You love your kitties, but you don’t like it when they go potty somewhere else. Cats are especially prone to behavioral problems connected to the litter box.
Thankfully, it is generally possible to solve cat litter box behavioral issues and prevent them from reoccurring.
Common Problems with Cat Littering
House soiling, or improper urination, is the most common litter box issue that cat owners have. Your cat might urinate or feces on your bed as well as carpets, area rugs, houseplants, and furniture. Smells could be challenging to get rid of, even after thorough cleaning.
If you have several cats, there can be conflict at the toilet. To get access, cats may fight with one another. Additionally, cats may impede the space and display subtle aggressiveness toward other cats. This may cause one or more of your cats to seek out a different spot to discharge themselves.
If you are currently dealing with one or more of these issues, there are numerous actions you can do to stop them.
Why Cats Have Litter-Related Behavior Problems
Some cats will urinate and defecate close to the litter box but not actually use the litter box. The outside of the litter box or the neighboring ground may have pee and waste. This makes maintenance challenging and unorganized. Additionally, the odors could stay inside your entire home.
If no physical diseases are found, your cat’s behavioural issues may be related to the area around the litter box. Most cats are meticulously clean-up crews. They take great care in how they present themselves and seek shelter and comfort in their homes. They also value having a spotless, comfortable, and secure bathroom. If there is something negative about the litter box, they might search for alternatives. Your cat might find the vicinity of the litter box uncomfortable for one or more of the following reasons:
For a number of reasons, your cat may be acting inappropriately around the litter box. The ideal cat litter box should be 1.5 times the length of the cat from the snout to the tail. Due to their medical issues, cats frequently experience difficulty using the litter box or controlling their excrement and urine. Common medical issues that are impacted by cat litter box practices include dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, constipation, urinary tract infections, and arthritis. As soon as you become aware of a litter box issue, visit your veterinarian.
- Difficulties with cleanliness or smells near the litter box
- Cat litter that is uncomfortable, has poor absorption, a strong fragrance, or all three.
- The cat perceives the area around the litter box as being threatening, noisy, or exposed.
- Both the space and the litter box are too small.
Cats may urinate and defecate incorrectly within the house if they have trouble getting to the litter box. Due to rivalry from other cats, a cat may not feel secure in the cat box. The cat could develop a fear of dogs or other animals to the point where it won’t leave certain rooms of the house to use the restroom.
Stress in the home can also lead to problems with cat litter boxes. Any time your cat’s surroundings changes significantly, new litter box troubles could develop. Moving into a new house, acclimating to a new family member or pet, or grieving the loss of a family member or pet all cause stress in cats.
Some cats experience litter box issues as a result of trauma or stress related to using the litter box. This occasionally happens to adult cats who have just been adopted.
How to Deal with Cat Litter Behavior Problems
Take your cat to the vet before attempting to correct behavioral issues with the litter box. Once any current medical conditions have been ruled out or handled by you and your vet, you can begin making changes to your cat’s litter box area.
Pet feces
Make use of kitty litter to absorb liquids and get rid of odors. A decent substitute might be a premium cat litter like Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal with Ultra Odor Blasters. Because it uses the special Clump & Lock technology to instantly produce firm clumps that trap in odors before they can travel throughout your home, this litter is ideal for households with numerous cats. In fact, Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal guarantees a seven-day odor-free home. Cleaning up will be simple for you because the clumps are easy to scoop. Additionally, cats’ delicate paws feel kind on the Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal texture.
Maintaining a clean litter box
Because Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal is easy to scoop, be sure to do so twice daily to keep all of your cat’s litter boxes fresh and odor-free. Sweep up any litter on the floor close to the box and wipe up any spills with a pet-specific cleaner, such as Arm & Hammer Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Plus OxiClean.
A wastebasket
Make sure the litter box is big enough for your cat. Your cat should have no trouble turning around with plenty of space to spare. Before making an effort to change the behavior, it is imperative to rule out a health problem. The edges should be sufficiently raised to prevent your cat from eliminating over the side. In the box, the litter should be placed three to four inches high. A cover-covered litter box can make your cat to feel confined or cause him to fear that another animal in the home will trap him within. If you have several cats, think about placing numerous litter boxes in various locations throughout the house. It’s a good idea to have one extra litter box for every cat.
Location
Cats may feel exposed when they urinate or defecate. The litter box should be put in a quiet, secluded area. Avoid crowded areas and locations near loud appliances. Kittens may be startled by sudden noises from a washer or dryer close to them while using the litter box.
Check that the litter box is not concealed behind a door that might accidentally close or get in the way of another animal dwelling in the house.
Stress reduction
Take steps to improve your cat’s habitat and reduce stress. Cats need to play and explore in order to thrive. A minimum of 10 to 15 minutes per day should be set out for interactive play with your cat and some toys. Consider increasing vertical space to offer your cat more room to explore. Cat shelves fixed on the wall and window beds can greatly improve your cat’s habitat. You can set up a pheromone diffuser in your house to quiet your cat. It could be beneficial to take relaxing supplements. For advice on cat vitamins, speak with your veterinarian.
Directions for a litter box
Learning to use the litter box is typically relatively simple for kittens. Coarse substrates, such as cat litter, compel them. Litter boxes have been introduced to some kittens by their mothers. However, some cats and kittens will continue to have issues using the toilet.
When educating or reminding a cat to use the toilet, set up a comfy litter box location and use high-quality litter, such as Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal. Take your cat to the cat box after each meal. Scoop clumps and solids as soon as your cat uses the toilet. Consult your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist if you’re having trouble training your cat to use the litter box.
There is still hope even though behavioral issues with cat litter are upsetting for both you and your cats. If you are persistent and consistent, you can make the necessary changes to get your cat back to the litter box.
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