How to stop my cat from having wet, gaseous poop outside the box?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 lbs
My cat uses the box to pee, and some times to poop. But he also has bowel movements that are wet gaseous which he only drops outside the box. It is becoming a sanitary problem.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 6th, 2017
Litter box problems can be extremely frustrating! Sometimes this can be managed by a few simple home modifications. For starters, add an extra litter box to the area where Shadow seems to be having his bowel movements - even if it that means that you have two litter boxes directly next to each other. If the current litter box has a hood/lid, leave the second litter box open, or vice versa. Also try using a calming pheromone diffuser (Feliway is one example) close to the litter boxes. If you have recently changed the type of litter being used, go back to the initial brand. If you have not changed the brand of litter, try using a different brand/type (such as Yesterday's News) in the second litter box. Also be sure to scoop the box several times per day - some cats will only use a pristine litter box. It may take a good bit of trial and error with some of these strategies to figure out what will work best for Shadow. If he continues to go outside of the litter box after a few weeks of trying some of these different strategies, it may be worth taking a trip to the vet to discuss a trial with anxiety management medications. I hope that all goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 13th, 2017
Try a pheromone product such as Feliway spray or plug in diffuser. Either may decrease any anxiety or stress in the home. You can also try placing his food and water bowls on the spot. Clean the soiled area thoroughly first using an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature's Miracle. Add an extra litterbox in the house and try different brands and depths of kitty litter in addition to the litterbox attractants.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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