Cats with litter box problems can be challenging. Cats will avoid the litter box for many different reasons. The problem can be solved with patience and training.
Urinary problems in cats can be a medical problem or a behavior problem. If kitty is no longer urinating in the litter box call your veterinarian immediately; the longer you wait the worse the problem can become. Medical problems can range from a bacterial infection to crystals or stones. If kitty is straining in the litter box and not producing urine (can be confused with constipation) call your veterinarian immediately - this is an emergency situation.
Behavior problems are diagnosed after ruling out a medical problem. Behavior problems are especially hard to fix, but not impossible. First try to solve why the cat has decided to stop using the litter box.
There are many types of behavior problems that will cause a cat to stop using the litter box - one issue is litter box avoidance.
Problem: Cats will avoid the litter box if they find it an unacceptable place to use the bathroom. Some reasons cats avoid the litter box are:
- There is a new litter being used that the cat doesn't like.
- The box is not kept clean enough so kitty finds a cleaner place to “go”.
- The cat associates pain with the box because of a past medical problem.
- The cat was scared by a noise or another pet or child while in the box.
- The cat thinks the box is a punishment because the owner has punished the cat for urinating outside the box and then placed the cat in the box.
Solution:
- Litter boxes should be kept very clean, scoop daily.
- Try not to change litters, if your cat is using the litter box without any problems then don't try to fix whats not broken. Most cats like sand type litters, the scoopable brands.
- Try adding a new box in a different location with a different litter. If your cat is not using the litter box then the new box has to be different enough so the cat doesn't think it is just like the old box.
- Some cats want a really big litter box, try a wardrobe box for one month, then add a smaller box inside it, then go smaller again. Keep in mind if you've got a really big cat then it is going to want a really big litter box.
- Don't place litter boxes by anything noisy. Boxes should be in quiet and private corners.
- Give the cat an escape route if there are other children or pets in the household.
- Have multiple boxes, the rule is one box per cat plus one.
This is a guideline for one litter box issue. If your cat is not using the litter box talk to your veterinarian first, then try some behavior/training solutions. Contacting an animal behaviorist may also be helpful.
Related Articles: Cat Urine Issues, Cat Urinary Problems and Cats With Behavior Problems
References: Kansas Humane Society
Dr. Emily Weiss, Kansas Humane Society Animal Behaviorist
