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Cat Litter Box Problem? A Look At Behavioral Issues

By: Kurt Schmitt

There may be more than one cause of a cat litter box problem, but they come from one of two categories. If you've read my article on the physical causes of this dilemma, then you already know that this problem is either physical, or behavioral.

Since your cat can't tell you what's going on, you have to rule out each possible cause, until you are left with the most logical answer. This is known as a diagnosis of exclusion.

You'll need help from your vet on this one, since you'll want to first rule out any physical cause. It's always best to assume your cat has a physical problem until your vet proves you wrong.

Once your vet says your cat's problem does not have a physical cause, then you assume that your litter box problems are behavioral. Let's see if we can think of some behavioral reasons for why your cat won't use the litter box.

1. Dirty Box - some cats prefer a squeaky clean box, and others are willing to allow it to dirty up a bit. In any case, clean your litter box at least once per day. Depending upon your litter and cleaning method, you should change your litter at least every few weeks. Wash the litter box thoroughly whenever you change the litter. If you have a hooded box, be sure to wash the lid as well.

2. Cat Box Odor - if the litter box doesn't smell quite right, your cat may avoid it. You might think that your litter box smells just fine, but your cat may have a different opinion about the subject.

If you didn't clean it well enough, your cat will know. If you used a scented cleaner, or didn't rinse it well enough, it may not smell right to your cat. It's recommended that you use a solution of one part bleach to 30 parts water to help prevent the spread of parasites and recurring infections. Rinse well and dry thoroughly! When you're finished, the box should not smell like cat waste, soap, or bleach.

3. Litter Odor - certain cat litters don't sit well with certain cats. Unscented litters of different brands still have a particular odor which some cats may not like. Different types of litter exhibit unique odors as well. You may have to try different brands and different types until you find the right one for your cat.

4. Litter Type - your cat may be turned off by the type of cat litter you use. Also, try not to switch litters too quickly. When changing litters, try adding 20 percent new litter to 80 percent old, and then increasing the amount of new litter over several days until you're at 100 percent.

5. Litter Box Type - the shape, size, and type of box does matter. For example, some cats may like a hooded box, while others prefer the open kind. Perhaps your cat would like higher walls, or a larger box. If you've recently changed litter boxes, this could be causing a problem.

6. Number of Boxes - in multi-cat households, territory is at a premium. Use the one plus one rule when selecting how many boxes you'll need in order to prevent traffic jams. That means one box for each cat, plus one extra so that there is always a free box available. Having more boxes also keeps each box a little cleaner, which makes the scooping chore a bit easier on you.

7. Bad Location - this can be an issue since in some cases, you just can't find a good spot for the box. I've seen them in busy and noisy areas like laundry rooms and kitchens. If your cat is not pleased with the location of the box, she may stop using it. Always try to keep the box in an area that is low traffic and low noise.

8. Territorial Issues - territorial arguments are common in multi-cat households. Some cats like to sneak up on others when they're using the box and pounce. If your cat is attacked every time he's in the box, he may grow to hate the box. This is where the one plus one rule for multi-cat households is most important.

9. Stress - stress is a leading cause of box aversion. If your cat is stressed by a life event, such as a recent move or a new addition to the household, this may be the cause of the problem. One of my readers found out the hard way that one family member was trying the wrong form of behavior modification on one of their cats. The result was a litter box issue. Try to think about what might have changed recently in your cat's life, and then try to reduce or eliminate the stress.

Sadly, many cats end up in shelters due to cat litter box problems that can usually be solved. Knowing which solution to use means knowing the cause. Your veterinarian will rule out the physical causes first, then you can work on the behavioral possibilities. Think like a cat and you'll come up with the solution.

Article Source: http://www.article-voip.com

Kurt Schmitt publishes Cat Lovers Only as a reference for pet owners. See the site for the more causes of a cat litter box problem and a longer version of this article.

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