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Before trying to diagnose a "litterbox problem"
in any cat, always consult with your veterinarian to be sure the
cat does not have a medical problem. Often medical problems such
as a urinary tract infection can cause your pet's behavior to
change. If there is not a medical condition present then follow
the tips below to find a solution.
Ask yourself these questions
First, of course: Is there anything wrong with
your cat, medically? Only your vet can answer this, so get
on the phone and make an appointment.
Second: What has changed recently in your life?
1. Is the cat new to your home?
2. Did you add an additional new cat or other pet?
3. Have you moved?
4. Did you move the litterbox?
If nothing has changed then we can fall back on
the three most common reasons why cats "decide" not
to use a litterbox
Location Preference - This would mean that where you
have decided to place the litterbox is not where the cat prefers
to "go." Yes, even if the box has been there for years
and all of a sudden Fluffy says, sorry I wish to "go"
elsewhere.
Take a good look at the location of your cat's litterbox.
Have you moved it recently, is it a high traffic area or is it
easy for the dog to harass your cat while it's using the litterbox?
First clean the area where the cat has been eliminating.
Your best bet: a specific animal odor remover and cleaner like
Natures Miracle™ can be used at the site to eliminate stains
and odor. DO NOT STEAM CLEAN RUGS. Steam cleaning only sets in
the odor and maybe even the stain.
Then move the litterbox to a quieter location Preferably
the location that the cat has peeing or pooping in. Then gradually
move the box several inches every few days until the box and the
cat's behavior is where you want it.
As you move the box you will want to make the area
that you do not want the cat to use less appealing. Natures Miracle™
cleaner will do this but also adding a few treats in a small bowl
will help. No one likes to eat where they "go."
Surface (type of litter) Preference - As cats get older
their preferences can change. Litter comes in all shapes and
sizes and, for whatever reason, there are many things that can
irritate your cat. Perfumed litters, pelleted litters, and even
the soft sandy "scoopable" kind may not agree with
kitty.
You can try changing the types but remember, stick
with one solution at a time so that you do not make the problem
worse. Don't change too much too quickly
Fear of the litterbox - Did something happen near the
litterbox that made it scary? If your cat had a bad experience
while using the litterbox you may need to change everything…Get
a new box, and change the location.
OK, Now lets get back to the questions you need
to ask yourself. If you can answer yes to any of those questions
at the beginning of this article then the solution should be easy:
1. Is the cat new to your Home?
A "yes" to this question means that your new cat is
still in transition and may need just a bit more time. Most cats
do not feel comfortable, or at home, in a new environment for
6 months to 1 year. A smooth easy transition to a new home is
key to creating harmony and the behavior you want.
A few solutions:
If your cat is new, it may simply be too frightened to wander
back to the box or not quite know where it is yet. Give your new
pet time and show it where the litterbox is a few times a day.
Be sure that the litterbox is not in some far off corner of a
dark basement. Try keeping all of your new cat's "stuff"
on one floor. (food dishes, litterbox, and pet bed.
You may want to consider leaving your cat in a room
with the box while you're away during the day… This will
prevent the cat from wandering the house and, out of fear, deciding
to "go" in a spot that is "easy to get to."
However do not confine the cat for weeks at a time. Cats are very
different than dogs and require a different approach — confinement
is not the right one.
If fear is not a factor, find out what type of litter
the cat is used to, the cat's previous owner or the adoption agency
where you got the cat will know the answer. Check your paperwork
for information. A cat's preference can stay with him for a lifetime.
2. Did you add an additional new cat or other
pet?
Adding another cat or any new pet almost always upsets the apple
cart even if just for a few weeks. Cats pretty much tell us how
they like things and often "sharing" is not one of their
stronger traits. Adding a cat and expecting cats to share the
same litterbox may be too much to ask (depending on which cat
you ask). Simply get another litterbox and place it far enough
apart so each cat can choose the one they prefer and, in time,
the cats may choose to use one or you may just be stuck with double
duty (or doody as we like to say).
3. Have you moved?
Often the lingering odor of previous cats can be present in a
new home. You may need to use an animal odor eliminator on your
rugs or common animal areas. Remember: avoid steam cleaning and
get yourself some Natures Miracle™— it's the best thing
we've found.
4. Did you move the litterbox?
Every time you make a change to your environment you may need
to consider how it will effect your cat. Put the litter box back
if you moved it. Show your cat that you did put it back and wait
for one week of consistent good litterbox use before you decide
to move it again (that is if you must move it). Then move the
litterbox several inches at a time every few days or weeks until
it is where you want it.
Remember most importantly that punishment is not
a solution. It is rare that you will be able to catch the cat
in the act of eliminating outside the litterbox, making it very
difficult to punish on a consistent basis. And, as we all know,
inconsistent punishment is not effective, nor is punishment after-the-fact.
Both can make the problem much worse. Feel free to call us at
603-772-2921 Ext. 112 if you have any further questions.
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