Cat Urinary Problems
Helping Cats With Behavior Problems Regarding The Litter Box
Some cats have issues regarding the litter box. Sometimes these problems are due to a cat urinary tract infection but sometimes its a behavior problem that needs to be a
Urinary problems in cats can be due to a medical problem or a behavior problem. When cats no longer want to use the litter box the first step is always to see your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will want to check a urine sample for a medical problem. The medical problem could be a feline urinary tract infection or due to crystals or stones in the bladder. Some male cats can become blocked and unable to urinate. If your cat 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 reasons why cats stop using the litter box, they are very sensitive creatures after all. One reason is due to surface preferences.
Problem: Some cats have a surface they prefer to use the bathroom on.
- Some cats like to urinate on soft surfaces like carpet, bedding, and clothes. Some cats prefer hard/slick surfaces like counters, tile, and bathtubs.
- Cats that were once outside may prefer grass or dirt.
Solution:
- Cats that like soft surfaces will prefer very soft sand like litters. Place the litter box on a soft carpet so the cat can paw on it when it's done using the bathroom.
- For cats that like hard/slick surfaces use very little litter in one end of the box and leave the other end of the box bare. Place the box on a hard floor.
- Mix dirt in the litter box for cats that prefer to eliminate on dirt and grass.
- Make areas where the cat has been using the bathroom unattractive by cleaning with citrus scented cleansers or place a carpet runner upside down in that area. Placing aluminum foil in the area sometimes works as well. (Punch some holes in the foil so the area can breathe).
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. Don't give up on your cat, training cats can be done it just takes a little time and a lot of patience. Stay in contact with your veterinarian and keep them apprised of the situation, if training alone doesn't help there might be medications that can help. Most medications are meant to be used along with training.
Related Articles: Cat Litter Box Issues, Cat Urine Issues, and Cats With Behavior Problems
References: Kansas Humane Society
Dr. Emily Weiss, Kansas Humane Society Animal Behaviorist
