Cats relieve themselves everywhere but the litter box
It isn´t a joyful experience to clean the litter box, but it is even less joyful to find it empty! Hmmmm -- if your cat isn´t using his litter box, where is he going? The answer can´t be good. In general, cats are loyal litter box users -- show your kitties where the box is once and they are usually good to go. Ahhhh, if all things were so easy.
There are a number of events that can disrupt your cats litter box behavior.
- When you walk in to the room that is home to your kitty´s litter box, do you take a deep breath and let out a relaxing sigh? Or do you find yourself holding your breath with a crinkled up nose? You don´t want to be near a litter box that is dirty, and neither does your cat. Make sure to clean your pet´s litter box often. If litter box duty isn´t on the top of your list of things you enjoy doing, consider an automatic-cleaning litter box. These litter boxes sense when your cat has stopped in for a potty break and after a short delay, a scooper will rake through the litter, depositing any unclean litter into a covered receptacle -- keeping the litter box clean and the odor to a minimum. Keeping the litter fresh and the box free from excessive waste will make it much more pleasurable for your kitty to use!
- It is possible that your cat isn´t fond of the type of litter that is being used. There are a couple litter types available. Clay litter is an inexpensive and widely used option. This kind of litter requires full cleaning -- emptying and replacing all the litter at once. Clumping litter offers the benefit of easier cleaning. When your cat uses the litter box, clumping litter literally does just that, clumps, making it easy to scoop for quick cleaning. With a little experimenting, you are sure to find the litter that your cat feels most comfortable using.
- Laughter, music, television and many people around. What do these things have in common? They are all things that we enjoy, but not necessarily while we are using the bathroom. You need privacy and so does your kitty. Make sure your cat´s litter box is in a low-traffic area, hidden away from high-activity places in your home.
- STRESS! Have you recently moved? Changed the furniture around? Added new members to the household people or pets? These are all stressful situations for your cat. Make sure when major changes take place in your home, that you spend a little extra time with your kitty. Assure him/her with love and attention that even though things have changed, they are welcome and it is still their home, too.
There is a possibility that should not be overlooked, and that is that your cat has a medical problem causing him to avoid his litter box. If your cat is having trouble relieving himself, it is possible that urination has become painful due to a blockage or other illness and your cat is associating using the litter box with pain. So remember it is important that your cat receive regular checkups with the vet. If you suspect your cat may have a blockage or isn´t feeling well, call your vet immediately.
