Litterbox Trouble?
Lack of litterbox use is a number one reason for cats to be relinquished to shelters or euthanized! If your cat won't use or has stopped using the litterbox for urine, stool, or both- please talk to your veterinarian.
Cats may stop using the litterbox either for behavioral or medical reasons.
Behavioral reasons may include:
https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/litter-box-problems
Cats may stop using the litterbox either for behavioral or medical reasons.
Behavioral reasons may include:
- litterbox not cleaned well enough
- wrong consistency / type of litter
- improper placement or number of litterboxes
- stress between cat and other pets in the house
- bladder infection
- bladder stones
- feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD- bladder inflammation, urinary crystals, urethral mucous plug, etc)
- kidney disease
- thyroid disease
- arthritis or other joint pain
- There should be one litterbox per cat plus an extra one in the house
- Litterboxes should be placed in quiet, low traffic areas
- Litterboxes should be scooped every day and totally washed out/cleaned every 3 to 4 weeks
- All litterboxes should not be in the same room or next to food/water sources. For example, a multi-storied home should have a litterbox on every floor.
- Generally, cats prefer unscented clumping litter in a large litterbox (at least 2 feet by 1 & 1/2 feet) without a cover on it.
https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/litter-box-problems
