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LeMat
Lv 4
LeMat asked in PetsCats · 1 decade ago

How do you correct a cat that hides poop when it's angry?

Our cat is a rescue, and we've had her for about a year and a half. She's seven (or so) and in good health. She's a sweetheart, and we love her. But there's a problem.

She loves people. Loves them! But when we're gone, she gets upset. And when she gets upset, she vomits and defecates in hard-to-spot areas that we can never find until they stink.

So now, every time I'm out of town on business, my wife wakes up to find poop and vomit all over the place. Her litter box is cleaned twice daily, and she's in great health. We've tried everything, and it either has no effect or the steps we take make her upset, so she poops and vomits all over everything.

Apart from this, she's a great cat. We're not giving any thought to confining her or giving her away. But do we have to live like this? Help!

Update:

Great answers -- thanks! I could use even more!

I forgot to mention, she's not alone when I'm gone. My wife's at home with her. She just gets so upset that I'm not there that she acts out.

5 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I disagree that getting another cat might "backfire." I got my two cats both at around age 2 from the shelter and introduced them and they've become like a married couple. I think it's almost always infinitely better for an animal to have at least one other companion to keep it busy and keep its mind occupied, and give it things to do besides hide poop. I would never keep just one cat in my house; I've always had them in pairs. I think it keeps them healthier to not be alone, kind of like people.

    So I'd suggest perhaps getting another cat. Bring the new one in in a crate so they can smell and get used to each other.

    Though I can't guarantee that she won't get more neurotic and start hiding more poop. Perhaps get another cat her own age, rather than a bratty kitten, which would just be annoying for everyone.

  • 1 decade ago

    Your cat is not angry. Your cat has separation anxiety. Depending on how much time you have, you can either desensitize her, or try some sort of anti anxiety medicine, or both.

    Look up separation anxiety for dogs, what I am going to tell you works on a similar principal. First, is there something she really really loves. If there is, give it to her. Pretend you are leaving, stand outside the door for 10 seconds, come in, take away thing she really really loves. Repeat. Do this 10 times. Than make it 20 seconds, than 40 seconds, a minute, 4 minutes, 10 minutes, etc. Kitty learns that you leaving = good stuff, and you coming back = good stuff taken away. You can use food, treats, favorite toy, whatever.

    Second thing you can do, is purchase a product called Feliway. It works be emited feel good pheromones for kitties. Its suppose to calm them down. You can also talk to your vet about getting an anti-anxiety medicine for her.

    And, the Third thing you can do is ask a pet sitter to stop by when you are not around and play with her/ give her attention.

    And the last thing is how about a friend to keep her company? Another cat might be enough to keep her mind off of you.

    My cat Bentley is the same way, but luckily, he only gets upset after two days of being alone. Three days, and I come back to a mess.

  • 1 decade ago

    I agree, this cat is not angry, she's anxious. If it's happening when your wife is still home, it sounds like she's over attached to you.

    Getting her a companion might backfire: many cats prefer to be only cats and another cat might actually make her worse!

    Since you are committed to helping her, your best bet would probably be to get the help of a behaviorist. They'd be able to observe you and the cat together and come up with a plan to fit. Better than the guesswork anyone out here would have to do... You'll need to go through your vet: no good behaviorist will take on a case unless they have a referral from a vet.

    Good luck!

  • 1 decade ago

    Maybe Tellington Touch for cats can help you out..

    http://www.lindatellington-jones.com/whyTTouch.sht...

    perhaps, too, she could use stimulation while you're gone like soft music or a pet channel running

    in your absence..maybe even another very calm cat. I certainly have one that needs a home, my property attracts strays that need homes, and they are incredible personalities.

    We are in western Maryland, for anyone reading this. My husband and I are sick and unable to care for as many cats as keep showing up, including their kittens. Doesn't help that we're out here on a mountain by ourselves.

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  • 1 decade ago

    Get some of your unwashed sweatshirts / t shirts (any clothing item that has your smell) and leave them around where she usually sleeps. this should help relax her, because she will be reminded of you. Also, how great of you to rescue her and take her in. Give your kitty some pets from me, and i wish you all the best.

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