Reasons Your Cat Won’t Use the Litter Box

Quite cat owners have stumbled upon something they normally find reserved for the litter box. There are various reasons why your cat would leave you such a surprise outside of the normal area. Here is a look at some of the various reasons why your cat won’t use the litter box.

First and foremost, it’s vital that you understand how picky cats can be when it comes to their litter boxes. A litter box that’s too dirty is one of the most common reasons why a cat will refuse to use it. Therefore, make sure that you routinely clean it out.

Changes to the litter box itself can also prompt problems. Doing something seemingly small such as changing the type of litter that’s used could be the issue. Moving the box to a different location may not also be to your cat’s liking. Usually avoid putting the box in a highly-trafficked area or one that may be too noisy, like near a washing machine or dryer.

Another reason that your cat won’t use the litter box is due to general stress. Lifestyle changes can easily contribute to stress. Adding a new pet to the household can easily make your cat more anxious. Even a new family member such as a baby can produce the same effect.

It’s also important to understand the difference between spraying and using the bathroom. Cats spray urine for valid reasons to them, such as to mark their territory. This can especially be a problem for males that aren’t fixed.

Owners with multiple cats can have one or more cats that have a problem with the litter box situation. There may be a case of bullying and one cat doesn’t have easy access to the resource. Or, one may not like having to share. An easy way to remedy these problems is to ensure that each cat has their own litter box.

Cats that have some sort of medical condition may also stop using the litter box like normal. A urinary tract infection can make it difficult for your cat to pass anything but a small amount of urine whenever they try to go. Stones or blockages affecting the kidneys can have the same effect. A trip to the veterinarian can help get to the bottom of this problem.

To keep your house tidy and smelling nice, it’s important to narrow down the particular reason that your cat isn’t going to the litter box like normal. If it’s a case of litter box management, that can easily be remedied. Monitor your cat’s behavior which will help determine if there is an underlying cause that’s medical in nature.