Litter box Problems
The number one problem for cats inside the
home
MetPet.com Staff Writer
The purpose of this extensive
discussion of litter boxes is to keep both you and your cat happy. Cats that can't or
won't use litter boxes each and every time are not very popular. We believe that
every cat can be a "clean" cat and that every litter box problem can be solved
with sufficient time, knowledge, trial-and-error and patience.
We find it easier, and much more
interesting, to treat these problems as a mystery. What would
Sherlock Holmes do? He would gather all the facts, consider all
the options and arrive at a logical solution. (A less useful
alternative is to be annoyed and irritated with your cat which could
simply aggravate the situation)
Anecdote: a cat wouldn't use the litter box because it was placed
between the kennels of snarling dogs
Anecdote: a cat couldn't use the
litter box because it was placed in complete darkness in the basement
and it couldn't find it or anything else
Anecdote: a cat couldn't consistently
use the litter box because it was placed in the basement of a 4 story
house and was sometimes too far away to complete the trip in time.
Find the Problem Cat (or other pet)
If you have multiple cats and dogs and can't
figure out who's using the new carpet for a toilette, try placing tiny
shavings of nontoxic colored crayons into their food. You may
think it's your cat using the bathroom carpet but what if it's your
dog?
Ruling Out Medical Problems
A sick cat can have trouble getting to the litter box on time. Sometimes
"accidents" are just that and beyond your cat's control. If your formerly
"clean" cat is having trouble with the litter box, you need to rule out physical
problems. These can include, but are not limited to kidney disease,
diabetes or urinary tract infection. Cats that are obese, aged or
suffering from pain can also have problems.
Sometimes a major flea or
allergy problem can cause litter box problems. An itchy, irritated cat may
use the nearest (like your nice clean carpet or duvet cover) spot because he
can't think of anything aside from how uncomfortable he is.
When you know that your cat is having physical
problems severe enough to cause litter box problems, then you can feel more
forgiving about the accidents. In fact, litter box problems may be the
first sign that your cat is ill. This will make it much easier to find a
reasonable (and immediate) solution.
Litter Box
Maintenance and Placement
Litter boxes need to be
cleaned every day and filled with a litter acceptable to your cat.
In extreme situations, the litter box may need to be emptied after each
use. Once the situation is under control, you should be able to
empty it once a day.
There need to be
enough litter boxes to keep a multiple cat household happy. litter boxes need to be
placed where your cat can reach it and will use it. Click
here for more detailed information.
Psychological
Problems
Once you have ruled out both
medical and litter box maintenance and placement problems, there are
some fairly common psychological and behavioral factors that could be
causing the problem. Cats are sensitive, highly focused creatures of
habit. Changes in the environment that are ignored by us could
be highly disturbing to your cat.
Marking and Spraying
Scent marking is done most
often by adult male cats but female cats can do it also. This is different from
elimination because it is done to mark territory. Scent markings are generally done
on vertical surfaces such as walls. They can, however, also occur on
horizontal surfaces like rugs and clothing left on the floor. Popular areas to mark outside include bushes and
fences especially near well-used paths and sidewalks.
Several cats can traverse the
same territory at different times marking the same areas over and over again.
Marking appears to be time related. As the scent wears off, the cat comes back to
mark it again.
An indoor cat that sees another cat
outside the patio door, may mark inside. Bringing the scent of another cat
in on your shoes or clothing can have a similar effect. Your cat smells
the strange cat and marks the entry rug or door frame.
Marking can be a sign of
stress. In multiple cat households, overcrowding can lead to urination problems.
Cats are not pack animals and need their own space. Once an area is marked,
it is important to clean it thoroughly with an ammonia-less, enzymatic cleanser or your cat will refresh his scent again and again.
Bad Incident
A cat that is frightened while in the litter box could be too scared to use it. He
could have been scared by a loud noise, a person or another pet coming upon him suddenly.
A cat that is sick and experiences pain while using the litter box can associate
that feeling with the box and refuse to use it.
Stress
Cats need a relatively calm, predictable life. A significant negative change, from
your cat's perspective, can cause litter box problems. Some cats have great coping
abilities while others turn tail and run (or pee) at the first sign of trouble. Here
are some possibilities.
Changes in your cat:
Illness or disease (as above)
Changes in your cat's
routine:
New food
New eating schedule
New litter box (adding a cover or moving it for example) or litter
New medication, flea powder, etc.
Environmental changes:
A new member of the household either human or animal
A change in the routine such as a new job or more time away from the house
A new cat in the neighborhood
A significant illness in the house
Changes to the house such as new paint, carpets, furniture, etc.
Lots of visitors
Look for Change
A change in litter box habits is a signal from your cat to you that something has changed
either in him or in his environment. It helps to sit down and write out a list of
significant changes (from your cat's perspective) to help you pinpoint and deal with the
problem.
Cats are not malicious
creatures and a litter box problem is often a cry for help. Here is an interesting
anecdote. A cat started peeing on the bathroom rug. The irritated owner
removed the rug thinking it was the texture that the cat preferred over his
litter box.
The cat then began peeing directly on the floor and the astonished owner noticed
the pee was pink. The cat was sick and the urine was tinged with blood.
Related Articles:
litter boxes
litter box for Kittens
litter box Placement and Maintenance
litter boxes and strays
Plants as litter boxes
Cats Marking Your Vents
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