Friday, March 4, 2016

Cats Who Can't: "I'm not using that litter box!"

Is your cat avoiding the litter box? When my mom's cat, "Puma," started peeing outside the litter box, she thought he was just being ornery.  When she finally took him to the vet, they found a urinary blockage that would have been fatal if untreated. 
In a newsletter published by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, he discusses other causes that might keep a cat from using the litter box.  First and foremost, rule out any medical issues  by taking kitty to your vet.  Other possible causes:
Stress. This includes changes in routines, other pets in the house, or even new cats in the neighborhood.
Dirty litter box. Cats try their hardest to keep themselves clean, and they have very sensitive noses that detect the smallest odor. If you think the litter box smells terrible, imagine how it must smell to the cat, up close and personal. Make sure to keep it as clean as you can.
Difficult access. If the litter box sides are too high, your kitten or elderly cat may have trouble crossing the threshold. Arthritis is very common in older cats, so maybe try a box with a lower threshold.
Location. Many people keep litter boxes in the laundry room or basement, but imagine how frightening the sudden noise of a washer spinning, or an igniting furnace can be! Also, if the litter box is too far away from where the cat normally eats, drinks, or relaxes, it might be difficult for kitty to make it to the box.
Here are some helpful guidelines:
--Clean the litter box twice a day. 
--Once a week, empty the litter and wash out the box with soap and water. 
--Because some smells stick to plastic, Dr. Becker recommends throwing out the litter box and buying a new one every six months. 
--He suggests a minimum of one litter box on each floor of your home. 
--You should have one more litter box than the number of cats. 
--Studies show cats prefer non-scented, clumping litter about 2 and a half inches deep.
You can sign up for Dr. Becker's informative newsletters, highlighting a variety of pet issues, here:  http://www.drmartybecker.com/