| The Scoop on Litter Boxes | ||
| Most cats take to litter box training like a fish takes to water. They have a natural instinct to bury their waste, so cat litter is an enticing toiletry material for them. However, problems can occur when a cat, for whatever reason, suddenly stops using his litter box in favor of less appropriate places to deposit his waste. There are a number of reasons why your cat might not want to use his litter box. Some cats are finicky about cleanliness and won't use a dirty box. Some cats, especially unaltered ones, may act on their instinct to mark their territory by spraying or defecating in the house. In multi-cat households, there may be a territory or dominance issue between the cats, which prevents one cat from accessing the litter box. The following suggestions will help you solve litter box problems and maintain aromatic peace in your household! 1. Rule out health problems. If your cat is perfectly litter box trained and then suddenly stops using his litter box, there may be an underlying health problem, such as a urinary tract infection, causing the problem. Have your cat or kitten examined by a veterinarian to rule out health-related causes. |
2. Establish the litter box location. A new cat should be placed in the litter box immediately so he can familiarize himself with its location and explore his new environment from this point of reference. Choose a quiet location for the litter box, as cats who are upset by noises or harassment by other animals may be discouraged from using the litter box. 3. Neuter or spay your cat. Cats who are neutered or spayed are less likely to engage in territory marking by spraying or defecating in the house. 4. Keep the litter box clean. Keeping the litter box clean by scooping it out once a day will help avoid problems with cats who are sensitive about using a dirty litter box. Self-cleaning litter boxes now on the market help make this job much easier for cat owners! 5. There are special considerations for a multi-cat household. To avoid problems in a multi-cat household, be sure to provide enough litter boxes. Sometimes adding an extra litter box is enough to take care of a problem. In the case of territory disputes, put litter boxes in different |
locations so all cats have access to them. 6. Try different litter products. Some cats are particular about the type of litter they will use. Litter comes in all different types of textures and fragrances, and some cats may prefer one texture over another or are sensitive to litters that are heavily scented. 7. Get a new litter box. Plastic litter boxes begin to retain urine scent when they get older, especially when the bottom becomes striated from scratching and cleaning. Also, litter boxes come in different styles which may play on a cat's preferences as well. Some cats will not use a covered litter box. Older cats may need a litter box with lower sides to help them access the litter box more easily. 8. Seek professional help. There are a number of resources available to pet owners who need professional help. Free advice is often available from your local humane organization, the internet, or public library. You can also call Cats International at 262-375-8852. |
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