Litter Control Regarding Cats
Cats are precious companions who require little from their owners besides love, toys, food and water. And of course, companionship, petting and a warm lap to nap on.
Oh...and a clean litter box to help with waste and elimination is
not remiss either.
Cats are fastidious and meticulous, and learn to use the litter box
by watching their mother when they are small kittens.
They want their litter box to be clean and odor free. They may rebel and refuse to use their litter box if the odor is too strong, or the box is too full of waste. Often they will let you know they are unhappy with the cleanliness of their litter box by scratching or using the area around the litter box.
Don't punish your cat if he or she refuses to use a dirty litter box...a dirty litter box is your fault, not your cat's. Keep it clean and your cat will use the box diligently its entire life.
However, If the litter box is clean and your cat is still using areas around the house for elimination, have your cat checked over by your veterinarian. Oftentimes, this is your cat's only way to communicate that a health problem exists and is causing him or her to refuse the litter box. He or she may associate the pain with urination (or bowel movements) that stems from a health problem with the litter box, and will try to avoid use of the litter box.
Litter boxes should be placed in out-of-the-way places - high traffic areas or busy areas will disturb your cat and may make your cat refuse to use the box. Nor will your cat wish to have his box next to a window or door where other cats, people or predators (or family dogs with unmentionable feeding habits) may catch him in a vulnerable position.
Sometimes, if you have several cats, one will refuse to use the
box another cat is using. In this case, several boxes around the
home will be necessary.
Make sure your cat's box is is easily accessible. Elderly or unwell
cats may have difficulty with navigation into a box with very high
sides or an obstacle course to run through to get to it.
Sometimes cat's don't like the feel of the type of litter you've provided. You may have picked a scented or odor control litter for the box. Your cat may not like it (remember - they have a much more powerful sensitivity to smells than do humans!) You may have to experiment a bit.
Cats may also object to the kind of box you've provided, or the
plastic liner. If for some reason your cat is healthy and still
refuses to use the litter box, you must do some investigation and
experimentation. It doesn't matter if you like the litter box or the
litter - your cat's opinion is the only one that counts when it
comes to use of the litter box. If he or she doesn't like something
about it, it won't get used.
There are any number of litter boxes on the market as well as litter
choices. You can even teach your cat to use the people-toilet
(although may not learn how to flush.)
Long-haired cats often dislike the clumping type of litter, as
well as clay litter . This is due to the litter sticking to the hair
on their feet legs and tail.
Choosing the right combination of litter box and litter can seem a
monumental decision. Choose with your cat in mind and the chore will
be much easier.
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