Dealing with a Cat's Messy Litter Issues: Solutions Ins
Reason 1: Sanitation Concerns
If the litter box is not cleaned promptly or if harshscented cleaners are used, cats may refuse to use it due to their aversion to a dirty and unpleasant environment. Regular cleaning of the litter and the litter box is crucial for maintaining a hygienic space.
Reason 2: Litter Issues
Common types of cat litter include mineral, wood, clay, crystal, and biodegradable options. Cats can develop a dislike for certain litters due to their smell or texture, leading to a phenomenon known as "toilet aversion." This aversion can vary greatly from one cat to another. Therefore, it's important for owners to experiment with different types of litter, placing them side by side to see which one the cat prefers. Once a favorite is identified, the remaining litter can be donated to local animal shelters.
Reason 3: Litter Box Problems
Sudden changes to the litter box, its size, number, or placement can affect a cat's willingness to use it. The size of the litter box should be adjusted as the cat grows to ensure it is large enough. Cats may develop "toilet aversion" if the box is too small, leading them to defecate outside of it. If you notice feces frequently on the sides of the litter box or even outside of it, it's a sign to pay attention.
Cats prefer quiet and secluded areas, so the litter box should be placed in a calm, dry spot. Highnoise appliances, busy corridors, damp and cold areas, and close proximity to food bowls should be avoided. In multicat households, having an adequate number of litter boxes is essential. Generally, if there is a more vulnerable cat (such as one that is often chased, bullied, or hides in corners, or an elderly cat with mobility issues), it's advisable to have n+1 litter boxes (where n is the number of cats).
Reason 4: HealthRelated Causes
If a cat suddenly starts frequenting inappropriate places to defecate without any changes in the environment, it could be a sign of illness. This is particularly common in older cats and may be due to conditions like cystitis, urinary tract infections, stones, diabetes, cognitive dysfunction, and hyperthyroidism. In such cases, it's important for owners to take their cat to a veterinarian for a checkup.
Reason 5: Marking Behavior
Cats with marking behavior are distinct from those with inappropriate elimination. Marking cats may urinate in the toilet as well as outside of it. Their marking behavior is also different: they will stand, back up to a vertical surface like a table leg or chair, lift their tail, and urinate before stepping back and shaking their tails.
Changes in the household, such as the addition or removal of family members, significant changes in routine, illness, the presence of stray cats in the area, aggressive behavior among cats in a multicat home, and estrus can all trigger marking and inappropriate elimination.
To educate cats to use their facial glands for marking instead of urine, owners can gently rub their face against the cat's usual marking spot. Since urine marking has a strong odor, using deodorizers after marking can be effective. Additionally, pheromone sprays can be used at marking sites, as they mimic the chemical substances found in a cat's facial glands and can help alleviate marking behavior.