As cats grow older, their habits and behaviors change.
For instance, some cats may avoid their litter box and poop on the floor all of a sudden for different reasons. Typically, changes in behavior in older, potty-trained cats occur because of health issues such as diabetes and urinary tract infections.
Below, I will discuss possible reasons senior cats avoid their litter box and suddenly poop all over the floor and solutions, so let’s dive right in.
Older Cat Pooping Outside Litter Box: Possible Reasons
Some older cats develop litter box issues that aren’t necessarily a reflection of their previous habits.
Whether your elderly cat wasn’t toilet trained at a young age or gained toilet issues as they aged, don’t worry because they aren’t unusual for seniors.
Some senior cats never develop litter box issues, but it’s better to learn the warning signs in case problems arise that lead to potential toilet challenges with your cat.
Your elderly cat can experience litter box issues because of changes in their routine, schedule, or environment. However, medical problems can also affect their litter box habits.
If your elderly cat is suddenly pooping on the floor, consider the following medical reasons and consult your vet for possible treatments.
1. Senior Cat Pooping on the Floor Because of Medical Issues
Your elderly cat can have litter box problems because of a medical issue.
If you notice toilet changes in your older cat, visit your vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions responsible for these sudden changes.
Serious Medical Issues
Suppose it’s a medical issue such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, lower urinary tract infections, or kidney disease. (*)
In that case, your vet will offer treatment options, and your cat’s toilet habits will hopefully return to normal after the treatment.
All of these conditions cause more frequent urination in cats. And they’re common in senior cats.
Other medical issues like spinal conditions, degenerative joint disease, or arthritis can make older cats avoid their litter box as they associate the whole process with pain.
It’s not the litter box or using the toilet causing discomfort or pain, but the cat knows they don’t have to hurt if they don’t use the litter box. And that’s why they find other places to relieve themselves where it’s not as painful.
Less Serious Medical Issues
Lastly, blindness, glaucoma, and decreased vision in elderly cats can be why your feline has stopped using the litter box. (*)
Blind cats can memorize the essential locations such as food and water bowls, resting spots, and litter boxes.
However, if you move their litter box or rearrange the furniture, they might miss the mark and poop all over your carpet because they lost their vision.
Most cat owners don’t know their senior felines have lost their vision until something like this happens.
2. Senior Cat Pooping on the Floor Because of Cognitive Decline
Old cats can develop feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), a type of cognitive decline with symptoms like deterioration in memory, hearing, sight, and learning ability.
Some elderly cats with cognitive decline, which resembles dementia, will forget what to do when they get to their litter box or even where to find their litter box.
Your vet can prescribe medication and supplements if your elderly cat is diagnosed with FCD, such as anti-anxiety drugs for cognitive decline to help ease their anxiety and other related issues.
You can also do some things to help your senior cat with litter box issues.
Maintain consistency in your cat’s daily routines and surroundings
Many cats of all ages don’t like change. However, old cats, especially those with various degrees of cognitive decline and separation anxiety, need consistency to feel safe.
Avoid rearranging your cat’s litter box
Please keep it in the same place, so your cat can easily find it. If you must move the litter box, leave one recent dropping in it to help your feline find it by scent.
Try Puppy Pads
Install puppy pads if your kitten finds the litter box but forgets to get into the box.
3. Senior Cat Pooping on the Floor Because of Aging Body
If your old cat is peeing and suddenly pooping outside the litter box, it could mean that using a litter box isn’t as easy as it was when they were younger.
Experts say elderly cats with stiff, achy bodies hate litter boxes as they can’t easily hop in and out of them as before.
It’s now painful and tiring for them to use the litter box. Your cat probably associates the litter box with pain, so they avoid it and use your floor instead.
Observing your cat’s movements allows you to determine if this is the issue.
Your elderly cat might struggle to jump on and off the sofa because of their aging body. Keep notes of your cat’s movement so you can later share your observations with your vet and ask for help.
4. Senior Cat Pooping on the Floor Because of Environmental Stress
Experts say that aside from medical issues in elderly cats, environmental stress is a common cause of toilet changes.
Older cats can be more sensitive to environmental changes because they could not adapt to changes as they were young.
Simply put, if your elderly cat is suddenly pooping on the floor, they’re probably unable to adjust to recent changes in your household.
So, cats poop on the floor because of physical distress. They’re not doing it out of revenge or anger, so keep that in mind before you get angry when you see a cat poop on your floor.
Elderly Cat Pooping on Floor: Possible Solutions
It’s never a pleasant experience when you encounter a poop on your floor or carpet left by your beloved feline. When your older cat stopped using the litter box all of a sudden, this may concern you.
However, cleaning your cat’s litter box and ensuring your feline is physically healthy and happy will fix this issue in most cases.
If you have an elderly cat, their toilet habits can change for different reasons, such as health issues (cancer, diabetes, urinary tract infections, or renal difficulties).
Other family felines can also start treating the elderly cat differently.
Your vet will likely prescribe medications and supplements for their health issues, but you can also do certain things to make their life easier and help them with their toilet needs.
1. Maintain a Pleasant Environment
Older cats get stressed more quickly, so keep changes minimal. Or incorporate more extensive changes gradually, so they have time to adapt.
