Does your cat stop using the litter box? Understanding why a cat refuses to use its litter box is critical to improving cat behavior. This problem often occurs because of a source of stress, such as changes in the house. Medical problems can also be suspected as one of the causes of cats suddenly not wanting to use the litter box anymore, especially in older cats.
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Method 1 of 3: Retraining a Cat after a House Move, Cat Sand Change, or Negative Event
Step 1. Place the sandbox in the right place
Cats may stop using the litter box after experiencing a frightening experience in a previous area, such as loud noises or other pet disturbances. He may not like the place you chose after moving the litter box, or after moving to a new house. Place the litter box in a quiet location, away from people and allowing the cat to see who is approaching. Choose a room that has at least two exits so the cat doesn't feel cornered.
- Keep the litter box away from food and water bowls. Cats do not like to combine these two areas.
- Signs that a cat is in an unpleasant situation in the litter box include getting in and out quickly, or defecating in the area near the litter box. If you see any of these signs, move the sandbox to a new location.
- Set up at least one litter box on each floor if your home consists of several floors.
Step 2. Play with toys near the sandbox
Have the cat play in the area where you put the litter box. Leave toys (not food) in the room so the cat can spend time there and develop positive associations.
You can take your cat to the litter box so he can investigate on his own, but don't put the cat in the box right away or reward him for using it. This tactic can have the opposite effect by making the cat feel uncomfortable or scared. Unlike dogs, cats should be allowed to choose to defecate in the litter box of their own accord, especially if they have used them in the past
Step 3. Keep the litter box clean
If your cat is perched on the edge of the box or is pooping right next to it, she may think the box is too dirty. Remove any clumping litter and add new, clean cat litter at least once a day, preferably twice a day. Rinse the litter box once a week with baking soda or unscented soap.
- If you use non-clumping cat litter, replace the entire litter every few days to avoid the accumulation of unpleasant odors, which can discourage cats from approaching them.
- Do not clean the litter box with products that contain fragrance. Don't use a disinfectant unless it's specifically made for litter boxes because many disinfectants contain chemicals that are toxic to cats.
Step 4. Gradually switch to a new type of cat litter
If you buy a new type of cat litter, introduce it to your cat slowly. Mix a small amount of new cat litter with old litter, and increase the ratio each time you change the litter box. Cats are usually more adaptable to cat litter which is unscented and has a texture similar to old sand.
- If the old type of cat litter is not found in the market, buy 2-3 new cat litter. Place the new litter in separate litter boxes next to each other and let the cat choose the new litter she likes.
- Try adjusting the depth of your cat's litter, especially if it has a different texture to what cats are used to. Many cats like a layer of sand that is shallow, or less than 5 cm deep. Long-haired cats usually like a shallower layer of sand so they can dig to the bottom of the box.
Step 5. Identify the new sandbox problem
If your cat isn't showing enthusiasm for the new replacement litter box, try some of these adjustments to make it more interesting:
- Some cats prefer closed boxes, while others prefer open boxes. Try installing or removing the box cover.
- Remove the plastic layer from the litter box. Plastic can get caught in the cat's paws.
- Most cats are well adapted to self-cleaning litter boxes, but not all. It's possible that a nervous cat is afraid of the sound of the engine and may refuse to use it. If you're not sure if your cat likes it, it's best to stick with a conventional litter box.
- If the new box is smaller than the previous box, you may need to replace it with something larger. Large boxes with low sides are ideal for cats. Some people use plastic boxes to store sweaters.
Step 6. Clean the urine and feces with an enzymatic cleaner
If your cat is urinating outside its litter box, clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner specially formulated for cat urine (or a 10% solution of enzymatic detergent powder with water). Rinse with cold water. This will remove the urine odor that can attract the cat to the same place.
For best results, spray the area with rubbing alcohol after the water has dried. Rub gently and let the area dry on its own
Step 7. Make the area that the cat uses as a "toilet" look less attractive
If your cat has developed a habit of defecating in a certain location, block access to the area, or find a temporary method of preventing the cat from going to the area until she learns good habits again:
- If the cat uses a dark hiding place, install a bright light, it is better if the light is activated by movement.
- Make him uncomfortable standing on a carpet or other area by covering it with aluminum foil or double-sided tape.
- If your cat pees on the curtains, clip the curtains up so they can't be reached until the cat is back in the litter box.
- Cover the targeted furniture with a plastic sheeting or shower curtain.
- Fill bathtubs and sinks with a shallow layer of water when not in use.
