Tips For Solving Litterbox Avoidance

By Pia Silvani, Director of Pet Training and Behavior Counseling

Litterbox aversion is the number one behavior problem facing cat owners.  More than 60 percent of the cats surrendered to animal shelters are given up due to inappropriate soiling.  The good news is that this problem CAN be corrected!

   There are many reasons why a cat may soil in the house outside of its litterbox.  If you live in a multi-cat household, you must first determine who the culprit is.  After making the determination, take the villain to the veterinarian for a thorough examination to rule out illness, infection or disease.  Analyze the situation carefully.

   Here are some possible reasons your cat may be avoiding its litterbox:

   1) Dirty litterbox - Do not stir the litter; stirring only mixes the dirty litter around and the odor remains.  Litter should be cleaned daily and thoroughly changed at least once a week depending on the number of cats using the box.  Old litter should be discarded and the box cleaned with a good neutralizer.  Dust the bottom of the box with baking soda.
   2) Litter avoidance - Some cats who do not like the litter will stand on the edges and urinate, missing the box.  Do not rotate different litters, substituting the cheapest brand or that which is on sale for the week.  Cats do not like change.  If you find a litter that the cat enjoys using, stick with it for life.  If you cannot find the desirable litter, let your cat decide.  Fill three boxes, each with different types of litter.  Whichever box you cat uses will immediately tell you which litter to buy.
   3) Food and water too close to box - Cats do not like to eat and drink where they relieve themselves.
   4) Too many cats and not enough boxes - A good rule of thumb should be two boxes for each cat.  Some cats like to urinate in one box and defecate in another.  Not all cats are this fastidious, but the more boxes you have available, the more likely your cat will find one.
   5) Something frightened the cat when using its box - Re-evaluate what occurred prior to the soiling program.  Is the box near the washing machine which suddenly started to rattle?  Was the cat chased or harassed by other pets (cats or dogs) while using the box?  Did you attempt to give your cat medication or do something unpleasant to him when he was in the box, since that was the only time you could get to him?
   6) Medical condition - If your cat is straining to relieve itself, it might think of its box as an unpleasant or painful place to be.  Try to observe your cat when it is in the box to see if there is a problem.  If your cat is straining, see your vet immediately.
   7) Cannot got to the box during the night - Remember, cats are nocturnal animals and if not exercised and fed at bedtime, your cat will want to lay and eat during the night.  Casts have difficulty seeing in the dark.  Leave a light on so your cat can find its way to the box.
   8) Does not like the box - There are many types of litter pans.  One cat may like a closed box, while another will find it too confining.  You may have to try a few different boxes and let your cat decide which one he likes.  Keep the litterbox in a quiet, traffic-free area and do not move the box around the house.

   To help your feline friend get back on track, reward your cat for relieving itself in the appropriate place.  Cats are not solitary animals and are not maintenance-free.  Try confining your cat to one room with a new, clean box for a few days.  Put his food and water in the room as well.  Be aware of when your cat typically uses the box and make sure you are present during that time.  Whenever your cat relieves itself in the box, reward it with a yummy treat, perhaps small pieces of tuna.  Also give the action a verbal reinforcement such as, "Good kitty, box."

   You want to shape the good behavior.  Do not punish your cat for soiling the wrong area.  If you do, you are just teaching him not to soil in your presence and then you will not be able to give the reward.  Gradually increase his freedom to the rest of the house and continue to reward him for using the box.

   Feline soiling problems are sometimes complex, so don't loose patience.  Identifying the reason why your cat stopped using the litterbox will help you succeed.  Once successful, you and your little bundle of love can resume your rewarding life together.

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