The top issue many owners of indoor cats have is usually that their cats have stopped using their litter boxes. This is not only aggravating, but can be extremely expensive as trips to the vet's and cleaning expenses can add up very quickly.
If your cat hasn't been using his litter box, he's trying to tell you that something is wrong. It's our job as human caretakers to figure out what exactly is wrong and correct it! To do this, let's check out several of the typical reasons cats stop using their litter boxes.
Dirty Litter Box. Indoor cats are incredibly fastidious when it comes to having a clean litter box. If you haven't been absolutely vigilant about keeping your cat's litter box clean, then you should expect elimination problems from your cat. In fact, we've probably all opted at some time to relieve ourselves in the great outdoors as opposed to going in some grubby outhouse or even a gas station bathroom. It's just the same for your cat.
If the box is dirty, then you'll need to thoroughly clean it along with the area around it. Empty out all the dirty litter, wash the box using a cleaning solution such as diluted bleach, and refill it with new litter. Use Nature's Miracle, an enzyme that kills odors, to wash the area around the cat litter box, including the walls. A black light will reveal where the stains are. Clean and/or replace any litter box rugs or mats you may keep outside the box.
Scoop out the litter frequently, at least one or two times per day. Completely replace the cat litter, taking good care to wash the box, each month.
Sickness. Indoor cats are prone to developing kidney and urinary tract infections. These conditions can be painful for cats and may lead them to eliminating outside the litter box. It's hard to tell when a cat is suffering because cats are good at hiding their symptoms. Therefore, if you at all suspect your cat may be ill, please seek immediate attention from your veterinarian! As with humans, the longer a health issue goes undetected and untreated, the more difficult it is to treat.
One way to help prevent your cat from developing urinary complications in the first place is to ensure your cat gets drinks enough water on a daily basis. Feeding your cat high quality canned food with high water content and supplying your cat with a fountain are two of the simplest ways to make certain your cat's water intake is adequate.
Location: Cats need tranquility while they use their litter boxes. Maybe the litter box is next to an appliance which makes intermittent sounds, or maybe your cat needs to walk past an ornery dog. Consider this from your cat's perspective so you can choose a better location. Make sure your cat has free entry to the location at all times (i.e., if it's in the basement, be sure that the basement door is constantly open). Also, be certain the litter box is not close too your cat's eating area.
Types of Litter and/or Litter Box: If you're using scented litter, immediately replace it with unscented litter. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat is a fabulous choice, and so is ScoopAway's unscented clumping litter. There are also other kinds of litter available, including corn or pine based litters. Many cats do not like these other types of litter so if there's an question, opt for clay.
Enclosed cat litter boxes trap odors and dust, which can bring about respiratory problems; boxes that aren't big enough are hard for cats to use; and automated boxes can malfunction and startle your cat. If any of these scenarios fit your situation, change to a roomier, uncovered litter box.
Going Forward. Since everyone understands that bad habits are hard to break, it's wise to keep them from forming to begin with. Below are seven steps you can take to prevent future cat litter box problems: 1) Keep the litter box clean at all times. 2) Keep an extra litter box. The rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one. 3) To help prevent urinary illnesses, ensure your cat gets enough water by feeding canned food and providing a fountain. Vist the veterinarian annually. 4) Use unscented litter. 5) Change to a good-sized, unhooded litter box. 6) Look for a quiet spot for the cat litter box that is nowhere near your cat's eating area. 7) Praise your indoor cats whenever they use the litter box! Create a code word, for example "box" and use it with your cat when you praise him so he learns what that means. Then you can remind him if troubles do arise in the future.
If your cat hasn't been using his litter box, he's trying to tell you that something is wrong. It's our job as human caretakers to figure out what exactly is wrong and correct it! To do this, let's check out several of the typical reasons cats stop using their litter boxes.
Dirty Litter Box. Indoor cats are incredibly fastidious when it comes to having a clean litter box. If you haven't been absolutely vigilant about keeping your cat's litter box clean, then you should expect elimination problems from your cat. In fact, we've probably all opted at some time to relieve ourselves in the great outdoors as opposed to going in some grubby outhouse or even a gas station bathroom. It's just the same for your cat.
If the box is dirty, then you'll need to thoroughly clean it along with the area around it. Empty out all the dirty litter, wash the box using a cleaning solution such as diluted bleach, and refill it with new litter. Use Nature's Miracle, an enzyme that kills odors, to wash the area around the cat litter box, including the walls. A black light will reveal where the stains are. Clean and/or replace any litter box rugs or mats you may keep outside the box.
Scoop out the litter frequently, at least one or two times per day. Completely replace the cat litter, taking good care to wash the box, each month.
Sickness. Indoor cats are prone to developing kidney and urinary tract infections. These conditions can be painful for cats and may lead them to eliminating outside the litter box. It's hard to tell when a cat is suffering because cats are good at hiding their symptoms. Therefore, if you at all suspect your cat may be ill, please seek immediate attention from your veterinarian! As with humans, the longer a health issue goes undetected and untreated, the more difficult it is to treat.
One way to help prevent your cat from developing urinary complications in the first place is to ensure your cat gets drinks enough water on a daily basis. Feeding your cat high quality canned food with high water content and supplying your cat with a fountain are two of the simplest ways to make certain your cat's water intake is adequate.
Location: Cats need tranquility while they use their litter boxes. Maybe the litter box is next to an appliance which makes intermittent sounds, or maybe your cat needs to walk past an ornery dog. Consider this from your cat's perspective so you can choose a better location. Make sure your cat has free entry to the location at all times (i.e., if it's in the basement, be sure that the basement door is constantly open). Also, be certain the litter box is not close too your cat's eating area.
Types of Litter and/or Litter Box: If you're using scented litter, immediately replace it with unscented litter. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat is a fabulous choice, and so is ScoopAway's unscented clumping litter. There are also other kinds of litter available, including corn or pine based litters. Many cats do not like these other types of litter so if there's an question, opt for clay.
Enclosed cat litter boxes trap odors and dust, which can bring about respiratory problems; boxes that aren't big enough are hard for cats to use; and automated boxes can malfunction and startle your cat. If any of these scenarios fit your situation, change to a roomier, uncovered litter box.
Going Forward. Since everyone understands that bad habits are hard to break, it's wise to keep them from forming to begin with. Below are seven steps you can take to prevent future cat litter box problems: 1) Keep the litter box clean at all times. 2) Keep an extra litter box. The rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one. 3) To help prevent urinary illnesses, ensure your cat gets enough water by feeding canned food and providing a fountain. Vist the veterinarian annually. 4) Use unscented litter. 5) Change to a good-sized, unhooded litter box. 6) Look for a quiet spot for the cat litter box that is nowhere near your cat's eating area. 7) Praise your indoor cats whenever they use the litter box! Create a code word, for example "box" and use it with your cat when you praise him so he learns what that means. Then you can remind him if troubles do arise in the future.
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