Step 8. Place the sandbox on the problem area
One solution is to go with what the cat likes and put a new litter box in the area it uses as a toilet. Of course, this solution isn't ideal if your cat uses the carpet in the living room as a toilet, but you might consider it if your cat chooses a place in a corner of the house that isn't distracting.
Another solution is to move the cat food bowl to that location. Most cats will not defecate and eat in the same place
Step 9. Use the cat's preferences to your advantage
If the above methods don't work, you may have to apply the transition slowly. For example, if your cat prefers to pee on carpets, place a similar piece of carpet in the litter box. If your cat wants to use this option, add some cat litter on the carpet the next day. Keep adding cat litter and changing the carpet if it gets too dirty until the cat has fully adapted to the cat litter.
- You may need to temporarily lock your cat in a non-carpeted area of your home for this solution to work, or temporarily roll up the carpet. Keep in mind that confining a cat can have a negative impact if the cat becomes stressed or bored.
- Apply the same method if the cat lives indoors/outdoors, or if the cat prefers to defecate outdoors. You can add soil or sand (without fertilizer) to the litter box. Again, make the transition slowly from sand/soil to cat litter by adding new substrate to the substrate he likes little by little.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Other Causes
Step 1. Sterilize or neuter your cat
This procedure is not mandatory in the process of teaching your cat to use the litter box, but it will reduce the chances of your cat urinating outside the litter box. Male cats who are not neutered are more likely to squirt urine when they are stressed, can't get along with other male cats, or want to announce to the female cat that he is willing to have a relationship.
The earlier this procedure is performed, the more likely the behavior will stop. If left for too long, the habit will continue even after surgery
Step 2. Reduce stress on cats
Like humans, cats also experience stress due to changes in their environment or schedule. Cats may stop using the litter box when someone or another animal leaves the house, or when there is a new occupant. Some cats even respond poorly to decoration changes. Here are some ways to help:
- Provide private places that allow the cat to be alone, including hiding places and high perches.
- If you let your cat out of the house, let him go in and out as he pleases.
- Let the cat initiate the contact, and provide a calm and consistent response. Some cats experience stress from not getting enough playtime, while others don't like being petted or cuddled whenever the owner wants them to.
- If the cat's behavior persists, consult a veterinarian or animal behavior specialist.
Step 3. Respond to vertical spraying behavior
If the cat has its back to a vertical surface, wags its tail, and squirts urine, it means it is spraying. If you don't catch him doing it, look for a circular area that emits a strong urine odor that is slightly higher than the cat's bottom, and has streaks of water dripping onto the floor. All cats can perform this territorial behavior, but it is more common for unneutered male cats. Here are some ways to respond to cat spraying behavior:
- Spraying is often a response to stress or the presence of another cat. Follow the instructions above to resolve this issue.
- Spraying can be a response to a new cat in the environment, especially if the spray is focused on doors, windows, or ventilation holes. Try to keep the new cat away from the yard or close the blinds so your cat doesn't see it.
- About 30% of cats that are examined by veterinarians for spraying problems develop the disease. It's a good idea to get your cat checked out, especially if you can't find a solution.
Step 4. Replace the small box as the kitten grows
If you've had a cat as a baby, it may need a larger litter box once it grows up. The cat should be able to rotate comfortably, and still be able to find a clean spot if you haven't had time to clear the box.
Cats don't like change, and may take some time to adjust to the new box. Follow the instructions given above if the problem persists
Step 5. Cut the clumps of hair on a long-haired cat
Some long-haired cats dirty their fur when they pee. This can be a painful or unpleasant experience that he associates with the sandbox. If you see this happening, carefully clip the clumped hair away from the area.
Step 6. Minimize the risk of damage when the cat owner is not at home
Some cats react badly when their owners leave. He may try to pee in a place that has a strong odor from the owner, usually the bed. Ask the sitter to close the bedroom door, and place an extra litter box so the cat can always reach it without having to approach the sitter.
If possible, hire a pet sitter the cat is familiar with, or at least introduce them to both before you leave
Step 7. Improve cat behavior in homes with multiple pets
Spraying is a common reaction to conflict with other cats or dogs and it can happen even if the animals have lived together in the past. For best results, make sure each cat can access the facility without needing to approach another cat:
- Prepare one litter box for each cat. Place each box in a separate location with at least two exits if possible.
- Provide a bed and a food bowl for each cat. Keep these facilities out of the litter box and separate from each other.
- Provide adequate perches and hiding places for each cat.
