Cat Litter Box Problem? A Look At Behavioral Issues

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 talk, it is often necessary to use a diagnosis of exclusion in these cases. Rule out each issue one by one until you're left with the only answer.

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 will use a dirty box without complaining, but others are fussy. In any case, clean your litter box at least once per day. You should change your litter at least every few weeks, unless it gets too dirty more quickly than that. Whenever you change the litter, wash and dry the litter box thoroughly. If you have a hooded box, be sure to wash the lid also.

2. Box Odor - some cats will refuse to use a litter box if it doesn't smell right. Remember, that means smell right to the cat, not to you. You might be thinking that your clean box smells just fine. This is not always the case.

If you don't clean the box well enough, your cat will know. If you don't rinse thoroughly, or use a scented cleaner, your cat may detect a smell that says don't go in there. You should use a solution of one part bleach to 30 parts water to sanitize the box. When you're finished, the box should be clean and dry, and not smell like cat waste, bleach, or soap.

3. Litter Box Odor - some cats simply prefer the odor of one brand or type of litter over another. Even unscented litters have an odor your cat can detect and may not like. Be prepared to try different types and brands until you find the right one for your cat.

4. Wrong Litter Type - brand aside, your cat may be turned off by the type of cat litter you use. Switching litter types too fast can be an issue. When you switch litters, add 20 percent new litter to 80 percent old, and then increase the amount of new litter over several days.

5. Wrong Litter Box Type - the type of box, including the shape and size may matter. Some cats may like a hooded box, while others prefer the open type. Things like higher or lower walls, or a larger box may be preferred. If you've recently changed litter boxes, this could be your problem.

6. Box Quantity - another cause of a cat litter box problem relates to multi-cat households. Remember the one plus one rule when selecting how many boxes you'll need. One box for each cat, plus one extra so that there is always a free box to use, no waiting. Having more boxes also keeps each box a little cleaner, which makes your job easier.

7. Poor Location - I've seen boxes in noisy kitchens and laundry rooms. This is usually a mistake. If your cat is not happy with the location of the box, he may stop using it. Always try to keep the box in an area that is low traffic and low noise. In some cases, finding a good spot for the box is difficult, but do your best.

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.

Cat litter box problems can usually be solved, and the solution doesn't mean getting rid of the cat. Knowing which solution to use means knowing the cause. Use your veterinarian to rule out physical causes first, then work on the behavioral possibilities. A little learning on your part so that you can think like a cat may be in order, but if you keep at it, you'll come up with the solution.

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About the author: Kurt Schmitt created Cat Lovers Only as a guide for cat owners. For more causes of a cat litter box problem and a longer version of this article, see the web site.
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