A cat not using the litter box is a problem that's hard to ignore. Inappropriate urination in cats is probably the number one problem among cat owners. In fact, litter box problems are the most common reason why a cat is taken to an animal shelter, or even euthanized.
Contrary to popular belief, cats don't stop using the litter box because they're trying to get back at their owners for something. A feline with this issue is trying is trying to tell the owner something. It's important to figure out what the problem is, and to deal with it quickly, before it becomes an ingrained habit.
Take the offending cat to the vet for a check-up to rule out any medical issues. A cat with a feline urinary tract infection may associate the litter box with pain, and start urinating elsewhere. Older pets may have arthritis, which can make it painful to get into and out of the box. Take care of any medical problems first.
Top Three Reasons for Litter Box Problems
There are three main reasons why a cat is not using the litter box:
- The kitty has developed an aversion to the box
- She doesn't like the cat litter
- The box is located in an area she doesn't like
Litter Box Aversions
If something about the litter box bothers the cat, she won't use it. As mentioned above, a cat with a feline bladder infection may learn to associate using the litter box with pain. An arthritic cat, or a small kitten, may have difficulty accessing the box, too.
A large cat needs a larger box to be comfortable. If she's cramped, she may find a more comfortable place on her own.
Although humans like covered litter boxes, cats don't always appreciate them, since they keep odors in, instead of allowing them to dissipate. Dirty litter is a turn-off, too. Cats don't like dirty smelly bathrooms any more than people do.
Are there small children or other pets in the home? A cat that's being bothered by a small child or another cat or dog while she's using the litter pan may find a safer area to do her business.
Use the Right Cat Litter
A cat may not like the litter provided, especially if it's heavily scented to cover odors. It's best to avoid scented litters, and keep the litter box clean to avoid odor problems.
There are many different types of cat litter available. The best solution is to use what the feline is already accustomed to, if possible. When getting a new cat or kitten, try to continue using the same kind of litter used in the old home. If it's necessary to change the type of litter used, do it slowly, over a period of time, by gradually decreasing the amount of old litter while increasing the amount of the new.
Locating the Litter Box Properly
Cats need a private area for the litter pan. Try to find a place that's easily accessible, while still providing privacy. A bathroom closet may be a good location. Put a wooden block in the doorway so it can't be closed accidentally.
Although a basement may seem like a great location to the cat owner, it may not be so great for the cat. A kitten may be too scared to go down into a big, dark, scary basement. Even an older cat may be scared of the furnace, or the washer or dryer, since they come to life unexpectedly, and make lots of noise.
Solving Litter Box Problems
It can take some detective work to solve the problem of inappropriate urination in cats. Sometimes several issues are involved, and the original cause of the problem may not be the reason it's continuing. Try to deal with one issue at a time. By using the process of elimination, it's possible to end this problem.
Sources:
Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling
Solving Litter Box Problems
Darlene Norris - Darlene Norris is a cat-lover who has been owned by many kitties over the years. She was employed as an assistant manager at an animal ...
