Common Reasons Why Your Cat Won't Use the Litter Box and How to Fix the Problems
1. Litter Box Isn't Being Cleaned Out Often Enough
My friend Mary complained that her cats refused to use the litter box, and this problem occurred often. She scooped the litter boxes regularly every week. I suggested to Mary she scoop her cats' litter boxes more often. Cats are known for being clean creatures. If their litter boxes aren't kept clean, they often won't use them.
I scoop my cat's litter boxes twice a day, every day. It serves two purposes: 1) My cats don't refuse to use the litter boxes because they're soiled. And 2), it improves the cleanliness of my home in general.
Every month I dump all the used litter from my cats' boxes and wash them with a bleach solution to sanitize them. After I rinse them and allow them to dry outside in the sun, I refill each cat box with fresh litter.
2. Litter Box Is Cleaned With Harsh or Smelly Chemicals
When I wash my cat's litter boxes every month, (tops and bottoms) I use a mild bleach solution- one part bleach to ten parts hot water. I then rinse the litter boxes thoroughly with clean water. If you use a strong mix, or a smelly cleaner like Pine-Sol or Parsons Ammonia, the smell may repel your cats. You may choose to use a homemade disinfectant such as: a half cup of borax in a gallon of hot water, or a cup of vinegar in three quarts of hot water.
3. Not Enough Litter Boxes to Accommodate Your Cats
Have one bathroom in your house, and everyone learns to wait their turn. Not so with cats. If they need to go, and all the litter boxes are in use, they'll naturally go on the floor. And you're left wondering why your cat won't use the litter box...
A good rule of thumb on how many litter boxes you need is: one box per two cats. I have three large litter boxes for my herd, and that number works well. However, if you have a fussy cat, it may prefer to urinate in one box and soil in the other.
4. Cat's Litter Box Is Too Small
Another common reason why your cat won't use the litter box is, it may be too small for them. Your cat needs plenty of room to enter the box, turn around, do their business, and then, cover it up with litter. Otherwise, your cat will be forced to go on the floor.
Most, if not all, litter boxes are available in different sizes. I wrote a review about the Booda Dome Covered Litter Box. Its unique round design makes it even easier for a cat to use.
The litter box I bought measures approximately 17- 1/2 inches around and is 17 inches tall. It's large enough to accommodate my cats, most of which are large framed.
5. Cat Has Constipation and Has to Strain to Go
There are several reasons why a cat gets constipated- their diet and hairballs probably being the most common. Sometimes cats get constipated due to medications they're on, or because of health problems such as impacted anal glands. Whatever the reason, when they strain to go, cats often won't use the litter box. They'll look for a corner of the room.
To fix the problem, you should immediately consult your cat's vet. S/he can examine your cat, determine and treat the cause of the problem.
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Kassidy "The Cat Lady" Emmerson
Published by Kassidy Emmerson
Kassidy Emmerson has studied Journalism, Creative and Non-Fiction Writing and Computer Programming. She has worked as a professional freelance writer for over a decade. Emmerson has 6,000+ articles published... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentGood information. We have the opposite situation. Jet will go outside and play, then beg to come in so he can use his litter box. What gives? Why can't he just 'go' outside? Another article idea for the Cat Lady?
If I owned a cat, this would be very helpful.
All are good reasons. I used to stay right on my cat's litter box.. as soon as she dropped her load I would fish it out and double bag it... good use for Walmart bags.. lol.
this is great information, thanks!
Sorry, I meant "his life".
Sophie
Good to know! =D
Great tips for the cat owner!
Fantastic points here!
As a previous cat owner, I'd like to add one to your list--the type of cat litter. Cats often have preferences there, too.