Three-legged Cat Finds Litter Box Success with ScoopFree

We recently received this story from a ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box customer, R. Elisheva via our Facebook page.  We feel so blessed to have wonderful cat-guardian customers, like R. Elisheva.  People who adopt felines that have medical problems, physical challenges or other issues are very special indeed!  We owe them a special thanks for adopting kitties that might otherwise be euthanized. 

From ScoopFree customer & Facebook fan,
R. Elisheva

"Meet Monty. Monty was found as a three year old with a severely infected gunshot wound on his front left leg. His right front leg wasn't much better off; the Dr. doctor was able to save right leg. Lucky for Monty, to need both forelegs amputated meant euthanasia. We brought Monty home about 2 weeks after his surgery, a stumbling goof of a boy who never let you know he was exhausted or in pain. After a year he has built up the courage to do things he probably had not done since his injury. One thing Monty could not conquer was his inability to do what most cats want to do naturally, bury their business. It didn't take long to dub this issue 'poo-foot'. The poor guy just can't keep his balance and bury at the same time, nor does his size (a massive 15 pounds and not overweight) help the situation. Even the largest boxes are a squeeze for him. Eventually my husband and I decided to see what our options were besides baby wipes. My husband read about some automatic litter boxes and told me to look at them the next time I was at the store. I opted for the scoop free because it was the largest available to me. Happily, he fits in it, though he usually sticks his head out of the cover. I was concerned he wouldn't like the new litter but it didn't phase him at all. He was infatuated the box. As soon as he would hear the motor turn on he would hobble over to watch. Within a week it would seem he figured out that the box buried his business for him (he never did a very good job of it himself). Before we knew it, he wasn't even trying to bury anymore, significantly reducing the amount of baby wipes we were going through. It does a fantastic job of minimizing and almost eliminating the odor. Also, not having to scoop one or two times a day is fantastic. Gives me more playtime (and snuggles) with my boy".

A ScoopFree Review

ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box Review

Thank you, ScoopFree customer Barbara C., for the wonderful review of our self-cleaning litter box.

"Buying the ScoopFree litterbox was the best money I ever spent. We can now leave on week long trips and not have to worry about litterbox issues while we're gone. I've had mine since July of 2012 and have had zero problems with it. I pay for the blue crystal trays because I live in a 1000 square foot house and have 2 cats. I am always worried about cat odor, but I'm always asking my friends if my house smells and they always say no. It is so easy to maintain! It amuses my cats too, because at times I'll find them sitting in front of the box just watching for the rake to start :)".

Why is My Cat Going Outside the Litter Box?

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.  

For more information on how ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box, visit us a http://www.scoopfree.com.

Introducing Your Cat to ScoopFree

Whether this is your first experience with the ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box system or you are replacing an older model ScoopFree, your cat(s) is going to notice there is something different about their box.  While many cats take to ScoopFree immediately, others need to ease into change.  Here are some helpful hints for (re)introducing ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box to your cats...

• Keep your old litter box next to the ScoopFree but do not clean the old box. Cats prefer clean areas, so they will chose the clean ScoopFree box over their old and dirty one. Do not remove the cat's old litter box until the cat is fully acclimated to the ScoopFree.
• Sprinkle 1 or 2 small handfuls of your cat's previous litter on top of the ScoopFree crystals. The familiar smell and feel will help the cat adjust to the new box.
• If a few handfuls does not work, try using a quarter of the ScoopFree crystals to three quarters of regular litter in their old litter box. Over a period of 2 weeks, gradually replace crystals with the old litter until there is more crystal than clumping litter (make sure to use crystal litter that only contains crystals, some varieties contain crystals & clumping litter).
• For more acclimation tips, visit www.scoopfree.com's FAQs. 
• If you require additional help, please contact us http://www.scoopfree.com/ContactScoopFree/index.html

Contest!

Does your kitty want to win a ScoopFree self-cleaning litter box & a BOLT automatic laser toy?

Visit the Pets Weekly website for details!

Do You Have A Pet-Centric House?

As an animal enthusiast, I know how a house can start to look with the addition of each new pet.  Sooner or later, you start to run out of room to put your pet's supplies & your room turns into your pet's room! 

There are some imaginative folks out there who are have pet-centric homes that are both functional and stylish.

Read more about the steps they've taken to work their pets into their homes and see pictures of what they've come up with by clicking here.

How have you incorporated your ScoopFree litter box into your home?  Do you have something cool built around it?  We'd love to hear what you've done!  Share your stories and pictures with us on our Facebook page.

www.Facebook.com/ScoopFree

ScoopFree Ultra & 6-Pack of Litter Tray Refills...FOR FREE!!!!

Does your kitty want to poop in the 'Cadillac of litter boxes'?

If the answer is yes, then head on over to AOL's Pawnation for your chance to win your furbaby a ScoopFree Ultra self-cleaning litter box & a 6-pack of Premium Blue™ crystal litter refill trays.

All you have to do is leave a comment stating what the favorite thing about your cat is - By TOMORROW 6/25/10! So skitter on over there before it's too late!

Click here to enter the contest!

http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/21/giveaway-scoopfree-ultra-automatic-litter-box/