A recent client was fostering a 3-year-old very overweight cat.  She was not using the litter box to poo, only to pee.  This was part of our conversation:

Frances:  I understand you don’t go poo in the litter box.  Why is that?

It’s hard to clean up after myself and I don’t like licking the litter off my fur. 

Frances: I get it that you are having problems, Is it due to your size?

Yes, I’m fluffier than most cats.

Frances: Yes, but I suspect that it isn’t just fur, correct?

Yeah, I like to eat.  Hey, it’s all I got, you know?

Frances:  Well, maybe you can play around a bit to work it off?  Run after a feather on a stick, yarn ball, mice or a fluffy ball?

I suppose so, but I can’t do it alone. 

Frances:  I’ll talk with your foster mom about your activity level.  You’re so young and have such a wonderful life ahead of you.

Why do you say a wonderful life?  It hasn’t been all that great so far. 

Frances:  Ah, but that is the difference.  Your life ahead will be so much brighter, just waiting for the perfect home for you to present itself.  In the meantime, do you have any requests for your forever home.

Oh, I would love to be in a house with activity, to see people moving about so I can watch them.  I’m not really crazy about dogs or kids, they are too unpredictable, and I don’t trust them.  An older person or couple works too – I like to watch TV with them and hang out in the living area.

Frances:  Do you ever look outside to watch the birds or the critters on the ground?

I do, but since I can’t go outside, what’s the point?

Frances:  Well, there is lots of activity to watch if nobody is home to watch.

Yes, that’s true, I suppose I could do more of that to keep me busy.  I’m a bit bored and I think I eat when I’m bored.

Frances: That’s very common for people too.  We’ll see what we can do to get you more activity and maybe lose that extra fluff.  In the meantime, please use the litter box for your poo too.  It is helpful for you to be consistent and cleaner in order to find your forever home.  That’s important to you, right?

Yes, of course – I want to find a forever home.  I will do my best to poo as you say, in the litter box.

Perhaps this is a reminder for all of us not to overindulge during the holiday season.  Stay safe and enjoy your holidays.  Looking forward to a joyous and prosperous 2023!

For the Love of Animals,
Frances