Even the best-behaved feline buddies can develop this obnoxious tendency, which is extremely annoying when a cat prefers to soil inappropriate locations outside the cat litter box supplies.
Occasionally, this issue may be a sign of a developing medical condition, however, the litter box is typically to blame in most cases.
We're here to assist you in figuring out why your cat is experiencing litter box issues, whether it's a problem with new litter, location preference, or just having enough litter boxes!
Let's discuss the major causes of your cat's litter box aversion and any underlying medical or behavioral issues to give you the greatest chance of keeping your house tidy and your cat's content.
Rule Out Health Causes
Several health-related factors can cause a cat to cease using the litter box. It's critical to contact a veterinarian as soon as your cat's toilet habits change because a variety of conditions, from minor illnesses like simple urinary tract infections or arthritis to more serious conditions like diabetes, bladder stones, feline interstitial cystitis, and various cancers, can alter a cat's toilet habits. This will eliminate any potential medical problems or, if necessary, determine a course of action for therapy before your cat's health deteriorates dangerously.
Other Causes For Cats To Reject A Litter Box
A cat may stop using the cat litter box for a variety of non-health reasons. If your pet's litter box habit isn't being caused by their health, think about these additional variables and identify any that might be problematic.
Lack of Litter Boxes
Some cats favor using one box for urination and another for feces. If there is just one litter box available, the cat may choose to relieve themselves on carpeting, potted plants, or quiet areas. Similarly to this, some cats don't want to share their litter boxes, thus if you have multiple cats, you should have multiple litter boxes so each animal has its place.
Unpleasant Litter
Because cat paws are so delicate, the cat may avoid using the litter box if it doesn't feel comfortable. If you've just switched brands of litter, the size or texture of the litter may be to blame.
Incorrect Box Size
A cat should be able to turn around and scratch comfortably in the litter box while yet feeling like it has room to run away if necessary. Litter boxes that were ideal for kittens could be too tiny for cats as they become older, or placing a litter box in a small area might make the cat feel too constrained to use it properly.
Inadequate Privacy
Cats won't feel secure using a litter box in a busy, noisy, or extremely public section of the house. When going to the toilet, cats feel vulnerable, thus the litter box should be in a fairly secluded, covered area where they feel safe but not so contained that they might feel imprisoned or scared.
Unclean Box
If a litter box is not routinely cleaned and refilled, cats may stop using it because they find it unpleasant. This is particularly true if numerous cats are using the box because it will quickly begin to smell.
Family Changes
A cat's routine changes might generate tension or anxiety, which can change how they utilize the litter box. A cat's usage of the toilet may change as a result of relocation, renovations, adjusting mealtimes, or even simple furniture shifting.
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Adapting The Litter Box To Cats
Whatever the reason, there are simple techniques to help make the box more inviting and prevent unwelcome spills in other areas of your house. To encourage your cat to feel at ease using the litter box.
- Choose a box that is appropriate in size for the cat. Make sure the sides are low enough for the cat to enter freely and stay away from models with covers that can appear overly confined.
- Provide several litter boxes in locations where your cat may access them safely and comfortably. If the box needs to be shifted, do it gradually to make it easier for the cat to switch positions.
- Keep the cat's water and food bowls away from the litter box or boxes. Most cats won't go potty close to where they consume food or liquids. The ideal setting is a calm, semi-private area.
- Use the cat's chosen litter or an alternative litter, preferably one that clumps and is fragrant. If you must move litters, do it gradually to give the cat time to become used to the new situation.
- Do not use thick litter box liners. Plastic liners tend to creak and create a lot of noise, which can startle a cat. Put a sheet or two of newspaper on the box's base, if necessary.
- Maintain litter only one to two inches deep. Cats require enough depth in their litter to scratch at it, but too much depth might be painful for the cat and deter him from using it.
- Clean the box thoroughly and frequently. This can entail replacing all of the litter and thoroughly washing the box many times per day.
There could be several causes for your cat's lack of litter box usage. You may prevent any non-box elimination by keeping the box as cozy and stress-free as you can, which will keep your cat content without the need for further cleanups or behavioral issues.