Encouraging Litter Box Use

Most kittens and cats are eager and happy to use the litter box. When we had a litter of Siamese kittens years ago, we put down the top of a shoebox filled with litter for them to use, and those little guys went right into it to do their business at about four weeks of age. However, things do not always go as smoothly as this, and when your kitten or cat is avoiding the box, it's time to take a close look at what the problem might be.

Getting Your Feline Friend to Use the Litter Box

In a natural state, cats look for dry, loose sand or soil in which to urinate and defecate. If you provide a litter that mimics this, you will have a good chance of having your cat use the box without problem. Many cats do not like scented litter, so stick with an unscented brand at least until your cat is used to the box.

Keep the box clean. Remove soiled litter every day, and the sooner the better. The litter in the box should be changed completely once a week and the litter pan washed.

If you have more than one cat, provide a litter box for each one of them. Most cats aren't fond of sharing the box with another.

Choose a spot that the cat likes to use for elimination, preferably away from where the cat eats and drinks. Most cats like a bit of privacy, too, so placing the box in a more out-of-the-way spot can encourage use.

Should your cat be resisting using the box, you can try confining the cat in a small room with the box available. In most cases, the cat will get the idea and start using the box.

Kittens, especially, can be easily trained by using an attractant in the box until they become accustomed to using it. In no time at all, your new fur baby will be using the box like a pro!

The above suggestions refer to getting a cat or kitten to use the box to begin with. However, if you have a cat that has been using the litter box reliably and suddenly stops, there could be a medical problem involved and you should schedule a visit to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

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What Is Keeping Your Cat from Using the Litterbox?

If you have recently discovered that your cat, or cats are acting leery of their litter box, there could be plenty of different reasons why. Well will go over some and learn how to get them back to peeing where they should.

Sometimes, cats who are not using the litterbox like they used to be, is simply because it is not clean. You probably already know that cats are exceptionally tidy animals, and even if you think the litter box is clean, it may not be to them. Many cats are put off by odors, whether strong to you and I or not. They have sensitive noses, and only want to eliminate somewhere they deem sanitary enough. What you can do as a fur parent, is ensure the litter box is scooped or changed regularly, be certain the litter you use is not overly saturated with urine, and clean the box completely as needed. Cats can be turned off by strong smelling cleaners too, so you may need to use something that is fragrance free. They have enzyme-based cleansers that are extremely effective, and often the smell dissipates quickly.

Could Fear be Keeping Your Cat from Using the Litterbox?

The fear your cat might be showing as avoiding the litter box could stem from his or her fear of the box itself, or of the place where the box is situated. If your cat associates a certain spot in the house with an unpleasant or traumatic experience, it could cause your cat to mess outside the litter box. Cats have good memories and will associate the litter box with the incident long after the 'danger' is gone. If simply moving the box is not an option, there are ways to help your cat overcome his or her fears.

• Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and petting to help your cat relax in the room where the litter box is located.
• There are attractants that will help lure your cat to the litter box that can are useful in overcoming the cat's fears. If you have recently gotten a new litter box, there could be something about the box that is frightening him or her.
• Make sure that while the box is in a place that grants your cat some privacy, the area is also well-lit and warm.
• Accompanying your cat partway to the litter box can help your friend to feel more secure. The need for this will diminish as the cat's confidence grows.

Most cats who develop a fear their litter box because of past trouble in the area can be helped to overcome this with patience and kindness. Never punish your cat for messing on the rug or behind a chair, it will only make the animal more nervous and less likely to use the litter box in the future.

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