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The #1 reason why cats are abandoned, abused, placed in shelters or put down is because of non-use of their litter boxes.
Understanding Why This Can Happen
To get to the root of the problem we first must know and understand the different causes to consider.? There are 3 likely main causes for a cat not using their litter box.? Knowing which category your cat falls into is so crucial to resolving the problem.? In order to correct it you will need to utilize both behavior modification and stress reduction techniques for best results.
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The 3 Leading Causes If Your Cat Won?t Use Their Litter Box
1.)???? Medical Condition:? First step is to take them in for a check-up at your local veterinarian.? I recommend a complete physical examination to rule out any underlying medical problems.?? If they don?t pee or poop for more than a day this could be a blockage, intestinal tract or urinary tract infection.? This is very painful to a kitty.? You might see him/her hiding or crying and it is potentially deadly if not treated quickly. If it is a urinary tract infection please keep in mind that even after they are treated they may continue to soil the same trouble spots due to habit even long after the initial infection is cured.? Another scenario might be your cat? peeing outside of its litter box.? That?s a possible bladder infection.
Another thing you may consider is was your cat recently declawed? Is your kitty older?? That may be an? ingrown claw.? This happens more frequently than you might think especially in older cats.? They need their claws checked regularly as they can curl under and grow into their paw pad. This is very very painful & will prevent a cat not using their litter box. Cats depend upon the sensations in their paws for information about their environment, including their litter boxes. Cats may feel discomfort or pain in their toes for awhile after declawing while they are still healing, which can make it hurt to stand or dig in cat litter.? Discuss all the various options with your vet including the consideration of giving your cat Clomicalm; a kitty Prozac as a possible solution.
2.)???? Territorial Marking:? This is a natural behavior for both male and female cats used for communication and should not be confused with other non use issues of their litter.? To determine if they are just marking the area watch them sniff the location prior to marking and will then just leave a small amount of urine behind without pawing the area and retreating away.? This can be fixed by placing scratch posts in trouble spots so that they mark with their paws instead of spraying.? You can use your cats own pheromones or purchase a synthetic feline pheromone in your local pet store.? To use your cats own scent; rub a soft cloth between their eyes and behind their ears.? Then rub the cloth on the soiled area to create a ?friendly zone? thus eliminating the need to do territorial marking or spraying.? Wipe the cloth repeatedly on the soiled area over several weeks.
Cats may also do defecation for creating their own territorial spaces.? Signs of this type include defecating in very conspicuous and unusual spots such as on top of a table or in a sink or tub.? Your vet may also be able to prescribe medication to reduce marking. Have your cat complete a physical examination to rule out any other problem first.
3.)???? Behavioral Issue:? This category includes everything from you choosing an offensive litter causing ?box rejection,? to location preference (the cat who chooses an out of away closet instead of its box) to stress induced soiling (often related to changes in the household such as moving, major home renovations and more.)? Since all litter box problems are somewhat behavioral; these techniques make a great starting point for solving the litter box issues.
Steps For Success:? Retraining Your Cat Or New Kitten
**First and foremost; never punish your cat or kitten.? Harsh treatment only creates more stress and may result in the problem getting worse.? Instead; reward your cat immediately with treats when it does use the litter box.
? 1.)???? Clean-Up All Trace Evidence.
Do everything you can to eliminate any trace of odor from the urine trouble spots.? A cat?s sense of smell is 1000x stronger than a human; so this step is very important. Once a cat has marked an area with urine or feces, a problem cat may regard that area as an appropriate place to relieve themselves.? Always keep in mind that they are creatures of habit and repeatedly soil the same location.
Tip:? Avoid ammonia based cleaners.? They can contribute to the problem with their urine like scent.
Tip:? Try to keep your cat away from the trouble spots by covering the area with a plastic runner placed spike side up or use self-sticking shelf sticky paper with sticky side up.
Tip: ?Use a lemon based air freshener.? It repels the cat and also neutralizes the odor.
Tip:? If still your cat can?t resist the trouble area; try placing their food there.? Cats don?t like to s**t where they eat.? Never have their litter box near their food dishes.
2.)???? Clean Cat Room & Litter Area Thoroughly.?
