Why Has My Cat Stopped Using the Litter Box?
When a cat that has always been faithful in using the litter box suddenly stops, it can be quite annoying. Cat pee has it’s own distinct smell that sometimes seems impossible to remove from rugs and carpets. It’s a nasty problem that everyone wants to fix as quickly as possible. But, you can’t begin to fix the problem until you know what is causing the problem.
If this has just suddenly became a problem, then there probably is a valid cause. Cats instinctively like to dig and bury their waste and it’s out of character for them to just stop.
The first thing to check is the cat’s health. There could be a urinary tract infection, worms, diabetes or tumors among other issues. If you notice the cat constantly licking the anal area, blood in the urine or a diarrhea, then a trip to the vet is in order.
Closely check the litter box, cats are very clean creatures and if the litter box isn’t properly cleaned they may refuse to use it! Don’t clean the litter box with any cleaner that has a strong smell. Cats dislike citrus smells and ammonia, what you clean the box with may repel the cat away from it!
If the behavior has just started after you changed brands of litter, that may be the whole problem. Replace it with the old brand that the cat was use to and the problem may solve itself.
A bad litter box experience can also keep a cat away. If the cat had an infection that was painful when urinating, it will associate the litter box with pain. Try placing another litter box in a different area of the house.
Make sure that you thoroughly clean every area that the cat pees on. Just like dogs return to the same tree over and over, a cat will return to the same spot with their scent and pee again.
Stop the cat from going into the rooms that he’s constantly peeing in. If there’s no way to block the cat out of the room, try using citrus scents to discourage him. You can also try putting a bowl of dry cat food in the room, most cats won’t use the bathroom where they eat.
If you actually catch the cat in the act of peeing, you can try startling him. Clapping your hands or a loud “No” will stop the cat from peeing. After a few minutes carry the cat to the litter box, be sure to reward him if he actually uses the litter box. The startle technique should only be used as a last resort and even then only occasionally. Scaring the cat can cause even more stress and worsen the litter box problem.
The steps above will normally reverse most litter box problems. Just keep in mind that no matter how you try to get your cat back in the habit of using the litter box, keep is as stress free as possible.
Comments
Got something to say?
