Is your cat avoiding their litter box?

Have you ever looked into the eyes of your cat and thought, “He’s going to take over the world?”

What about that video where a woman hilariously documents how she thinks her kittens are trying to kill her?

Cats don’t seem to care, like… ever. They do what they please, and even when you catch them red-handed, they flick their tail and act like they aren’t to blame.

You love your cats. However, you are still left with the stinky problem of your cat relieving elsewhere. Imagine stepping foot onto something squishy, only to find out it’s not your cat’s toy, but his feces.

First, let’s get to the root of this problem.

Why Do Cats Have Litter Problems?

Before getting down to the nitty-gritty kitty litter, be sure to speak with your veterinarian to rule out any health issues that may cause your cat to have accidents in the house.

Aside from health problems, one of the biggest reasons why your cat refuses to relieve himself in the litter box is because he doesn’t feel comfortable in it. There could be several reasons behind this, including:

• The litter box is not accessible
• The litter box is not clean
• You have multiple cats and one litter box
• Your cats have outgrown their litter box
• The litter is too deep, which makes the cats feel as if they are sinking in it

The key to solving litter box problems is managing your litter box accessibility. What you need to do is make the elimination process easier for them. Below are some tips on how to solve litter box problems:

How to Make Your Cat’s Litter Box More Inviting

• Buy various kinds of litter and give your cat the option to make his own choice.
• If you have had your cat since he was a baby, changing litter brands might have caused the problems.
• Make sure the litter is only 2 inches deep.
• The litter box should not have any lids or raised sides that make it difficult for the cat to climb into.
• Scoop the feces from the litter box every time your cat is done relieving itself.
• Do not put scented litter in the box.
• Keep your cat’s food and water bowl away from the litter box.
• Place the litter box in a strategic position where your cat can see people coming and going to ensure he feels safe while using it.
• Keep the litter box away from noisy areas, such as the laundry room or lounge area.
• Remove any covers from the litter box.

As stated previously, while personal discomfort usually causes litter box problems, there might be a medical reason behind it. If you catch your cat licking his genitals, take him to a vet immediately. This may be a sign of urinary tract infection or blockage, and just might be the reason why your cat avoids the litter box.

So, now you have an idea why your cat soils your living room or bedroom. Try changing the litter box’s position to ensure that high traffic does not make your cat anxious. If this doesn’t work, try the tips mentioned above. Dances with Dogs offers cat training in Miami for kittens, adult and senior cats. They provide in-person and online dog training classes. To know more about their services or to schedule an appointment, call 786-299-1552.