Is Your Cat Going Everywhere but in the Litter Box? Top
Reasons why A Cat Stops Using the Litter Box
Noticed lately that your trained and domesticated cat has gone “wild” suddenly? Disappointed
that your cat has started to unlearn and disobey all the bathroom etiquette's which you taught him with considerable time and energy? The
reason why your cat has stopped visiting his “bathroom” may be more “human”
than “feline”! The rationale behind your cat’s decision to choose a new litter
spot - perhaps a spot behind your sofa - may go beyond what you thought as simple unruliness!
A cat portrays outside-the-litter box behavior may be because:
Dirty Litter Boxes:
Do you enjoy entering a dirty bathroom? Probably not! Don't expect your cat to either. It’s a cat’s instinctive nature to stay clean and avoid odorous areas. If your litter box is dirty, has not been cleaned or smell badly, it may provoke your cat to find fresh, cleaner spots to do his business.
Sharing a Litter Box
Added a new feline friend to your home? If so, your cat may refuse to share the litter
box with another. Things become more complicated
for your cat when he has to share his litter box with multiple cats and the
“long bathroom queue” compels him to choose an alternative spot.
· A New "scooping" Litter Pan
You go and buy a new
litter pan. You thought that your cat would be more than happy to see his new
bathroom. But to your disappointment you found that he has started squatting on
your carpet! While it can take a cat a day or so to adjust to a new litter pan, the fact remains, after they use it once, they are not likely to go back if the box is not consistently clean.
· Changes Can Cause Stress:
Cats define “inertia” to a high
extent as they do their best to resist changes. Changes such as shifting to a
new home, homecoming of a family member for vacation, introduction of a new pet
or a baby may provoke your cat to show stress response. Being creatures of
habit, cats prefer to dwell in their “cozy shells”. They are most likely to
respond to a disruption in their comfort zone via inappropriate elimination.
· Unfavorable Experiences:
Unfavorable experiences such as pain
while urinating or defecating in the litter box may make the cat relate the
litter box with something very unpleasant. Additionally, your cat may not like
his litter box at all! Hmmm… personal liking and disliking… everyone has it and
your Frisky is no exception!
· Litter Box Location:
Cats are as elegant and sophisticated
as humans. They won’t use a litter box if it is located close to their feeding
areas. And they like privacy just as you do! Relieving yourself in a quiet,
private area forms a vital part of your bathroom experience and this is
something that carries equal importance for your cat. Your cat may not like to
use a litter box which is located in busy, noisy locations.
Forgetfulness:
Kittens, busy with their own playful
mood, often forget the location of the litter box and choose to eliminate in
several spots of your house. Sometimes, the owner shares a responsibility because the frequently change the location of the box.
Disease:
Disease is something which you will like to expect the least. You can scold your cat, shout at him, but cannot see him
in pain. Unfortunately, medical conditions such as diabetes and urinary tract
infections or blockage account for inappropriate elimination. Cats suffering
from diabetes need to urinate frequently and may not be able to make it to the
litter box for most of the times. Urinary tract infection (UTI) , kidney, liver, or
thyroid malfunction, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and diarrhea may
make a cat associate pain and discomfort with the litter box and may make him
eliminate elsewhere.
Solutions to Improper Elimination
Now that you have all of this information, what can you do? First, ensure that your cat is not sick or their behavior is a result of anxiety due to changes in the home.
A cat is
like a loving child, always ready to get pampered and cuddled. They seek your
attention and reflect their sadness through inappropriate behavior. Stress gives
birth to more stress and this is why punishing him or shouting at him may only
work to make him feel more stressed. If it is anxiety that caused inappropriate elimination, let your cat get some
relief in a calmer routine. Also, take your cat to a vet, get him checked. There are several common tests the vet can run to rule out UTI's, diabetes and other medical issues.
If you are not looking at a medical or stress-related issue, the problem is mostly likely the litter box. Ensure that your cat's litter box is always clean and odor free. It sounds like a lot of work but it isn't if you purchase a self-cleaning litter box like ScoopFree. ScoopFree Self-cleaning litter box does all the work for you. ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box automatically rakes cat waste away. But unlike other systems, ScoopFree can be left alone for weeks at a time without scooping, refilling litter or emptying waste. All you do is replace the disposable litter tray once every few weeks and you will never see, smell or touch messy waste again. Best yet, your cat is always presented with a clean litter box. Some additional tips for bringing ScoopFree into your home:
* pick one spot for ScoopFree in an area that is not close to his food or a high traffic. A nice quiet place away from kids, dogs and other household fuss will ensure your cat has time to become familiar with his new ScoopFree litter box.
* If your cat needs more privacy, try our ScoopFree Ultra with a hood. The roomy covered compartment gives your cat the moment alone he is looking for.
