Why cat won use litter box

Litter box shape can also be an issue; if the sides are too high, too low, angled too much, etc. Just as there are many litter box types to consider, there are also many types of litter, and your cat may be picky about which type you use.

Traditional clumping litters, often made of clay, can become a sticky mess on long-haired cats or cats with lots of fur on their paws. Some litter may be too hard or too soft for your cat, and some cats may not like litter that is scented to reduce odors. Likewise, when cats get older, their bathroom habits and frequency may change.

A senior cat not using the litter box may be having trouble getting in or out of the box depending on size and location. Sometimes a cat just needs time to get used to her new situation, before going back to normal. However, if the changes in litter box usage patterns are prolonged, consider what might be causing your cat to become stressed and find ways to help her feel more comfortable.

A change in litter box habits, including going outside the box, can also be a sign of illness, so if these problems persist or worsen, always consult your veterinarian. Each of these factors should be considered if you notice your cat is not using the litter box properly. Often a minor adjustment can make all the difference.

All Rights Reserved. To feel safe. Specifically, they want to be able to see their surroundings and have a few different escape routes if needed. When cats eliminate, they are releasing scents that can lead to unwanted attention from other cats or potential predators. In other words, cats have no interest in privacy when using the bathroom. Privacy is a human thing. To adequately bury their waste and to mask its scent. To eliminate in a clean area.

Instinctively, cats do not want to eliminate in areas that already have a strong smell. The box should be large enough for the cat to easily turn around in without touching the sides of the box. At least one side of the box should be low enough so the cat has no issue stepping into the box. Remember that cat trees and cat condos are important to multi-cat households.

They help cats establish a hierarchy, which is important to their group dynamic. There are several factors to consider, including the number and size of boxes, location, type, litter box filler,etc. Inappropriate elimination could be the result of having too few litter boxes,using the wrong size or type of box,placing the boxes in appropriate locations, or using the wrong litter box filler.

If your cat has urinated or defecated outside the litter box, you must clean the area to completely eliminate all traces of the stain. Soap and water is not enough.

There are several odor-eliminator products on the market, but the enzyme-based cleaners tend to work the best. The product that we recommend most frequently is Urine Off. The cat apparently feels a need to mark that spot.

Every time you remove the scent marking, your cat may be compelled to mark the area again. When that happens, you can try a different approach. Instead of using enzyme cleaner, clean the area with plain water, then spray the area with Feliway. Use Feliway on the area; the Feliway encourages facial marking and reduces the chance that the cat will spray urine there again.

Spray Feliway on the area twice a day every 12 hours for the first 4 weeks,then once daily for another 4 weeks. Marietta , Georgia , Download PDF Version.