Isolate your cat to a room.? Make sure their litter box isn?t sitting right next to their food dish.? Give them plenty of water, a blanket and toys for amusement.? Leave them in there for several days checking in twice a day for routine litter box cleaning and petting/loving time.
Tip:? After Isolation for a couple of days try letting them out to see if it has been corrected.? Having 2 litter boxes per cat is another fantastic idea.? Just be sure the litter boxes aren?t next to each other side by side.? The best option would be to have a litter box on each level of your home.
3.)???? Try Replacing Your Current Cat Litter With Dr. Elsey?s Cat Attract Litter.
I had to see it to believe it!? It seems to work!? You can find this litter and many other of his cat attract accessories at your local Petco, Pet Smart or online.? The special cat attract litter will be priced a little higher than your normal litter around $13.99 a bag for about 20 lbs of it; But it?s worth every penny and more!? This litter has rescued many cats from having to be put down.? It?s truly a miracle!
- Clay-based, clumping litter has just the right particle size and special herbal scent.
- Proven to work and attract cats.
- It?s scoop able
- Claims its 99% dust free.? (Although I think it?s still a little dusty if you ask me.)
- Contains chlorophyll for natural odor control
- Each bag of litter includes step-by-step instructions for best results.
- Includes unconditional manufactures guarantee
- Click this link to view at Petco? Dr. Elsey?s Cat Attract Litter
4.)???? Daily Remove Feces & Urine Clumps In Their Litter Box.?
At least once a day preferably twice a day clean it out.
Tip:? If your cat doesn?t respond to a clean litter box, you may need to replace it with a new one and then place it in a different location.? Sometimes old cat litter boxes get scratched up and can permit an unpleasant odor to the cats.
5.)???? Consider A Litter Box Make Over.??
Hooded boxes are designed for humans not necessarily for cats.? Try removing the hood and moving its location to a quiet out of the way spot with convenient access for your cats but not so convenient for your dog.? Dogs may stand by the litter box making the cat nervous and sometimes they will even try to eat the cat poop afterwards?gross
Tip:? Keep the litter box away from bright lights, loud noises, vibrations and small children.? If you can; place the litter box in the middle of the room so they don?t feel trapped or anxious.
6.)???? Treat Your Cat To Some Extra Love, Playtime & R&R.?
Stress is the leading cause for a cat not to use its litter box.? Try these tips to help comfort your kitty?
Tip:? Avoid major home renovations and moving a lot.
Tip:? In a multiple cat homes make sure the cats have their own zone or area with its their own food, water, play toys, scratching posts and an elevated perch for relaxing on.? Heated beds and cat condos near a window for viewing out are an added bonus for a great ?Cat Scratch Pad?
Tip: Play with your cat at least 15 minutes every day.? Make sure they have plenty of toys to stalk and try rotating the cat toys out to keep it exciting for them.
Tip:? Play ?Kitty-hide-and-seek.? ?It?s a lot of fun!? Do it by placing hidden kitty treats and pieces of food around their cat zone to search, hunt and eat.
Tip:? Leave the TV or radio on when you leave the home to help with boredom.
**If the problem continues to persist even after using the new litter and training tips listed; please immediately take your cat to your veterinarian.? Your cat may have a serious medical problem.
Kitten Training
Training a kitten is very different from training a dog.? Kittens instinctively want to seek out a location to dig.? You can help them with consistency by placing their litter box in a very accessible location.? Their bladders aren?t fully matured yet and can be much weaker than average adult cats.
After feeding time is over immediately place kitten in their litter box and step away.? Don?t try to show them how to dig by grabbing and digging their paws in the litter.? Kittens naturally have an ?elimination reflex? after eating.? By doing this consistently it guides them to the associate for the box with the natural reflex.? You may also want to place a small step by box to help them into the litter.? Dr. Elsey?s Kitten Attract Litter has been developed specially for their tiny tender paws while maintaining superior clumping capabilities.? They added specific herb attractants just for kittens as well.
Tip:? Avoid using perfumed or cedar based litters for kittens.? They may find it offensive with their extra sensitive noses.
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Researched & Written By: Melissa Fisher
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