from week 1 update and he continued to poop outside of the box. Now with the (behavior information removed). However, on Friday night he used the litter box and then again on Saturday night!! Unbelievable, he has not used the litter box in back to back poops in years! We still went forth and (behavior advice removed). We also (behavior advice removed).
Even if you take steps to cease the unwanted behavior, any favorable results are likely to be at best temporary without a plan to Attract your cat to a new behavior. This is where our behavior modification techniques are also crucial to long-term success. We’ll show you how to implement these. The techniques alone are priceless and they are not one-size-fits-all. This is also why you really do need to schedule a consultation with a behaviorist if you think you’ve tried everything and still have no success. You are not alone — we have even had licensed vets as our clients for the infamous pooping issue!
More Testimonials for Solved Cat Pooping Behavior Issues
“After the phone consult with your cat behaviorist, I immediately (behavior advice removed). It took 5 days to address the actual real problem (yes, she was right), and Sage began pooping in the box like nothing ever was wrong. Mieshelle’s advice is precious and I’m just so glad I called you folks. I thought I was the savvy cat owner working at the shelter all these years, but now I know there is a lot to know about cats!! My vet even looked at me like I was crazy, so he will learn this knowledge soon to help other cats. I think many cats are taken to the shelter for this exact problem and it’s like a silent killer — so sad.” Kind Regards, Karen S. – New York, NY 2011
“I must say that we can’t be anymore happier than we are right now! The vets and staff are amazed that you have fixed this cat of ours. He has been going to the vet for the last 3 years with test after test and now he is no longer ruining our house with urinating and defecating thanks to you! Thank you! I only wished I had called you sooner. I would have saved myself and kitty Jasper a lot of agony, car rides, and money!” Law M. – Napa Valley, California
“Just started the techniques…amazingly, Jerry has used the litter box to defecate! Of course this is AMAZING, since it hasn’t happened in 8 years. Thank you!” Erin A., Reston, Virginia
Hello Mieshelle, I’m writing to give you an update on Lucy. The wonderful news is that she used (defecated) her box today! After I spoke with you, I made (behavior advice removed) and I got the (advice removed) her temperament does seem quite improved. I also (advice removed). She does like to have (advice removed) those activities when things are going well, so perhaps that is why. She has even slept in the bed a few times which she had not been doing. I think that’s about it for now! Thanks very much, Hilary P. Brooklyn, New York 2012
To The Cat Behavior Clinic – Well, here is another testimonial for you! I honestly thought Buster would be that one case that you would not be able to solve. I guess I was wrong. Not only has he been pooping in the litter box every single time for going on 5 weeks, he now sleeps on the bed with the other cats where previously he was that odd cat out. I guess you could say I am now over my cautiously optimistic stage and feel like I have a normal cat household, FINALLY!! I didn’t realize how much this problem bothered me until it had completely disappeared. I know this might sound a little cliche’, but I feel like I finally have my life back! Also, on a side note, my co-workers are no longer snickering at me for hiring “the Cat Whisperer”, but asking me for your phone number! Thank you for all that you do. 2013 is now going to end on a “poop-free” note! What a relief… Regards, Stephen M. New York, NY
Cat Pooping Behavior Issues? MADDENING MIDDENING, OR JUST A STOOL AWAY FROM HOME?
By Mieshelle Nagelschneider – Random House Publishing
Sometimes a stool is not just a stool. Stools left around the walkways of the home or on a favored sofa or other elevated areas might be a form of marking done by your cat to delineate territory. This “middening,” which usually begins only when the cat enters into social maturity, is to simple defecation as spraying is to mere urination. Middening comes from a little-known English word that derives from the Old Norse term for a dunghill or manure pile. If you type middening into a search engine, it will, maddeningly, try to correct your spelling. “Was it maddening you were looking for?” Just say no. The fact that the search engine thinks you can’t spell, and won’t give you much information on middening in any event, is an indication of how rare middening is, at least indoors (free-ranging outdoor cats midden as much as half the time, but in housecats it’s much rarer). But when it does happen, middening can be synonymous with maddening!
More-dominant or confident cats may midden to send territorial messages. Middening is not only a strong visual signal, visible from a distance, but, because the anal sac secretions that lubricate feces are so foul smelling, it’s a very strong olfactory signal as well. Because cats who are middening are trying to send a message, they usually deposit their midden in very prominent locations so it’s not easily missed by other cats, (aka the competition): in hallways or the frequently walked paths of household cats, near doorways leading outside or to favored rooms in the house, on elevated locations, and near other important pieces of real estate about which a cat may feel competitive. Cats may defecate (rather than mark) in these prominent listed locations as well,but it’s more common for them to defecate in less prominent locations like the corner of a dining room. Typically middening is done away from the core territory of the nesting area’s food and cat beds. However, a dominant cat who wants to deter other cats may even midden territorially in front of litter boxes or food bowls. You’ll know your cat has tried to cover the stool if you find it buried in clothing or bed linens left on the floor, or if you see claw marks on the carpet near where he left the feces. Cats will not cover a stool if they’re leaving it for marking purposes. They want it to be seen! That said, there are some cats that don’t try to cover their defecation even when they are not intending it as a message. So when you find an uncovered stool by the front door, it can be difficult to know for sure what your cat’s intent was. This is when you need a behaviorist!
For Clinic Guarantee and Efficacy
If after evaluating your completed behavior history questionnaire the Clinic determines that the consultation program would not be appropriate for your defecating cat, the clinic will conduct a consultation at no charge and return your consultation fee.
Just to let you know that all has been WONDERFUL with the cats! No pooping and no more peeing going on upstairs! … Anyway, thank you for saving us!!!”
R.W., Rock Island, Illinois
“Well, it’s been about a week that Hurley has been using the box to defecate. I am EXTREMELY pleased with the results so far.
“There have been no accidents. He goes right in the box. You get another testimonial from a happy client!”
Bill G., New York, NY
“So far Avery has been accident free for almost 3 weeks. I am so excited. Thanks to you! We haven’t had to confine him either. Thanks….”
Lisa N. Alabama
October, 2013: Dear Cat Behavior Clinic, It has been two weeks since we had our consultation to address Cadbury’s persistent non-litterbox pooping and we are *delighted* to report that he has not missed the box since initiating the behavior modification recommendations made by Ms. Nagelschneider. The change in behavior was immediate. In addition to using the box, we have observed (information removed) since implementing the (advice removed) changes. Thank you for your time and help. If there are any further developments we will let you know, but it seems that the underlying issues causing the problem have been successfully addressed. Regards, Mike & Barbara S. (And M&M, Cadbury, and Kokio), Townsend, Massachusetts
January 2014: Mieshelle,
As much as I didn’t want to say “you told me so”….YOU TOLD ME SO! I’ve had cats all my life and never thought anyone could tell me anything I didn’t already know, but you proved me wrong (several times over, I might add) and I have a happier cat family to prove it — and most importantly, the defecation issue was solved in 3 days..! The vets couldn’t help me or all those cat behavior books. but your advice made sense and I’m just wishing I would have called you sooner! Thank you for your astute knowledge and all the work you do in saving cats lives! Dave C. Los Angeles, California
