Cats are quite fastidious creatures. This is evident in their litter box habits so it can be quite frustrating for cat parents when their cat develops litter box problems. However, there are several strategies you can use to help retrain your cat to start using its litter box again. But before we get into those strategies, let’s take a look at some of the possible reasons why your cat is rejecting the litter box in the first place.
Reasons Why Cats Reject The Litter Box
Some of the common litter box problems that can repel cats include an unclean litter box, litter boxes that are either too high, hooded or lined, too much or too little litter in the box, cramped litter boxes, and too few litter boxes (especially if you have more than one cat), an uncomfortable location, changing the type of litter you use, conflict with other cats in the house, stress from moving and the addition of a new animal or family member to the household.
Sometimes, the reason your cat won’t use the litter box could be medical, and some of those medical reasons include; a UTI, which would probably cause your cat to frequently produce only small amounts of urine; bladder stones, or blockage, which can make urination painful and feline interstitial cystitis which causes an inflammation of the bladder.
Now that you have an understanding of the possible causes of your cat’s litter box problems, there are some steps you can take to resolve the problem. They include;
Rule Out Any Health Problems
The first thing you need to do when you notice your cat rejecting its litter box is to take them to a vet for a thorough examination, as there could be a medical reason behind it – you can also look into potential health conditions that your cat might have on sites like Mellowed Cats. If the reason turns out to be medical, there is no cause for worry as most of the medical conditions that cause a decline in litter box use can be remedied easily and inexpensively. Once you’ve ruled out health problems, you can then proceed to look for other potential causes.
Keep Their Litter Box Clean
A dirty litter box is one of the most common reasons why cats eliminate in the wrong place so ensure to scoop your cat’s litter box at least twice daily. On a weekly basis, make sure to disinfect and replace all the litter with new ones.
Find The Right Litter Box
Your cat’s litter box should be one and a half times the full length of your cat (you can measure from the nose to the base of the tail). Unfortunately, most of the conventional-style litter boxes sold are usually too small to accommodate adult cats comfortably, so you can try using a large plastic storage box instead. The plastic box should be able to fit under the bed. If their litter box has a hood, try to remove them as an enclosed litter box could trap in smells that most cats won’t like.
Find The Right Location
Avoid changing the location of your cat’s litter box suddenly, as cats are creatures of habit. If you intend to move their litter box to a new location, do so gradually. You can move the box a few inches every day while giving your cat time to adjust. When choosing a location for your cat’s litter box, pick places that are quiet and offer some privacy.
Also, ensure that the box is located away from their food and water stations. Laundry rooms and tight spaces like the corner of a closet are not advisable as they can make your cat feel claustrophobic. You can place boxes in several different locations to see where your cat feels is the safest to use.
Conclusion:
Although it can be frustrating dealing with inappropriate elimination from your cat, it is important that you do not punish them for it but rather try to determine the cause. Once you’ve ruled out health problems, you can take steps to resolve the issues with their litter box. If everything else fails, don’t be shy to ask your vet or an animal behaviourist for help.