Has your cat stopped using litter box? Is your cat suddenly peeing or pooping outside of the litter box? Non-use of the litter box is a big problem in the cat world, and unfortunately one of the main reasons for cat abandonment and abuse. Here are some steps to take when litter box problems occur.
Cat Won’t Use Litter Box: Solutions
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) 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 are no different from humans in that they don’t want to eat in the same area that they poop!
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
If your cat is having trouble with bowel movements, we reccomend consulting this article on cat pooping.