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Why is my senior cat suddenly pooping outside the litter box?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 11 years and 5 months old | 16 lbs

My cat has recently been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. He is on pain medication and is overall doing well. Today he pooped not peed directly outside his litter box. The poop was normal but it was the first time since he was a kitten that he has done it. If it continues what could it mean. Thank you

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 23rd, 2017

Dasher may have just missed the box. Since he is an older kitty, he also may have been in pain from arthritis and may have decided not to go all the way into the box. If you notice that he walk stiffly or has swollen joints, then you can get a larger soft plastic box and cut an entrance, so he does not have to climb into the box. There is also a chance that he is not feeling well overall today and missed the box because of that. I would not worry about it too much until it becomes a problem.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 5th, 2016

    He may be in pain when squatting. Kitties older than 7 years old get arthritis, some worse than others. So he may associate the box with pain or does not make it in time because he tries to hold off on eliminating. You may try to feed him canned food (pate type) and try to add a little bit of fiber such as canned pumpkin (not pie filling) or bran. start with a tiny bit mixed in and slowly up it to about a teaspoon per feed. This will soften his poop and make it easier for him to get rid of.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 8th, 2017

    Hello! This can happen for either behavioral or medical reasons. Jed could have had something scare him while he was defecating, and now associates that fear with the litterbox. He also may be developing arthritis or have some other source of pain, and could be having more trouble getting in & out of the litterbox, or getting to the part of the house where the litterbox is kept (particularly if he has to go down a flight of stairs). Cats will sometimes start going outside the box if they are having diarrhea or constipation issues. I recommend having Jed checked by your vet, who can help determine if he may be painful or have any other medical issues that might be contributing to this. Although I know it's not preferable to have litterboxes in the main areas of the house, it would also be helpful to see if he'll use a litterbox, if you place some in the areas where he's been having accidents. That will help you determine if he's avoiding the litterbox itself, or just doesn't want to go where the litterbox has previously been kept. I hope this helps!

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