LITTER BOX BLUES

There are many causes of feline elimination problems outside the litter box. A thorough physical examination and urinalysis should be done first to rule out any medical conditions. Urinary tract infections, anxiety, stress, dislike of litter or box or litter box placement, unclean litter boxes, and too few litter boxes can all play a role in inappropriate elimination behaviors with your cat.

The following may be helpful after no medical problems are found:

•  Try to have 1 litter box per cat in household if at all possible.

•  Most cats prefer uncovered litter boxes , especially if you have more than one cat. If you must have a covered box and you have more than one cat you may want to cut another exit hole in the box so your cat does not feel trapped.

•  Most litter boxes are really too small for the average cat. For larger cats or those urinating outside the box we recommend a larger box-shallow sweater boxes work well.

•  In a normal litter box visit your cat should spend a few minutes in the box, first digging, the using the box, and then covering the bm or urine. If he/she jumps in, goes quickly and does not dig or cover this may be a litter aversion problem and you should try a different litter .

•  Sometimes moving the box to a less stressful (less traffic and noise) area may help. The box should be in the cat's “home area” or not too far away.

•  Sometimes just buying a new, clean and different colored litter box will work well. Your cat may have a litter box aversion.

•  Make sure to clean the litter box daily , especially for those cats that do not always use the box. Just as you or I would go to the next stall if we came upon a dirty public restroom so may your cat!

•  If your cat is long-haired, often a paw and rear end hair trim will help.

Remember to first take your cat to your veterinarian if it is not using the litter box
to rule out any medical conditions.