Has your cat stopped using the litter box?

Here are some helpful hints to help them get back on track.

1)      Rule out that they are not having any type of medical issue. It is very common for cats to get urinary blockages especially male cats. It makes it uncomfortable for the cat to use the litter box when this happens.  They will commonly urinate outside of the littler box in a cool place. Make sure to call your veterinarian First if your cat stops using the litter box

2)      You have now ruled out a medical issue. Is your cat declawed? If yes this may be one of the reasons they are not using the litter box. Over time the litter will start to irritate your cats’ paws and in return they will stop using the litter box. Try and switch the type of litter you are using. It is suggested to use Yesterdays News litter; this type of litter tends not to bother their paws. You can also try shredded newspaper.

3)      How many litter boxes do you have? You should have one more litter box for the number of cats that are in your house. For example if you have 2 cats then you should have 3 litter boxes. Some cats are very picky and do not like to share.

4)      How often do you clean the litter box? Some cats like their bathroom very tidy and require you to scoop it out every day.

5)      Has your living situation changed? Has someone new human or pet moved in or you have moved or you have changed the location of the litter box. Sometimes cats will react to changes by urinating outside of the littler box.  Some people will use “Cat Attract” in the cats litter box to help them start using the box again.  

• Another suggestion is to see if you can eliminate the “new stress” in the home.  If you move to a new location it is best to introduce your cat to the new home slowly. Start by placing the cat in a bedroom or bathroom with their food, water and litter box. Have the door closed and allow them to get use to the new area. Slowly introducing them to the entire new house. There is a new pet in the house. With cats it takes time sometimes weeks or months for them to accept a new member of the household. You should always introduce your cat to the new pet under supervision and slowly. Follow the steps when introducing a cat to a new home.

6)      Have you changed the type of litter? Some cats are very picky and only like certain types of litter, clumping verses non-clumping, yesterdays news verse clay.  If you have changed the type try going back to the old if they are using the litter box again then slowly introduce the new type into the old.

7)      Have you changed the type of litter box? Some cats will not use covered litter boxes, some prefer covered. Is the litter box to small and they are just missing the box? Is the litter box too deep? Some cats’ typically heavier ones have a harder time getting in and out of the box.

Click the link below to read about some of the other topics we have covered.Frequently Asked Questions

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