Why Tabby Prefers the Bed to the Box

The majority of calls I receive from cat owners have to do with some aspect of litter box avoidance. The cat is either urinating, defecating, or even spraying everywhere but the litter box. Some cats seem to use the box part of the rime and use other places to eliminate also. What to do? There are many subtle variations on why Tabby may eliminate on your rugs or furniture, but the litter box aversion can often be traced to one or a combination of the following reasons: The cat is physically ill; The cat is unhappy with something about the litterbox itself; The cat is upset about something in his daily routine; or The cat is marking due to some change, threat, or intrusion on his territory. For whatever reason or reasons the problem started, once accident out of the box can trigger a litterbox problem and quickly become a habit. Today, I would like to address some common reasons a cat will not use a litterbox simply because the avoidance had to do with the litterbox itself. Always remember to check with your veterinarian when your cat is exhibiting any new or unusual behavior. The misbehavior can be a cry for help and some illnesses are fatal if not diagnosed quickly. When a cat does not use his litterbox, he could have a urinary tract infection or blockage, parasites, impacted anal glands or even arthritis so painful the cat has trouble even getting into the box. Cats often associate painful elimination with the litterbox and will either seek cool (sinks, bathtubs, countertops, etc) or soft (beds, rugs, laundry baskets, etc) places for a litterbox. Since cats are fastidiously clean, by not using the litterbox, they get their owner's attention and an aware owner will take the cat to the vet immediately. When Tabby has been cleared medically, go through the following checklist to make the sure the litterbox is to Tabby's liking. Is the box clean enough for your cat? I am astounded at the number of owners who let their cat boxes go unchanged for more than a week! It is amazing to hear owners say "The box smelled so bad I changed it. I couldn't stand the smell!" If you think you couldn't stand the smell, you should try being your cat using that box! Cats have a sense of smell that is phenomenal and a box that hasn't been changed in a week would be akin to our using a toilet that hasn't been flushed in four weeks! Keep that box clean, owners! Some cats are more tolerant than others, but even tolerant cats will once day say, "No more! I will not use that dirty box!" When a cat uses a rug, bed, or couch, it is usually cleaned and sponged immediately. Wouldn't you use a place that is consistently clean versus one that is consistently dirty and smelly? When you clean the box, scrub the box with hot water and dish soap. Rinse well, wipe dry and fill with clean litter. Do not use harsh cleaning products (pine-scented, ammonia-based or bleach-type cleaners) as they leave a residual odor that only the cat's keen sense can detect. What you put in the box can contribute to the problem: >Some cats will not use any litter with deodorants as cats generally do not like strong odors. >Liners can sometimes frustrate a cat when the cat is constantly catching his claws in the liner as he digs. >If the box does not contain enough litter, the cat cannot adequately cover his elimination. Also, digging is very reassuring to cats, so be sure to have enough litter - at least 4 inches. >May cats will refuse to use a hooded box. The main reason is they are trapped in the box with the smell. Also, many cats like the freedom of moving around in their box and some cats are too big to do this when the box is covered. >Location of the box: Be sure your cat can always get to the box easily. If you keep your box in a closet, be sure the door is always open. Also, do not place the box in an area which is in the midst of lots of action or out in the open. Cats prefer private, quiet places to use their litterboxes. >Be sure that you have enough litterboxes for the number of cats you own. The rule of thumb is one box for each cat, plus one extra. If your cat is indoor/outdoor or if you live in a studio apartment, the formula does not hold true. But, for indoor only cats or homes with more than two rooms, this is the ideal number of boxes. The more litterboxes, the more flexibility and accessibility for the cat and the less likely a problem will begin. >The new clumping litter leaves little room for the cat to eliminate at the end of the day. The clumps add up to obstacles for the cat, so be sure those clumps are cleaned every single day. If you go away for the night and the cat only has one box full of clumps, he may seek an easier place to eliminate rather than play "push the boulders." Buy new boxes for your cat every year to prevent even subtle odor retention. Put the new boxes beside or near the old ones and use the same brands of litter for both. Gradually start taking the old box out a little bit at a time until your cat seems to be using the new box too. Then take the old box out of the room until your cat is pleased with and using the new box all the time. Then take away the old box all together. The process should take about four to seven days. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.