Provide a stress-free and pleasant environment for your cat that will help their toilet issues and strengthen your bond.
Moreover, provide your one cat with a quiet and dark resting spot where they can chill and relax without other pets in the household disrupting their peace.
You can also give soothing supplements recommended by your vet, which can help balance your cat’s digestive and immune systems.
I also suggest giving your older cat a herbal solution to keep your cat calm but make sure you consult your vet beforehand.
Lastly, don’t forget to play with your senior feline daily if they’re in the mood for play, as play keeps their mind and body active.
2. Litter Box Location and Cleanliness
Cats appreciate privacy, especially senior felines.
Elderly cats, like some older people, lose patience more quickly as they age. So, a cat that has easily tolerated a dirty litter box as a young kitten can skip it if it’s not clean and seek alternatives such as the floor.
You can prevent this by cleaning the litter box regularly, making it easily accessible and away from the cat’s bed or food bowl.
3. Provide More Litter Boxes
Elderly cats can lose control over their bladder as they grow older or have physical issues that make it harder to “hold it” long enough to run across the home without causing a mess.
Simply put, your cat’s bladder control might weaken over time.
You can prevent this by placing litter boxes close to resting spots. Moreover, ensure your feline has multiple litter boxes on each floor of your home.
Install a second litter box in a separate area if you already have one. Place it next to the spot where your feline has been pooping recently.
Moreover, provide separate litter boxes if you have multiple cats because cats hate sharing litter boxes with other cats.
4. Provide Large Litter Boxes
If your cat is suddenly pooping on the floor, there could be a problem with their litter box.
Cats prefer large, open litter boxes, so ensure your older cat has a giant litter box without a covering. You can also improvise king-sized litter boxes for your elderly cat out of large plastic storage containers.
Commercial litter boxes aren’t suitable for cats with arthritis because they’re either too tall to climb in and out of or too short. And since arthritis is common in elderly cats, it’s essential to have litter boxes of the right height.
Moreover, the sides of the litter box should be low and easily accessible. Tall sides can be more brutal and more painful to climb over for elderly cats. So, ensure plenty of room for your feline to poop and pee in comfort.
If you’re a DIYer, you can make a smaller litter box for your older cat out of a plastic shirt-box storage container. You can use the storage container’s lid or cut down the sides of a standard litter box.
Extra tip: Aluminum disposable bakeware can also do the trick, as you can adjust the height of the sides if needed. Just beware of sharp edges and add a stable ramp into the improvised litter tray if necessary.
5. Use the Right Type of Litter in the Right Amount
Too much litter inside the litter box can make felines with arthritis feel unbalanced or afraid when trying to squat and balance while pooping.
Additionally, experiment with different cat litter if your cat is suddenly pooping on the floor.
Many cats prefer unscented cat litter, while others don’t mind. So, try different types and determine which one works for your feline.
Keep in mind that cats don’t like artificial aromas, as they have sensitive noses. So, if you’re using scented cat litter, replace it with unscented as soon as possible.
The litter’s texture could also be why your cat skipped the litter box. So, try different types of litter in separate boxes and see which one your cat prefers.
Lastly, check the size of the litter particles and whether or not the litter clumps, as in some cases, these things can make your cat avoid the litter box.
Important note: If you suspect your senior cat suffers from a health issue, schedule a vet appointment immediately.
Always consult your vet for health-related questions, as they have already examined your cat, know their medical history, and can suggest a solution.
6. Adjust Your Cat’s Diet
Elderly cats have different dietary needs than younger cats.
Therefore, make sure you adjust your cat’s food as they age. You can consult your vet for cat food recommendations to ensure you buy cat food that meets your pet’s needs.
Moreover, make sure your cat’s well-hydrated. When cats get older, they need more hydration. So, provide fresh and clean water at all times.
If you think your elderly cat doesn’t drink enough water, pour a small amount of tuna liquid into their water bowl.
Cats love tuna, so the pungent smell will make the water more appealing and encourage your feline to drink. You can also include tuna in your cat’s diet as a weekly treat.
Extra tip: Install pet fountains around the home to encourage your cat to drink more water.
7. Give Your Cat Extra TLC
If you have a senior cat with toilet issues, don’t get mad at your furry friend as they don’t do it on purpose.
Support and love your feline throughout the hard times and ask your vet for possible solutions if they have a medical issue.
Lastly, if you feel there’s something wrong with your cat and notice changes in their litter box behavior, don’t wait and call your vet for advice.
So, Why is My Old Cat Pooping Everywhere?
Is your elderly cat suddenly pooping on the floor?
Changes in litter box habits, such as pooping on the floor, can result from cognitive decline or endocrine illnesses such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
The most common illness in cats is urinary tract infection, but it’s not common in kittens.
So, if you have an elderly cat pooping and peeing on your floor or carpet, call your vet and ask for advice. The good news is that your vet can treat urinary tract infections with medications.
Once you determine why your elderly cat is suddenly pooping on the floor, you can step in and provide a solution.
Some elderly cats change their litter box habits because of basic things such as the wrong type of litter boxes, the wrong kind of litter, the lack of litter boxes on each floor, not enough litter boxes for all cats in the household, or cat food.
If there’s a problem with the litter box or cat food, experiment with different products and see what your elderly cat prefers.
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*image by NewAfrica/depositphotos