Cat Litter Box Problem: Four Reasons Why Your Cat Won't Use The Box

There are two main categories of causes for a cat litter box problem: physical problems or behavioral issues. If your cat is experiencing difficulty, the first thing you should do is have your veterinarian rule out physical causes.

As you read this, keep in mind that your cat will form an association with her experiences, either good or bad. So, if your cat has a bad experience in the litter box, she may associate negative feelings with it. If those feelings are strong enough, perhaps due to repeated bad experiences, she may refuse to use the box at some point.

Here are four good reasons your cat won't use the box.

1. Pain While Urinating - if your cat experiences pain while urinating, she will create a bad association with the box. Your cat can't hold it in forever, so she ends up urinating on the dining room rug. Be aware that until you remove the odor completely from that spot, your cat may return there again and again.

2. Pain During Bowel Movements - if, for example, your cat is painfully constipated she will associate pain with the litter box. When she is finally able to go, it may be on the kitchen floor, instead of in the box.

3. Pain in Joints and Muscles - your cat has to be able to get in and out of the litter box without experiencing pain, as well as be able to squat. If there's an injury, arthritis, or some other problem with your cat's joints or muscles she may be in pain when using the box. After a few times of this, your cat doesn't use the box anymore.

4. Limited Mobility - in addition to the above, it's possible that your cat may have difficulty getting around well enough to climb into the litter box. If your cat is older, or has an injury or disease, she may be limited in her movement. She simply can't get into the box to use it.

Many readers believe that litter box problems are always behavioral. I hope this article has shed some light on other possibilities. If your cat is having a physical problem that you are unaware of, your vet can help sort that out.

Once you determine the source of the problem is pain, then your vet can treat the cause. The treatments will vary for For painful urination, bowel movements, or joint or muscle pain depending upon the underlying cause. Some retraining will probably be required. You'll also need a lot of patience to help your cat readjust.

If a mobility problem is at fault, there may be some things you can do to help. Make it easy on your cat by getting a low litter box so your cat doesn't have to step too high into it. Also, a large box that is easy to move around in would be better. Depending upon your situation, your vet may have a treatment to help your cat's mobility problem.

After a physical cause of your cat's litter box problem is determined, you can then work with your vet to help your cat recover. Any issues that cause your cat a bad litter box experience should be dealt with as soon as possible. The earlier you catch these problems, the easier it is to deal with.

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Kurt Schmitt offers free advice on cat litter box problems and many other cat care subjects at Cat Lovers Only
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