My baby girl started that just after we brought her home. Found another maltese web site that recommended putting 'accent' flavor enhancer on her kibble, (just a sprinkle). Evidently it made the feces unpalatable (as if it weren't ordinarily) It worked!! had no problem since. From what i'm told, it is a trait that goes back to dogs in the wild, not leaving a trail for other dogs to find them. As for the cats and THEIR food? Beats me!!! lol
good luck.
