I'M SO UPSET

[Pam Flachs]

Do you have just one litter box? Some cats (of any breed) prefer a separate box for each function...one for pooping, one for peeing. Make sure there is at least one litter box on every level of your home. How large is your litter box? He may have outgrown it. And a covered vs uncovered box can mean a world of difference as they grow. They definitely can show a preference even if they used a covered box before. I use sterilite or rubbermaid boxes for litter boxes...the bigger the better, no lids. You can also try adding some Cat or Kitten Attract litter to entice him to use the box.

As for the mucous you are seeing, I'd recommend having a PCR test to determine what is going on with his poop. This is not a regular fecal test that vet offices routinely do for worms and such, but one that checks for specific parasites. The PCR test is more expensive, but worth it to find out for sure.

 

[WitchyWoman]

Is there concern if i noticed some mucous on those mushy poops of his?

A small amount of mucus is normal. BUT, with the other symptoms, I urge you to go to the vet with a fresh poop sample and get to the bottom of this. The cat could have any number of bacterial or parasitic infections or just be stressed out from your absence. You have to try to find the cause of the symptoms. We can't diagnose this. Please take the kitten to the vet.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

The mucus can result from gastrointestinal inflammation, and that is likely to be happening if his stools are soft. Definitely if they still are loose and unformed I would take to the vet and yes, as Pam suggests have a fecal PCR test run to rule out nasty pathogens.

It could be that when you started with that small "litterbox" used to train them for the litter kwitter (if I remember the process correctly) was okay when he was a smaller kitten but as he grows it is less and less okay with him. Until he decided enough was enough. We actually had a sudden peeing outside the box issue with our first Savannah when he was about 6 months of age. It took me a while to work out that it was the cover to the litterbox, when he was smaller that was okay but as he sits very upright as he grew it was more and more cramped. We took the cover away and he went back to using the box. Now when you think that pooping takes more time then the kitty has to balance longer to use that little litterbox for pooping than peeing, which may be why he's returned to using the litterbox for peeing but not pooping yet.

In any case, I'd have him to the vet to check out and if all is well, then turn your attention to the litterbox issue...

 

[John Popp]

Brigitte pretty much has this nailed. Training cats for our convenience doesn't always work and always best to have a fall back plan in place before pulling the rug out from under them.

Our big boy won't pee and poop in the same box. It also gets dicey with a third urine ball and chongo has to bury his business. He is also prone to showing his distaste for a variety of reasons by not using his box. Change in food, windows being open or getting some wood laid on him. Of course there is not feeling well and he's quick to leave a gift to let you know.

So backing up, it's important to get back to his ground level. Diet, litter boxes and with continued loose stools a trip to the vet. Making the other changes slowly and one at a time will guide you through the maze and get them back to being a good roommate.

Also, anti icky poo works great and not even the other cats pick up a scent on treated areas.