Problems with Litter Training Cats

One of the hardiest things to deal with is a cat that won’t use his litter box. Cats owners who give up their cats site this as the number one reason. There is usually an underlying reason why your cat is not using the litter box. Here are some main reasons why your cat stopped using the litter box.

If cats could talk to you, they would tell that a dirty and foul-smelling litter box is the main reason they won’t use it. Most cats are very clean and fastidious but others could care less about how full the litter box is. If your cat is normally litter box trained and he has an accident,  you should look at the state of the litter box first. Some cats like to have their litter box cleaned after they use it. Though time consuming, this may fix the problem. Daily cleaning of the litter box can prevent alot of cat “accidents”.

Another reason for litter box problems are there are not enough of them. You should have one for every cat you have. That means if you have three cats, you should have three litter boxes. And most vets recommend two litter boxes for every cat! Cats are very private creatures when it comes to their toileting behaviors and need their own space.

The kind of litter box you have and the type of litter you use can be a reason also. If you use on open litter box maybe your cat need a closed one for privacy. If you are using a closed litter box, your older cat or kitten may have a hard time getting in and out of the box. The type of litter you use can be wrong for your cat. Some cats don’t like the scented kind while other may not like the texture. Clumping cat is a turn off for some cats because it sticks to their paws.

Physical illness can prevent a cat from using the litter box. If nothing seems to be working and you have tried all the steps, it is time for a visit to your vet. Urinary tract infections, feline urologic syndrome, kidney failure and diabetes can all cause cats to be more prone to accidents or avoidance of the litter box. A through examiination by your vet will let know if your cat has an illness that is causing the problem.

Cats are creatures of habit and will return to areas that he has used for toileting accidently. That’s why it is important to clean any areas they have used throughly to remove any lingering urine or smell. Sometimes your cat will use the litter box most of the time but on occasion they will have an accident. This is usually due to your cat marking his territory which is common when you have multiple cats or bring a new pet home. Male cats due this more than female cats. Neutered male cats spray urine to mark their territory.

It just takes patience, a litter investigative work and time to figure out a solution to cat litter box problems. It is better than having to get rid of your cat!