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What To Do About Litter Box
Accidents
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There is
probably nothing more frustrating to a cat owner than litter box accidents. In
fact, habitual litter box accidents are the number one reason why cat owners
give their cats up to animal shelters. When your cat refuses to use the litter
box, there is usually an underlying reason. Before you become exasperated by
your cat's inability to make it to the litter box, here are some common causes
for this problem.
Litter Box Woes
One of the main
reasons why a cat begins to refuse to use the litter box is because their own
litter box is dirty. Many cats are extremely fussy about the condition of their
litter box, while others will use it no matter how full it looks. If your cat
has a litter box accident, the first place you should check is the litter box.
Some pets prefer that their litter box be cleaned out after each use. While
this is time consuming for you, it may be a simple fix to this problem. You
should start a daily routine of cleaning out your cat box at least once a day
or sometimes once in the morning and once at night you may find that this
solves your problem.
Another common problem related to the litter box
is there are not enough litter boxes for the number of cats you have. For
example, if you have four cats in your home you should have at least one litter
box per cat. Cats like to have their own space and this is especially true when
it comes to their litter box. In fact, many veterinarians recommend that even
if you have only one cat, you should have at least two litter boxes.
In addition, when it comes to litter box accidents, look at the type of litter
you are using and the size and shape of the litter box. If you have a tray
litter box without a lid, maybe your cat would feel more secure in a closed
box. If you have an older cat, or a young kitten, your cat may have a difficult
time getting in and out of a closed top box. Watch your cat carefully when he
or she uses the litter box. If you find that they are having a difficult time
getting in and out of the litter box consider getting a different box. Also,
look at the type of litter you use. Your cat may be extremely fussy about the
smell or texture of the litter. Many people preferred using the scoop away
litter however, many cats will not use this type of litter, because it sticks
in the paws. You may also find that the litter you use causes a lot of dust
that is disagreeable to your cat.
Health Issues
Your
cat may be refusing to use the litter box, because of health related issues. If
you have tried all the above tips and nothing seems to be working then it is
time to visit your veterinarian. Cats that have bladder problems, urinary tract
infections, kidney failure and diabetes are more prone to litter box accidents
than healthy cats. You need to take your cat to the vet and have a thorough
health exam performed to find out if your cat is suffering around an ailment.
If this is the case, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help your
cat.
Habit and Your Cat's Territory
If your cat has
been ill or has stopped using the litter box for any of reason, you may find
that your cat returns to their old ways out of habit. It is extremely important
that when your cat has a litter box accident that you clean the area thoroughly
to get rid of any odors that may remain. In addition, your cat may have not
stopped using the litter box all together and instead your cat is marking his
or her territory. This is especially common in multi-cat households or when you
bring in new pet into the home or when your routine with them changes
drastically. This is also more common in males than females. Even male cats
that are neutered can mark their territory by spraying urine.
When you
determine why your cat is having litter box accidents you will find the
solution. It takes time and patience however, this is definitely much more
preferable than getting rid of your cat.
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Sabina@PetsNanny.net
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