The number one reason cats are given up to shelters is because of litter box issues. It’s a shame, because with a bit of detective work, understanding and working together, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Cats stop using the litter box for a variety of reasons. The first step in getting your cat to use the litter box again is figuring out why your cat stopped using the litter box in the first place.
The first thing to consider is whether there is a medical reason for your cat’s change in behavior. A variety of medical conditions from urinary tract infections to thyroid problems can lead to litter box avoidance. If your cat has suddenly stopped using the litter box, the first consideration should be a visit to the vet.
The next thing to determine is whether something is wrong with the litter box itself. Cats are very clean critters and don’t like a messy box – perhaps you need to clean it more often. Also, changing the type of cat litter, putting it somewhere that is too exposed, too noisy, too busy, too far away, or just the fact that you moved it, can cause problems. If you have more than one cat, the rule of thumb is one more litter box than you have cats.
If none of these factors seem the likely issue, then the next area to consider is stress. Stress and anxiety are very frequently the cause of cats urinating in undesirable places like on laundry piles, or furniture – usually places that carry the scent of a particular person. This isn’t revenge or spite; cat’s brains really don’t work that way. Think of it more as a cry for help.
Cats are very much creatures of habit and changes cause them stress. Causes of stress may include moving to a new home; new pets; babies or guests in the home; new work or school schedules; loud events like parties or holiday celebrations; or grieving over the death or other loss of a family member.
Cats can also pick up on your stress. During stressful times, help your kitty by giving a little extra TLC and reassurance. If there is a stressful event going on, give them their own quiet, safe place. Dim lighting and soft music can help calm them and deaden the impact of outside sounds. If this support isn’t enough, there are some great homeopathic remedies available. I have found that these homeopathic remedies can make an incredible difference in soothing kitty stress without making them feel tranquilized or drugged.
After you have pinpointed the problem and corrected it, you will need to thoroughly clean the inappropriate urination area with an enzyme cleaner. It also helps if you provide some kind of barrier to keep him from going there for awhile. Closing the room off, putting aluminum foil on the area, keeping laundry off the floor, or using a scent deterrent can help “re-educate” your kitty back to the litter box and make everyone happy again.
Stephanie Stebbing is owner of the Country Pet Shoppe, located at 11132 NE 2nd Street, Kingston, (360) 297-4165.
