Six Suggestions to Get Your Cat Back to the Litter
Box by
Dr. Bruce Elsey, D.V.M. Nonuse
of a litter box is one of the main reasons for cat abandonment and abuse. Here
are some steps to take when litter box problems occur.
Clean
the Litter Box
Dump the entire contents of the litter box, wash it with
soap and water and refill it with four inches of litter. Remove any solids and
urine clumps daily. A dirty litter box is the number one reason a cat stops using
it. Take
the Hood Off
A hood is great for keeping litter in the box but also holds in odor. Often a
cat will reject the box because of the odor retained in the box. The hood also
keeps you from seeing that it needs to be cleaned. Re-think
the Location of Your Cat's Litter Box
A quiet corner, out of the way of
household traffic, but with easy access is best. Noise, light and vibrations can
be disturbing. Also, don't place the litter box near your cat's food. Cats do
not like to eat where they poop! Switch
to an Unscented or Moisture Release Litter
Maybe your scented litter has
too much scent. Use only a moisture release scented litter. Cats do not always
like the smell of strong perfumes or cedar. Have
More than One Litter Box
Have more than one cat? Have more than one litter
box. Each cat should have its very own litter box. Some cats just don't want to
share. Clean
the Area
If your cat has used an area other than the litter box, clean
the area thoroughly. Use an enzymatic cleaner on the carpet or floor and then
put things around the area they don't like, such as a citrus "stick-up",
ground up moth balls or squares of aluminum foil or plastic. You want to make
it tough for them to go back and easy for them to use their litter box. This should
help you get your cat back in the box. If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian.
Your feline friend may have a urinary problem that requires medical attention.
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