Step 8. Separate the animals if bad behavior persists
If your cat still won't use the litter box, or is still aggressive towards other animals, try a stricter separation method. This procedure is usually necessary if you are bringing a new cat home:
- Keep the cats in a room with the door closed between them so the animals can smell each other but not see each other. Allow the cats to inhale each other's scent by feeding on both sides of the same door, or by changing rooms daily.
- After a few days, leave the door slightly ajar. If the cat doesn't react badly, let the two of them approach each other.
- If your cat is behaving aggressively, use a leash to safely keep them in the same room for a short period of time. Allow the cat to play or eat during these sessions and gradually allow the two to be close together.
- Once the cats have calmed down, try rubbing tuna water on each other's heads. This trick will encourage cats to feel relaxed during grooming, and even with each other.
Method 3 of 3: Getting Rid of Health Problems
Step 1. Notice if the cat has difficulty urinating
If you notice your cat straining while trying to urinate, or spending a long time without success, take your cat to the vet immediately. Male cats in particular can develop urinary problems when the urethra (the tube from the bladder to the penis) is narrowed or blocked. Usually the cat can pass a small amount of urine before the urethra is completely blocked and the cat cannot urinate at all. This condition can be dangerous for your cat and requires immediate medical attention. Blockages can also occur in the digestive tract.
Some cats with urinary tract infections or urinary blockages take a long time to pee, lick their genitals, or cry to their owners
Step 2. Observe if the cat has bowel problems
Constipation also occurs in cats and can cause chronic problems that require special diets and laxatives. Diarrhea is also common, including chronic diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease. One of these medical conditions makes cats uncomfortable and can cause cats to fear going to the litter box or not being able to make it on time to avoid an “accident.”
Many cats with inflammatory bowel disease show only occasional symptoms for no apparent reason. Changes in appetite, lethargy, vomiting, or increased hairball production can be signs of discomfort in the digestive tract
Step 3. Facilitate physical access to the sandbox
If your cat is old or has an injury, he may not be able to reach the litter box as comfortably as before. Is the cat limping, needs help jumping into a chair or bed, has episodes of shaking legs, or looks painful around the spine or tail? If so, take him to the vet right away! You may be able to make him feel more comfortable by providing the litter box with lower sides, or with a "door" made on one side. You may need to find a larger box so the cat can move freely once inside.
An obese cat may not be able to move comfortably in the box anymore. Find a bigger box and adopt a healthy diet for your cat. Consult with your veterinarian about a safe weight loss program for your beloved cat
Step 4. Consult a veterinarian to rule out any possible health problems
Urinary problems are often caused by cat diseases, including urinary tract infections, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, bladder inflammation with or without urine crystals, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If in doubt, ask your veterinarian for a medical examination.
- Observe the cat's condition so that you are ready to answer the vet's questions. Questions that might be asked include: Does the cat urinate in the litter box or away from it? How big is the pee stain in the litter box? Has a cat ever tried to pee in the litter box? Does the cat make a sound when peeing? Has there been an increase in water consumption? Can you see if the urine looks clear, normal, or dark? How often do cats urinate?
- Even if there are no health problems, your vet can prescribe anti-anxiety medication to prevent spraying behavior. This solution is unwarranted or risk-free. So you should discuss the pros and cons with your vet.
Tips
- You may have to look for indistinct urine stains to find them all. This includes under the carpet, on the carpet lining and the floor underneath. If you use a black light in the dark, the area with the urine stain will glow.
- If you have multiple cats and aren't sure which one is urinating out of the box, talk to your vet about administering fluorescein to one of the cats. This dye is harmless and will make cat urine glow blue when exposed to black light. This effect is temporary. Or, you can separate the cats in separate rooms until you can figure out which cat is the problem.
- If your dog disturbs the cat while it is in the litter box, or tries to rummage through the cat litter, seal the access to the box with a baby safety door. Lift the door high enough that the cat can pass under it, but the dog cannot.
Warning
- Don't punish your cat for not using the litter box, including stuffing her nose in urine or feces. This will not improve the cat's behavior.
- Do not clean urine with an ammonia-based cleaner. Urine contains ammonia, so its smell can attract cats to the same place next time.
- Spraying behavior is more likely if you have multiple cats in a tight space. According to some studies, spraying is impossible to avoid in homes with ten or more cats.
- Cats that spray when under stress often adopt the same behavior when they discover a new source of stress. If this happens, taking your cat to the vet right away can make it easier for you to find a long-term solution before the problem becomes a permanent habit.
