Dealing with Feline Litter Box Issues

Litter box problems are an important source of concern for many cat owners. Sometimes the problem starts with the location of the litter box. The cat perceives something wrong with an old or new litter box location. Many times the problem centers on an event that made the cat afraid of the location of the litter box. A box may have fallen off a shelf on to the cat box while the cat was inside the box doing their business. Sometimes it is an order from something near the litter box that causes the cat not to want to use the litter box.

Most cats need the litter box in a location that is easy for them to access, but gives them a sense of privacy. The cat box should not be placed near noisy appliances like a washer or dryer. The furnace suddenly turning on near the cat box may also startle a younger cat away from using a cat box. Don't forget to try to figure out your cat's preference for a certain style of litter boxes. Some cats like covered large boxes and other like small open boxes.

You may have to experiment a little before you find a box your cat will be happy to use on a regular basis.

There are some general litter box guidelines. Most cats do not like to use the litter box near where they eat or drink. No human would tolerate having a toilet in their kitchen so it is best to place the litter boxes as far away as possible from where your cat eats. If you have more than one cat, try to have one box per cat. It is not that they all will not use the same box closest to their nearest hang out; but rather they will move on to using the next box when they are uncomfortable with the condition of the nearest box.

You may want to restrict the cat in a smaller area when you leave for longer periods of time. Cats can develop runny poop and other soiling issues when they have separation anxiety. These soiling problems usually occur about eight hours after the owner has left. Restricting the possible areas for the cat to soil in helps reduce the mess you have to clean up when you get home. Most cats will adjust to the owners extended periods of absence over time.

Not all cats enjoy the company of other household pets when they are doing their business. In a multi-cat household provide at least one covered box for the more shy inhabitants. Keep the box as clean as possible. Clay litter should be completely changed weekly and most scoop able litters at least once a month. Remember sudden soiling incidents that develop with your cat could be a sign of a serious illness and should be investigated. Sometimes a change in diet or routine is the culprit, but kidney and bladder conditions are common in cats and sometimes the first indication your cat is not well would be them peeing on the carpet.

Try to keep other pets like dogs out of the litter box. The dog may consider the litter box a source of doggie bon bons; this can become a source of health issues for the dog. Pregnant women and those with immune conditions should avoid having to clean the cat box if there is someone else in the household to do it. In general cats take to using a well maintained litter box without issues.

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