When your feline companion suddenly decides to go everywhere in your house but in the litter box, the situation can be stressful. The cat, and not just the owner, is under some sort of stress in these situations. Relieving the cat's anxiety often stops the problem.
Here, in no particular order, are some reasons why a cat may stop using the litter box, and what you can do to correct the situation.
Environmental Changes
If you have moved the cat's litter box, or changed residences all together, this stresses a cat out. Felines are creatures of habit and any change in their routine causes them to feel anxious. Try keeping the animal in the room that contains the litter box for a couple of days. A smaller space will make them feel more secure, and help them to return to old habits.
Other Animals
If a new cat has been introduced to the household, the resident cat may be a little miffed. Cat's take personal hygiene seriously, and they may not like sharing a bathroom. Give each cat their own litter box, so that they can have their own territory and privacy.
If another animal was in the household, or visits nearby, your cat may be trying to mark its territory. All old stains and odors must be removed, bringing us to the next section.
Odor Removal
Cats have an amazing sense of smell. They could be returning to an area that was previously marked, because the odor tells them that this is the spot where they should go. Regular household cleaners just mask odors. To really get rid of them, use an enzymatic or oxidizing cleaner that will completely break down and eliminate any old smells.
Old Litter Boxes
If a litter box is more than a year or two old, odors could be locked into the plastic, deterring the cat from using it. A new litter box will make the cat comfortable again.
New Cat Litters
Sometimes changing the brand of cat litter you provide for your cat is a big enough change to cause them to urinate elsewhere. Stick to the brand that they prefer.
If this is not possible, put the new litter at the bottom of the box and the old one on top. As the cat digs around in the litter box, they will get accustomed to the new litter.
Many cats also do not like litters scented with heavy perfumes. Try unscented, naturally scented, or litters with added baking soda.
Aging
As cats age, they begin to have hip problems and achy joints. It may be tough to spot these problems in a cat, as their agile nature often masks any signs of pain. If your cat is a senior (seven or older), get them a litter box with a low opening that they will not have to jump into.
Your cat could also be suffering from other ailments, such as urinary tract infections, crystals, loss of bladder control, or kidney problems. If you suspect that this could be the case, visit a veterinarian immediately.
There are many products on the market that can help reduce stress in felines, such as natural herb and pheromone sprays, oral remedies, and cat litters that help entice a cat to use the litter box. Any pet store should should be well stocked with these items.
A cat that has stopped using their litter box can is aggravating for pet owners, but taking the time to figure out the problem and reducing the stress of the feline will make everyone in the household happy.
Ian Shoust - With a degree in Communications and a certificate in Digital Video Editing, Ian Shoust has worked as a freelance videographer, editor, and ...
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