My cat has developed a most disturbing habit.

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

As soon as he uses the litterbox, he rolls his droppings *back* out of the box and uses them for toys.
Then he rolls his *presents* right into the family room to share with us ...
He was a feral kitten that I rescued and spent months taming, and he is still for the most part wild (I've had company here for the weekend and they don't believe a cat lives here), lol. He's a total house-cat that hides if strange folks come even in the yard.
He is 4 yrs old now, fixed and is current w/ shots and worming.
He's just started this in the last 2 wks.
I can't imagine what he's trying to tell me.
Do cats just 'get tired' of the same ol' litter?

I don't think that is it, but I don't know. The only aberrant behaviour is
the fresh poop-rolling thing, but that in itself is just unpleasant.

Poop should stay in the litterbox!
Thanks,
Lisa and the Streak

 

[peepsnbunnies]

I have no idea why he would be doing that, but I got tired of the low sides on the litterbox. I have a large cat and he would accidentally knock litter out when he was covering up. I bought one of those covered litterboxes. They have high sides and I doubt your kitty would be able to roll anything out. You can use it with or without the top.

Lisa

 

[rooster-red]

We've had this happen a couple of times.
We call it "Playing with the tootsie rolls"

When this happens with our cats its usually because they've lost their toys and happen to be in a very playful mood.

 

[cheepchicks]

Could be worse....my dogs will eat out of the box or bring what they find in the box into the LR. I call it crunchy cat treats.....

 

[WoodlandWoman]

When this happens, I would just take him and his "present" back to the litter box. Let him watch you bury it. Then, take him to another room and give him a toy to play with. Make sure he has things like catnip mice, those shiny crumpled balls, balls with little bells, etc.

I keep a container of loose catnip in the house, for sprinkling on the cat furniture and scratching posts. I store the spare kitty toys in there, to keep them "nipped up." That way I can give out fresh toys anytime and rotate the old ones back into the catnip container. One of my cats won't play with old toys and wants a new one every couple of days.

Cats also like those wand toys, if you want to give him a little interactive time, too. I've been known to do that over the back of the recliner, while watching TV! It's kind of like jigging for fish!

 

[PurpleChicken]

Oh No. Sorry to hear about this.

When a cat does this the only thing you can do is cull him. Find a nice stump and an axe.

He's playing and maybe a bit anxious. Get him a mouse.

Cats are wierd.

Kudos on adopting a stray and making him a house cat.

 

[texasgirl]

We have one of these:

 

[Poison Ivy]

Quote:
I would love to get our cat one of these but I think he's to fat. He is topping 17lbs at the moment and I don't think we would fit in the opening.

 

[chickbea]

They make all sorts of litter boxes with tops. I think one of those will solve your problem.

 

[Chellester]

The habit you descibe is a game that has been played by felines for many generations called "Roller Poopies." The rules for the game are as follows (credit Patty Jacobberger):

RULES FOR PLAY OF "ROLLER POOPIES"

1) One or more cats and/or kittens may compete.

2) Poopies used must be good and dry and preferably rounded and small in order to roll properly and fit into the various goals.

3) A non-carpeted floor should be used as the playing court (e.g. a cage floor, kitchen floor, bathroom floor, etc.)

4) To be played at night - just as owners are about to fall asleep.

5) Object of the game - 250 points to be scored within an 8-hour peiod of time, divided into 4 1-hour periods of play interchanged with 4 1-hour periods of rest.

6) If this game is played within the show hall, the cat MUST make certain that an audience of spectators and breeders is present. This is done to properly embarass the owner.

SCORING
1. Retrieval of poopies from potty pan:
A. Two-paws retrieval............2 points
B. One-paw retrieval.............5 points
C. Retrieval of inadequate or mushy poopie.......Subtract 5 points

2. Dribbling poopies:
A. Non-stop to within 4 feet of potty pan.....................3 points
B. Non-stop across kitchen....................................5 points
C. Non-stop from pan, through kitchen into living room........7 points
D. Done in presence of owners dinner company.................10 points

3. Passing of poopies in the air at least two seconds:
A. One kitty toss in the air.................3 points
B. Completed forward pass....................5 points
C. If poopie shatters on impact.............10 points

4. Goals in Roller Poopie:
A. Under the stove or refrigerator............5 points
B. Under furniture with 1" clearance.........10 points
C. Dead center on food plate.................15 points
D. Water dish................................25 points

5. Bonus points:

A. Water dish goals:
a. For every hour before discovery............5 points
b. If nearly disloved before discovery.......10 points
c. If owner gags when dumping................15 points

B. For placing in 3am path to bathroom so owner steps on it in bare feet ..10 points
If stepped on with fleshy part of arch......15 points

C. Movement of poopie up the stairs:
a. With mouth (never observed)................5 points
b. Using paws (one step at a time)...........15 points
c. On wood steps between midnight and 6 a.m....20 points

D. Nighttime bonus:
a. After lights out...........................5 points
b. After 2 a.m.................................10 points
c. If owner confiscates and cat gets another in play within 10 minutes..15 points

As you probably guessed, the are DEGREES OF DIFFICULTY points that can be awarded - but that another story.