Eliminating Cat Litterbox Problems

    Cats actually learn to relieve themselves in certain areas and on substances as long as it is clean.

Choosing an Appropriate Litter and Box

     Find a litter that your cat likes and use it. Avoid frequently changing the type of litter used.

     Cats need at least two inches of little to cover their waste. A cat may turn up its nose at a box that contains insufficient litter.

     Young kittens, elderly cats, and cats with mobility problems need boxes with low sides. Senior cats may eed special help getting in and out of the box. Create a ramp to make it easier for them.

     Provide appropriate size litter boxes. Overweight and large cats need bigger boxes.

     Most cats prefer an uncovered box that lets odors escape and allow a 360-degree view of their surroundings.

     Get one more litter box than you have cats. (Example: if you have 3 cats, have 4 boxes).

Choosing a Good Litter Box Location

     Most cats prefer a location that is quiet, private, separate from their feeding area, and easily accessible 24 hours a day.

     Do not locate the litter box up or down stairs if your cat has trouble climbing.

     Place multiple litter boxes in different areas of the house.

     Keep cat food away from the litter.

Keeping the Box Clean

     Cats have an incredible sense of smell and the litter box you think is clean may be revolting to them.

     A liner may help keep the box cleaner, but many cats don't like them.

     To clean the box, scrub with a gentle detergent, dry it, and refill it with clean litter. Litter should be changed often enough so that it looks and smells dry and clean. The more cats using the box, the more often this will have to be done.

     Ventilate covered litter boxes daily.

     Scoop the litter two to three times daily.

     Replace old boxes that smell unpleasant or are cracked.

Behavioral Problems

     Innapropriate urination is the #1 behavior problem in cats. Because of cats' territorial nature, they often spray urine to mark "their" property. Others use urine marking to express displeasure at an unwanted visitor's presence or even as a result of separation anxiety at the departure of a favorite person.

     Marking behavior can be differentiated from litter box aversion by the location of the deposit. Cats that mark territory go anywhere and everywhere, while those avoiding their boxes tend to use two or three regular locations.

     For the cat that consistently soils in the same spot, try placing a litter box in the "trouble spot" for a period of 10 to 14 days. After this initial phase, move the box an inch or two each day toward the place where you would like it to be.

     Alternatively, confine your cat for at least one month to a room that has not been soiled in the past. Provide a litter box along with food, water, and an elevated hideaway. After a month, the cat should be consistently using its litter box and you can expand its territory to include two rooms, then three, and so on.

     Some cats reuire a more rigorous treatment: confine the cat to a large cage or pet carrier. Cover the entire floor of the carrier with litter. Create a small bed and a spot for water and food at one end. This wil force your cat to use the litter. Over time, reduce the amount of litter in the carrier, so that the litter only covers a portion of the floor. Once the cat is consistntly using only the litter-covered area in the carrier, bring it out into the room and proceed with the one-room confinement treatment outlined above.

Bringing an Outdoor Cat Indoors

     A cat that is used to prowling outdoors may need help adjusting to life inside. try mixing a few spoonfulls of dirt in with litter.

Welcoming a New Cat

     The addition of a new cat may cause feline stress and litter box problems. Make introductions slowly, confining the new cat to its own room for a couple of weeks. Sniffing and swatting under the door will acquaint the cats. When they finally meet face to face, you should expect tension or conflict for a couple of weeks before they settle down.

     To speed the process, try wiping each cat's fur with a separate towel daily. Then place each cat's food dish on top of the other cat's towel. They will associate each other's scent with the positive experience of being fed, and grw tolerant of each other quickly.

Moving to a New Home

     Cats can be traumatized during a move to a new environment. Help your cat feel secure in its new home. Confine it to one room for a couple of weeks, so that it can acclimate to the new area without becoming overwhelming. Equip the room with all of the comforts of home... a large litter box, a bed, food, water, and en elevated hiding spot. Be sure to spend extra time every day playing with your cat during this difficult time.

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