Terry from Duluth, MN, asked:
Hi Julie,
I’ve tried literally everything. My male cat Captain won’t poop in ANY cat box. He does pee in it though.
What is his issue?
Thanks,
Terry
Hi Terry,
Cats can be particular creatures, and when something is off, they have their own ways of telling us. From what you’ve shared, it sounds like Captain might be trying to communicate something important.
First, be sure to rule out any medical issues. Sometimes, discomfort during bowel movements can cause a cat to associate the litter box with pain, leading them to avoid it for that purpose. A visit to the vet can help ensure there’s nothing physically wrong.
Assuming Captain is healthy, his behavior could be linked to stress, territorial instincts, or even a preference for a specific type of environment when doing his business. Cats are sensitive to changes, and something as simple as a new scent or the placement of the box can throw them off.
In the meantime, I telepathically asked Captain why he won’t poop in the litter box and he said, “I don’t want to get the little pebbles on my butt!” Not sure if there’s another option besides the kitty litter granules, but it might be worth exploring.
Our pets often teach us patience and the importance of paying attention to the little details in our environment. Trust your intuition as you work through this with Captain.