Mother Considers Rehoming 9 Y.O. Daughter's Cat Due To Consistent Litter Box Neglect And Frequent Floor Defecation, Asks If This Makes Her Insensitive

"I am sick and tired of cleaning the floor every day, only for it to be shat on again in a few hours."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• July 11, 2023

With their graceful movements and captivating presence, cats have a unique ability to form meaningful relationships with humans, including children. While their independent nature may initially seem at odds with the demands of forming close bonds, cats have a remarkable capacity for affection and companionship.

The way they forge relationships with humans, particularly children, is a testament to their adaptability and innate understanding of human emotions. For many children, cats become more than just pets; they become cherished friends and confidants.

Cats possess an uncanny ability to sense and respond to the needs of children, providing comfort and companionship gently and profoundly. Whether it's a comforting purr, a gentle nudge, or a warm presence by their side, cats have a unique way of soothing and reassuring young hearts.

The bond between cats and children is often forged through mutual curiosity and shared experiences. Cats, being highly observant creatures, quickly adapt to the energy and behavior of the children they are attracted to.

Cats also provide valuable lessons in responsibility and empathy for children. Caring for a cat involves feeding, grooming, and providing a safe environment, which teaches children the importance of nurturing and caring for another living being.

They also have an uncanny ability to sense emotions, often offering comfort and solace when children are feeling sad or anxious. This emotional connection cultivates empathy and compassion within children as they learn to recognize and respond to the needs of another being.

However, it's not exactly a secret that they can be quite high maintenance sometimes—especially when they aren't trained well. And it may not bode well with some people at times.

Just take a look at this particular Reddit post...

After the passing of their 17-year-old cat, which their daughter considered her own, OP is now grappling with the issue of their new cat repeatedly soiling the floor, prompting thoughts of rehoming the cat.

Recognizing the need for stability and emotional support amidst significant life changes such as moving away, starting a new school, and their parents' separation, OP made the thoughtful decision to get their daughter a new cat, hoping it would provide comfort and companionship throughout the transition.

During the search for a new cat or kitten, OP had initially planned on getting only one but encountered a situation where one of the desired kittens had already been adopted.

After nearly two years of having the cats, a distinct bond has formed between the male cat and OP, while the female cat has become a devoted companion to their daughter, bringing comfort and happiness.

In an effort to resolve the issue of the cat's refusal to defecate in the litter box, OP attempted various strategies.

Considering the frustration and distress caused by the cat's persistent refusal to use the litter box, it's understandable that OP feels overwhelmed and at their wit's end.

A couple of updates from OP:

She also answered some questions:

And shared some words of gratitude to everyone that commented.

She followed up with answering a common question...

And some more clarifications!

OP acknowledges the emotional impact of having to give up pets as a child but also recognizes the sweet and supportive nature of the cat as a great companion for their daughter.

The cat holds a special place OP's daughter's heart, and she is quick to assert her ownership of the cat.

OP expresses frustration with individuals who fail to understand the distinction between providing additional context and engaging in argumentative behavior.

Here's what people have to say:

Seems like OP missed the "Number of cats plus one" litter box rule and the memo about seeking veterinary advice and a behaviorist's input.

Your childhood cat had a knack for using socks as a way to navigate around dirty litter, providing a funny and ingenious solution.

The change in environment and the introduction of your cat into your parents' home may have caused their cat to engage in territorial behavior, leading to defecating in front of the front door.

Cats have their unique ways of communicating, and when they start voiding in odd places, it's often a clear signal that something is off.

Oh, for the love of litter boxes, don't be a CATastrophe waiting to happen!

Expecting a literal child to handle cat clean-up duty sounds like a purrfect recipe for some serious kitty chaos, not to mention a questionable parenting decision.

Woah, looks like we've got a litter-ary expert here with a smorgasbord of box-related solutions!

Now, it's time to pounce on those research skills and discover the purr-fect fix!

There may have been something wrong with the cat for it to react that way, and we do feel sorry that OP considered the possibility of giving it up if it doesn't get its act right—it's just an animal, after all! We also feel sorry for the child who has to deal with all of this.

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia