Does Your Cat Prefer a Particular Surface For Toileting Needs?

By Connie Limon

Cats sometimes find another surface in the house it prefers over the litter provided in the litter box. The initial cause behind the house soiling may even be something else before the cat decides to use a different spot other than the litter box. Most commonly preferred surfaces are:

• Some type of fabric

• Carpeting is the most preferred

Preferences can also develop by accident such as when a cat scratches at a bathmat hanging next to the litter box, then develops an association between elimination and the bathmat.

It is also not uncommon for cats to have a primary preference for one type of surface over another. Studies show that cats prefer soft, fine-grained litters. In view of these findings, the best litters are the sandy, scoop able litters. Substitutes can be play box sand, newspaper, wood shavings and pellets. The most preferred litter are the traditional clay type and least liked are those made from nontraditional materials like newspapers, wood shavings and pellets.

There are cats that prefer a smooth surface, such as a bare floor, in the sink or even in your bath tub. This type of cat may respond favorably to an empty litter box or one with minimal litter in it. When you see the cat return to the litter box, more litter can be added gradually. I never keep the recommended amount of litter in my litter boxes, and the cats do not seem to want any more than just a covering throughout the bottom of the box. I scoop out daily and add new litter.

Carpeting is almost impossible to clean when used as a cat elimination area. The urine usually soaks into the carpet, the underlay and the flooring underneath. Lightly soiled areas can be somewhat effectively cleaned with an odor eliminator especially made for pet urine. A professional carpet cleaning is recommended.

In some cases, the carpet may need to be removed and replaced or the area re-floored in another type of material.

If your cat has grown use to using the carpet and you need to re-floor the area, it might be necessary to place a small scrap piece of carpet in the litter box to get the cat back to using the box. Another idea might be to build a small carpeted platform surrounding the litter box so the cat can perch on the platform. You might also find it helpful to block access to areas previously soiled. For example:

• Keep the bedroom door closed

• Cover the soil in plant pots with fitted wire mesh or add lots of pebbles

• Move a large object or piece of furniture over a soiled area

The idea is to make the area "undesirable." Cover areas with tinfoil (do not use plastic) or place a citrus-scented room freshener nearby.

Some cats may get up on the countertops and urinate on objects there. You can place a strip of double-sided sticky tape on the edge of the counter so the cat's feet will touch it when it lands there (most cats do not like the sticky feeling). A motion detector that emits a noise when the cat disturbs the area may also be helpful. Just be sure it is in an area where you want the cat to learn to avoid totally.

How do you keep a cat from making the bathtub and sinks their toilet area?

• Try leaving one inch of water in these spots.

Ideas for other areas include:

• Invisible fencing system designed for indoor use

• Purchasing harmless static electricity mats

Keep in mind that all tactics used are to get the cat back to using the litter box and that if you train the cat not to use one area, it may still go in another chosen wrong place.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat any kind of health problem in your cat. You should always consult with a trusted veterinarian for all health problems.

Source: The Winn Feline Foundation Online

Written by: Connie Limon. I raise the beautiful, emerald green-eyed shaded and chinchilla silver Persian cat from champion and grand champion lines. For more information about us and to be added to our contact list, please visit http://www.fairydewsilverpersian.vpweb.com - For a variety of reprint articles visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com