Cats are so temperamental, that there can be various reason as to why a cat can have problems using their litter box. Your cat may not like the location, she may have a medical condition or her litter box problems may be the result of a social conflict with other cats in the household.
Whatever the reason(s)—once you notice the problem—you have to act quickly, before your cat designates another spot in the house, as a place to eliminate. In that regard, below is some information that can help you to understand “How To Deal With Cat Litter Box Problems”.
Making The Litter Box Comfortable To Use
- Scoop and change the litter daily
- Use warm water, unscented soap or baking soda to wash it weekly
- Consider using a big litter box for easy entry
- The majority of cats prefer shallow litter, try 1”-2” of litter
- Unscented litter that clumps is popular with most cats
- Consider using the litter your cat liked when she was a kitten
- Try using a box without a lid or liner, most cats don’t like them
- Try putting the litter box in a different location
- Consider putting the litter box in a quiet place
- Be sure your cat has several ways to exit the area
- Try to position the box, so that your cat can see any oncoming activity
- Make sure that threatening animals or people can’t get near the box
- Try to use a regular litter box, if the self-cleaning box isn’t attracting her
- Use different litter, try a different texture or scent than your current litter
- Have playtimes near the litter box
- Leave toys and treats near the litter box, but not food and water
Solutions For Litter Box Issues
In order to rule out medical conditions and urine marking, you should first take your cat to the veterinarian. When the vet rules out these two things, then consider using the tips below.
In order to rule out medical conditions and urine marking, you should first take your cat to the veterinarian. When the vet rules out these two things, then consider using the tips below.
- Try to provide one litter box per cat and a spare one
- Be sure to keep the box(es) away from highly trafficked areas
- Place the food and water bowl in a different location; cats prefer to eliminate in a different area, away from where they eat
- Experiment with different litters, to see which your cat prefers; try side-by-side comparisons
- Any eliminations outside the box, should be completely cleansed with an enzymatic cleaning product
- Place food, water and/or toys in an area, that your cat soiled to discourage her from doing it again
- Discourage your cat by making her favorite elimination areas unappealing
- Consider using double-sided tape, upside down runner rugs or aluminum/tin foil to deter further inappropriate marking
- Experiment with motion sensor lights, in areas that are dark
Eliminating Stress
- Locate and minimize the cause of any stress your cat may be feeling
- Make sure food and water are located in the same area
- Make sure her schedule is simple and consistent
- Prevent other animals from imposing on her
- Shut the curtains, preventing outside cats from upsetting her
Synthetic Calming Pheromones
If the above tips aren’t helpful, consider using Synthetic Calming Pheromones. Synthetic Pheromones are designed to mimic the calming pheromones released from a cat’s glands when they lovingly rub their cheek on something. It’s available as a spray or a plugin diffuser. Try spraying your kitties bedding or diffusing her favorite room to reduce her stress.
If the above tips aren’t helpful, consider using Synthetic Calming Pheromones. Synthetic Pheromones are designed to mimic the calming pheromones released from a cat’s glands when they lovingly rub their cheek on something. It’s available as a spray or a plugin diffuser. Try spraying your kitties bedding or diffusing her favorite room to reduce her stress.
Bach Rescue Remedy
Bach Rescue Remedy is an homeopathic herbal tincture—traces of a 5 flower blend in liquid. It was introduced by Dr. Edward Bach to restore balance on an energetic level, eliminate bad habits and treat traumatic experiences.
Bach Rescue Remedy is an homeopathic herbal tincture—traces of a 5 flower blend in liquid. It was introduced by Dr. Edward Bach to restore balance on an energetic level, eliminate bad habits and treat traumatic experiences.
Multi-Cat Household
If you have a multi-cat household and it’s common for one cat to be stressed by the other cats, consider the following tips as a way to help relieve her stress.
If you have a multi-cat household and it’s common for one cat to be stressed by the other cats, consider the following tips as a way to help relieve her stress.
- Provide a litter box for each cat in your household
- Make sure your stressed cat has exclusive access to her own litter box
- Put the litter box for the stressed cat in her favorite area
- Provide your cat(s) with perches, shelves and hiding places for resting
- Give each cat their on separate area, fully stocked with food, water, treats and toys
- Spray your cat’s bedding and diffuse their favorite rooms with Synthetic Calm Pheromones
A Few Things To Avoid
- Don’t force your cat’s nose to smell feces or urine
- Don’t yell at your cat or force her to use the litter box
- Don’t keep your cat in one space for long periods of time, with the expectation that she might use her litter box
- Don’t cleanse urine or feces with ammonia based products;
ammonia based product will only encourage your cat to eliminate
in the same area
If none of the above tips work, consider consulting a cat behaviorist on ways to help your cat normally use the litter box. Also, talk to a qualified veterinarian, before using any medications or herbal remedies as a solution. With a little patience and careful consideration, you can understand the source of your cat’s discomfort and begin to help her resolve her litter problems. Thanks for reading.
