Help! My Cat Suddenly Stopped Using the Litter Box!

We have all heard that using a litter box is a natural instinct for a cat. This is true for the most part. If you have ever watched a cat go potty outside, they will dig a hole and then cover it after they have went to the bathroom. A litter box allows them to do the same thing inside your house. What if your cat was litter box trained and then suddenly stopped using it, leaving you a smelly mess all over your floors?

Reasons a Cat Suddenly Stops Using the Litter Box

1. Health Issues: A sick cat may not feel well enough to get to the litter box. If the cat has developed a urinary tract infection or kidney problems, he or she may not be able to control their bladder. If it seems like the cat is not feeling well, have him checked out by a vet.

2. Size of the Litter Box: If you started training the cat when she was a kitten a small litter box seemed huge to a tiny kitten. Cat's like to inspect and find a perfect spot, even in a litter box. If the cat has grown it might be time to offer a bigger litter box. The litter box should be long enough and wide enough so the cat can move around freely and turn in a circle to find his spot.

3. New Odors around the Litter Box: You may like the new air freshener you sprayed near the litter box but that doesn't mean your cat does. I have an enclosed litter box with a filter on top. I once sprayed a room freshener near that filter and the cat refused to go near the litter box until I changed that filter. Did you buy a new box of scented litter box liners that the cat wasn't used too?

4. The Cat Doesn't Like the Litter: Did you purchase some new and improved litter that was on sale? We may not think type of litter matters, but it does to the cat. If your feline was used to a certain type of litter and you recently switched brands, the kitty may not like the smell or texture of the new litter.

5. Scared While Using the Litter Box: Something may have scared your cat while he was using the litter box. My cat is afraid of the loud thunder and lightning. Imagine being in an enclosed litter box and have a loud thunder clap. Someone could have startled the cat while she was in the litter box. If you have an enclosed litter box, try taking the top off of it and see if the cat starts using it again.

Most of the time, there is a reason why a cat suddenly stops using the litter box. You may have to clean it more, or use a trial and error method of figuring it out from the above suggestions. Sometimes, though people disagree on this, no matter what you do, you cannot break the cat's bad habit of refusing to use the litter box.

If that is the case, some people advice choices such as placing the cat in a shelter and telling them that the cat will not use a litter box. The shelter may be able to work with the cat, but be aware that shelters are full of litter box ready kitties and your stubborn cat will not be very adoptable. I do not advocate placing an animal in a shelter, but if you feel you have no other choice, be sure to ask the shelter if they have a barn cat program.

I recently wrote an article about the barn cat program some shelters have started. The shelters work with farmers to place cats that are not desirable as house cats, but can live happily in the country in a farmer's barn or shed to drive away mice or other unwanted vermin. The shelters see to the cat's heath and well being and work with the farmers to ensure the cat has a good home. Shelters only do this as a last resort to find unwanted kitties a home.

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