Cat Pooping and Moaning on the Floor

by Sara
(Chicago, Il. )

I have a 12 year old cat that has recently stopped pooping in his litter box. Instead, he chooses to poop on one spot in the living room (on the carpet) or near my parents bedroom door (also carpet). He has also recently started doing it in front of us. We noticed that when he does this he also tends to moan a little, as if he's in pain. We can't seem to figure out what the problem is because he pees in his litter box but won't poop there. There is not only one box but he has two and they are cleaned daily. We are not sure if this is something that comes with age, we should take him to the vet or what is going on. Your help would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Sara

Answer from Kate
Hi it is difficult to say whether this is caused by illness or behavior. Normally this behavior is known as Middening and is another form of scent marking. Please see this page for more on this

https://www.our-happy-cat.com/cat-poo.html

However you are best placed to assess whether or not you think your cat may be ill or not in which case a cautionary trip to the vets would be in order.

best wishes Kate

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