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Behavior & Training>> Coping With Litter Box
Problems
Cats are naturally clean creatures –and this desire for cleanliness extends to
their litter box. Just as you would choose not to use a filthy bathroom, your
cat will seek another location if the litter box isn’t up to his or her
standards. If you have a cat that is avoiding the box, you may want to consider
these steps:
• Location, Location, Location. Place the litter
box in a convenient site that offers as much privacy for your cat as possible.
If you can, have one more litter box than you have cats. If this is impossible,
try to give the problem cat access to the litter box, alone, for several
minutes twice a day.
• Play Favorites. Use a brand that your cat likes
and keep it very clean. Clumping litters such as
ARM & HAMMER® Easy Flush®,
Crystal Blend™ and Super Scoop® keep the litter fresher longer because
odor-causing waste is removed. Once you find a brand your cat likes, stay with
it.
• Hot Spot. If your cat has found a spot other
than the litter box for eliminating, you must make that spot unappealing. Use
an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the odors that draw the cat back to the site
or try a product such as LAMBERT KAY™ Boundary® to repel the cat from
“forbidden” areas. It may be helpful to put plastic or aluminum foil over the
area. Another technique is to condition your cat to use the box by placing a
new litter box at the site the cat prefers and after the cat begins using the
box, gradually moving it to the site you prefer. Don’t rush this process or
your cat will stop using the box and return to the original spot.
• Health check. Cats may stop using the litter box
because they’re ill. Take your cat to the Veterinarian to rule out illnesses
such as cystitis (a bladder infection or inflammation) and diseases that cause
frequent urination such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism. If there are no
medical problems and you’re keeping the box clean, then the problem is probably
behavioral.
• Leaving a mark. Both male and female cats mark
their territory, more commonly in multi-cat households, especially if there are
five or more cats. This problem can quickly become overwhelming. Neutering is
often helpful, even after a cat has already started this behavior. If neutering
does not stop this behavior, consult with your veterinarian about medications
that may help.
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