Are litter box problems getting you down? No need to worry. Here are some common cat litter box problems and a few tips to get your cute kitten to use its kitten litter box.
Litter box avoidance is one of the most common litter box problems and concerns among cat owners. It can have both behavioral and medical components. When you notice that your cat routinely and systematically avoids its box, ask yourself these questions:
- Urine Spraying/Marking?
Problem: Urine spraying can be annoying and smelly. Both male and female cats are known to spray. Yet, spraying is more associated with male cats as they establish their territory. Solution: Get the male cat neutered.
- Dirty Box?
Dirty litter boxes can create cat litter box problems. Cats hate dirty litter boxes. Boxes that are smelly, filled with droppings and urine are a definite, “No, No.” for cats. And really who can blame them. Would you want to use a filthy bathroom? Dirty litter boxes are just asking to be rejected by most cats.
So, do your best and clean them frequently. Remove solid waste as soon as possible to ensure a fresh smelling litter box. If using a plastic box, wash it down with hot soapy water once a week to get rid of bacteria. Do not use any scents that would repel cats, such as citrus scents, to freshen the area. A good cleaning should suffice.
- Poor Location?
Be aware of where you are placing your kitten’s litter box. Litter box placement can be a little-known, yet, crucial element in preventing litter box problems. Sometimes, we as owners, neglect to think about where we are placing our kitten’s box. Sometimes, it is placed in an area that is convenient to humans, but not so much to a kitten.
A high trafficked area and a litter box placed near a kitten’s food can all cause a feline to avoid using its litter box. It is best to pick secluded, quiet, less trafficked areas to place a litter box. Cats are territorial and like peace and quiet to do “their business” so to speak. So, let them have it.
- Crappy Litter?
Felines can be particular about the type of litter used in their boxes. Some kittens love sandy litter other love crystal forms of litter. Overly perfumed cat litter can also cause a kitten to refuse to use its litter box and initiate litter box problems. Try an unscented litter. This may prove to be a better fit for your kitten.
Whichever your kitten chooses, if you ever have to change the type of litter used do so gradually. Cats will often reject litter that they are not accustomed to. Start with 1/3 new litter brand to 2/3 old litter brand and make the switch over a week to two weeks time.
- Boring Box?
Kittens should enjoy their litter boxes. A bit of play while they’re in their box is a good thing. Just because you like to the kitten litter box (the color, the shape, the size), does not mean your cat will. If a box is too cramped, a cat may simply turn its back on the box. It’s often a matter of trial and error to see what box your kitten will absolutely enjoy the most.
- Sharing a Box?
When multiple cats have to share one litter box, litter box problems can start brewing. Cats by nature are territorial over their space. Fights may begin when multiple cats are left to share their box. A more dominant cat may feel the need to become aggressive with a more submissive cat.
To help avoid these issues, it’s often best to get multiple boxes for 3 or more cats. Two cats may be able to share a box just fine. But having greater than two using the same litter box could create problems.
- Stressed Out Kitten?
Let’s face it. Felines detest change. Any alterations in their environment or routine can cause them to react differently that they would in times of relative calm. New pets in the home, new humans in the home, moves, and the death of an owner or another family pet can send the most structured cat into a tail spin.
Be kind to your kitten and make transitions as smooth as possible. Expect your cat to act a bit differently as both your changes. Felines are extremely sensitive to their owners’ emotions. Therefore, if you’re apprehensive and nervous about the changes in your life your cat may be experiencing similar changes. Keep as much routine and familiarity as you can to help your cat adjust to new lifestyle changes.
- Sick Kitten?
A cat that normally uses its box and then abruptly stops using it may be having medical problems. A urinary tract infection (UTI), for instance, can make your kitten miserable and can be a real source of litter box problems. A kitten with a UTI may be suffering from quite severe pain and associate its litter box with the cause of its pain.
Other illnesses may make a cat too weak to use its box. See your vet if you notice any abrupt changes in litter box habits along with other symptoms of health problems.
- Forgetful Feline?
For a new kitten, it takes a while to get to know your home. Redecorating and constantly moving its litter box keep a cat in a state of confusion. Keep its box in same place for a least a couple of months, so that the cat does not become disoriented, frustrated, and just void anywhere in your home.
Elderly or sick cats may have cognitive impairments which make it difficult for them to remember where the appropriate spot is to eliminate.
- Negative Experience?
Cats are pretty smart creatures. A litter box avoidant cat may have learned to associate its box with a negative experience. Did you recently punish your cat after a having an “accident” in your home? It’s best to avoid punishing a cat for accidents as this can create litter box problems.
Usually, cats don’t understand what their being punished for anyway and punishment creates a vicious litter box avoidant cycle. Try retraining them to use the litter box instead.
If all else fails take your kitten to the vet or see cat behaviorist to figure out the problem.
Remember…Litter box problems do not have to doom your relationship with your kitten. A little bit of patience and knowledge goes a long way to alleviate the problem.
