Stress pooping outside of the litterbox
My 3-year-old cat suddenly started pooping outside the litter box after years of perfect litter habits and I’m genuinely losing my mind 😭
She still pees in the litter box normally. The issue is ONLY poop, and usually right in front of the litter box.
She has a large uncovered litter box with soft litter (same litter since I got her), it gets cleaned multiple times a day, she’s spayed and she has no health issues according to the vet. She sometimes poops normally in the box too, mostly when I’m around her.
The pattern seems connected to stress/separation/routine changes:
- when I’m away traveling
- when I leave for a few hours
- when she’s temporarily separated from me (closed door, balcony for a few mins, etc.)
- when other people are taking care of her
She never used to do this until about 6 months ago.
She’s otherwise a super affectionate, social, relaxed cat. Eats, plays, cuddles, acts completely normal.
Has anyone dealt with this exact situation? What ACTUALLY helped long-term?