Why Won't My Cat Use His Litter Box?

By Darlene L. Norris

If your kitty has stopped using the litter box, you are not alone. This is probably the number one complaint among cat owners!

When a cat stops using his litter box, he's trying to tell you something. And since cats can't talk, the trick is figuring out what it is.

The first thing you need to do is take your cat to the vet to rule out any medical problems. Please note that if your cat is straining in the litter box and can't pass any urine, he has a medical emergency and needs immediate veterinary care.

If your cat has had a urinary infection in the past, he may associate the litter box with pain and stop using it. You may need to try a different type of litter box if this is the case.

Your elderly cat may have arthritis, which would make it painful for him to get into and out of the litter box. Modifying the box so your cat can get in and out more easily should help.

An unneutered male cat marks his territory by backing up to a wall, raising his tail, and spraying urine all over the area. Having your cat neutered usually stops this marking behavior.

Be sure to keep your cat's litter box clean. Whenever I forgot to clean my kitty's box, she would express her displeasure by using the floor next to the litter pan. She always got her message across!

The type of litter box can make a difference too. Some cats like covered litter boxes, while others don't. And if you clean the box with something that smells strong, it could irritate your cat's nose.

Even cat litter can be a factor. If you've adopted an older cat, he may be used to another type of cat litter. Different litters have different "feels." He may be used to the gravelly feel of clay litter, or the sandy feel of clumpable litter, or the softness of shredded newspaper. And if the litter has a strong scent, or gives off a lot of dust when he's scratching in it, your cat may stop using his litter box.

Going to the bathroom is a private business for people, and it's no different for cats. Be sure the litter box is in a quiet place, away from the main traffic areas in your home.

Something you may not have thought of is that a cat needs to know that he can escape from danger, if necessary. Try to put his litter box in a place where he can see people or a dog or another cat coming.

If your cat was startled by something while he was using the litter box, he may have decided that it's too scary to go in there, and he may start using a place that he thinks is safer.

Too many cats using one litter box be a problem too, especially if they don't always get along. In multiple cat households, the rule of thumb is one litter box for each cat, plus one more. So if you have two cats, ideally you should have three boxes.

Some cats don't adapt to change very well. A new addition to your household, whether it's a new baby or a new kitten or puppy, can upset your cat and cause him to start eliminating in places he shouldn't.

Moving to a new home, or even moving the litter box to a new location can also cause your cat to abandon his box.

Why has your cat stopped using his litter box? There can be many reasons; sometimes it's a process of elimination to figure out why.

Darlene L. Norris invites you to read How Can I Get My Cat To Use The Litterbox? for the solution to your litter box problems. Visit http://yourcatcareguide.com/wordpress now to sign up for The Cool Cat Care Ezine, and receive your free copy of Pamper Your Cat, a collection of 100 recipes for treats and main dishes for your favorite kitty. Your cat will love you for it!