Cats : Litter Box Problems

Some cats can be very finicky when it comes to litter boxes, so begin with an uncovered, clean litter box. Be sure to clean the box daily and to keep it stocked with enough litter for your cat to appropriately defecate and cover it with litter. Once your cat is comfortable and using the litter box regularly, you can try other types of litter boxes, but keep an uncovered litter box available as an option for your cat just in case he is not accepting of the new type of litter box. Cats can also be finicky when it comes to the type of litter used so if you decide to change the type of litter used, do so gradually. 

The general rule of thumb for multiple cat households is to keep one litter box per cat + 1 additional litter box available at all times. It is not uncommon for cats to harass other cats while they are using the litter box, which can be traumatic for the cat in the litter box and subsequently result in litter box related problems. Thus, until you are familiar with the dynamic between your cats, it is important to keep at least one box uncovered or with multiple exits. 

There are a number of reasons why your cat may soil outside of the litter box: 

Medical problems 

The first thing you should do when you notice your cat is soiling outside the litter box is take him to your veterinarian for a health check. Cats can have medical issues that cause painful elimination. Cats will associate this pain with the litter box and proceed to eliminate in other places as an attempt to evade this pain. It is important to note that cats are not prone to showing signs of pain or discomfort, so it is imperative that you understand that eliminating outside of the litter box is potentially the only sign you will have when your cat is experiencing extreme pain or a life threatening medical issue.

 Aversion to the litter box itself 

 Cats often cease using the litter box if it is dirty, if they have had a painful elimination, or if something startled them while they were inside such as a nearby appliance or an ambushing cat. Ways to solve and avoid such problems include cleaning the litter box daily and do a thorough clean once a month, monitoring their health, planning the location and type of litter box you use strategically, and by offering one litter box per cat + 1 additional litter box available at all times. 

 Surface and texture preference 

 If your cat consistently eliminates on a specific material or has begun eliminating inappropriately only after you have changed litter types, it is likely your cat has a surface or texture preference for eliminating. Do your best to copy your cat’s preference. For example, if your cat prefers smooth surfaces such as tile or hardwood fl oors, place the litter box in an area that offers those surfaces and keep a portion of the litter box bottom bare. You can also switch back to the litter type your cat had been accustomed to or research of litters that offer a similar texture. 

 Location preference

 If your cat is eliminating in only quiet and protected areas, in an area that formerly housed a litter box, or in a level of your home that does not have a litter box, it is likely that the problem is related to the location of the litter box. Be sure that your litter box is kept in a quiet place where your cat feels secure and comfortable. If you decide to relocate the litter box, be sure to show your cat where the litter box is now located. Offer a litter box on each level of your home or more if your own a large space.

 All cats will make mistakes or have accidents. If you catch your cat eliminating inappropriately, make a loud noise to interrupt him, take him to the litter box immediately, and set him just outside. Give him privacy and praise him when he comes out if he uses the box correctly. Never attempt to force your cat into the litter box, as this is likely to cause anxiety and more litter box related problems. Do not attempt to punish your cat if you fi nd that he already has eliminated inappropriately because he will not relate the punishment to the act of inappropriate elimination. For example, showing your cat the poop he passed hours ago and then spraying him with water will not work to discourage your cat from repeating the act. At this point, the best thing to do is to place the fecal matter in litter box and clean the soiled area. 

If your cat does eliminate inappropriately, be sure to clean it up thoroughly. Cats will continue eliminating in an area that smells soiled.

 • If the item is machine washable, wash the items as usual with baking soda or with enzymatic cleaner from the pet supply store made for this purpose. Similar products are offered for carpet and upholstery.

 • For a stain that has already set, considering using an extractor or wet vacuum followed by an enzymatic cleaner. Extractor or wet vacuums are available at your local hardware or grocery store.

 • Avoid using steam cleaners, as they can set the stain and odor permanently. 

 • Cleaning products not specifically designed for eliminating pet odors, do not effectively eliminate or mask the stains and odors and may even encourage your cat to continue the inappropriate behavior. 

 • If your cat has soiled your floor or wooden surfaces, the paint or varnish may have reacted with the acid of the urine and you may need to remove and replace the paint or varnish.