![\"happy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/happy-pets-blog-cat-beautiful-eyes.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIf you find that your cat is not using his litter box<\/em> for elimination, there may be several causes for this common problem.<\/p>\n Medical Issues<\/strong><\/p>\n Many medical conditions can contribute to litter box problems<\/em>. Colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver disease, urinary infections, and diabetes can all contribute to litter box rejection.\u00a0 If there is pain involved in a cat\u2019s medical issues, as in arthritis, constipation, anal sac disease, or colitis, this may cause him to associate pain with his litter box.\u00a0 If your cat has arthritis or kidney disease, or if he is elderly, be sure that his box is low enough for him to get into comfortably.<\/p>\n Please have your cat<\/em> thoroughly checked by a veterinarian to determine if a physical malady is the cause of the problem.<\/p>\n Litter Box Cleanliness<\/strong><\/p>\n Most cats are particular about litter box hygiene and will often refuse to use it if it isn\u2019t kept clean. If he doesn\u2019t think the box is clean, he may use the area around the box, and some cats will not use a litter box that was recently used by another cat. Clean\/strain the litter box at least twice daily and wash the box once a week (using soap and warm water\u2026.do not use a strong-smelling disinfectant).<\/p>\n Clean any soiled areas outside of the box with an enzyme-based cleaner, such as Nature\u2019s Miracle<\/a>, which is available on Chewy.com<\/a> or Amazon.com<\/a>, or in any major pet supply store.\u00a0 Regular cleaners do not break down the urine or stool traces, so cleaning with these will deter your cat from using that same spot again.<\/p>\n Stress<\/strong><\/p>\n Stress can be a factor in litter box problems<\/p><\/div>\n Cats experience stress from major changes such as moving, new family dynamics, grief, and changes in routine.\u00a0 They can also be upset by smaller changes which may include rearranged or new furniture, new litter box location, or using a different brand of litter.\u00a0 It is important to note that if stress is causing your cat to soil areas outside of his box, you need to give him plenty of attention, care, and reassurance to help him adjust. Extra play time is very helpful in these situations, as well.\u00a0 Consider using a product that contains calming pheromones<\/em>, Feliway<\/a> (also available on Chewy.com<\/a> or Amazon.com<\/a>), and is designed to reduce anxiety, which in turn can reduce spraying and soiling. \u00a0When you have identified and are working on resolving the cause of spraying<\/em> and have also thoroughly cleaned the area, try feeding your cat in that same area.\u00a0 They will not urinate and eat in the same place, so this may stop your cat from using this same spot again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Litter Preference<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have changed litter brands lately, try switching back to the original brand and type.\u00a0 Also try different depths of litter.\u00a0\u00a0 If you often find excess litter on the floor around his box, you\u2019re probably using too much.\u00a0 Try to aim for around 2 inches in depth of litter.<\/p>\n Litter Box Location<\/strong><\/p>\n Avoid placing his box near his food and water.\u00a0 Cats like privacy when using their litter boxes, so place it in an area where there is not much family traffic.\u00a0 If he has access to different floors in your house, provide a box on every floor.<\/p>\n Spraying \u2013 What is it and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you find a urine puddle against a wall or along the side of a chair or sofa, this is spraying<\/em>, not urinating outside of his box.\u00a0 It is not an emptying of the bladder as when a cat squats, but is done standing up with the tail straight up.\u00a0 It\u2019s not clear whether it is done to mark territory or a warning for trespassers to stay away, but both males and females spray. Male cats do it more frequently, and unneutered males almost always do it.\u00a0 If the cat is an unneutered male and has just started to do it, neutering will often stop that behavior as hormones play a significant role in urine marking.\u00a0 To change the cat\u2019s marking behavior, punishment should never be used.\u00a0 Instead, determine the conflict that may be causing the stress or reason behind the spraying and try to resolve the issue (stray cats outside, or being bullied by another family pet, for example).\u00a0\u00a0 Clean the sprayed areas with an enzyme-based cleaner (Nature\u2019s Miracle<\/a>) to remove traces of the urine odor.\u00a0 If your cat is an indoor and outdoor cat, you may need to keep him indoors if the stressful behavior is related to something outside.<\/p>\n Productive and interactive toys are helpful in keeping him busy, and it is suggested that you try cuddling and petting him in the space where he has been spraying.\u00a0 Again, the use of Feliway<\/a> can be very helpful in keeping him calm and de-stressed.<\/p>\n Solve your cat’s litter box problem<\/p><\/div>\n General Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n Have a veterinarian check your cat thoroughly for any medical issues that may be causing the litter box problem<\/em>.<\/p>\n Pick a good location for the box, semi-private and not close to family traffic, but not in corners or closets where he might feel trapped.<\/p>\n Keep the box away from your cat\u2019s food and water.<\/p>\n Avoid using covered boxes as many cats appear to be reluctant to use them.\u00a0 They may feel uncomfortable in the small, enclosed space and with the concentrated odor.<\/p>\n Consider the size of the box related to the size of your kitten or cat.\u00a0 Small kittens will need a smaller box with lower sides, and will need a larger box as they grow.<\/p>\n If you adopt another cat or kitten, provide an additional box for the new arrival.<\/p>\n Select the kitty litter<\/em> carefully.\u00a0 Generally recommended are litter<\/em> types that are plain, unscented, and clumping.\u00a0 Once your cat seems pleased with a certain type and brand, stick with that litter and do not change.\u00a0 Also, aim for a 2 inch depth of litter in the box.<\/p>\n KEEP THE LITTER BOX CLEAN!<\/span> Wet clumps and solid wastes should be scooped out twice daily.\u00a0 The entire box should be emptied, washed out with warm water and mild soap at least once a week.\u00a0 Do not use strong-smelling cleaners or disinfectants as this may discourage your cat from using the box.<\/p>\n DO NOT PUNISH!<\/span>\u00a0 This only increases your cat\u2019s<\/em> stress and anxiety and will likely make the problem worse.\u00a0 It is important to remember that litter box problems have nothing to do with spite.<\/p>\n Inappropriate elimination is a common and frustrating problem.\u00a0 While it can be difficult to control, it is important to address it as early as possible and determine the cause of the behavior.\u00a0 Time, effort and patience on your part will play an important part in resolving the problem.<\/p>\n The key is to be positive and reassuring while giving your cat stability and structure.\u00a0 Be sensitive to his needs and issues.\u00a0 If you invest in quality time and attention,\u00a0 you and your cat will both be rewarded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **Thinking Outside the Box – How to Stop Your Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box<\/a> is an <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ** I am an affiliate for this company.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Preventing and Solving Cat Litter Box Problems If you find that your cat is not using his litter box for elimination, there may be several causes for this common problem. Medical Issues Many medical conditions can contribute to litter box problems. Colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver disease, urinary infections, and diabetes can … <\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>excellent guide for frustrated owners of cats who are urinating\u00a0outside of their litter boxes. \u00a0The proven system goes into the causes for inappropriate urination, whether it’s a behavioral or medical issue, urinating vs spraying, plus many more helpful tips for cat care. This training system contains a foolproof formula for learning how to re-train your cat to use her litter box. and it’s 100% guaranteed! \u00a0Please take a look!<\/a><\/p>\n