The straight poop on how to solve litter box issues

One of the most common reasons cats are brought to the shelter is because of litter box issues. Litter box issues can be very frustrating for cat owners, especially if their change in behavior seems to come from out of the blue. Oddly enough, the cats that end up at the shelter typically have no problems while they’re with us. So what makes cats suddenly stop using the litter box at home?

The Litter Box is Dirty

Have you been slacking off on cleaning Fluffy’s litter box? Many cats will respond to an overly dirty litter box by simply going to the bathroom somewhere else. Be sure to scoop the litter box every day between full cleanings.

One Box Just Isn’t Enough

If you have multiple cats, you need to have multiple litter boxes. In fact, it’s even recommended that homes with just one cat have at least two litter boxes available.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Take into consideration your cat’s size, as well as how many cats are in your home. A large cat will have difficulty using a litter box that’s too small and, likewise, a little cat might have trouble getting into a litter box that’s too big. The perfect litter box for your cat might not be a litter box at all. At the shelter, we’ve found that metal lasagna pans and large cookie sheets work well for cats of all sizes.

Get Rid of the Cover

If you have more than one cat, a covered litter box may be causing your cat to go to the bathroom elsewhere. A covered litter box only provides your cat with one way in and one way out, not to mention no way to know if another cat may be lurking outside. Providing your cat with multiple open-top litter boxes can make your cat feel more comfortable.

Finding the Right Litter

Scented litters may be more appealing to us as pet owners, but they can be overpowering for our feline friends, turning them off from using the litter box altogether. Your cat might also have a preference in litter type, such as clay vs. pellets.

Location, Location, Location

Your cat may have been using a litter box in an upstairs room for years with no problem but, as he ages, he might be having trouble climbing the stairs each day, forcing him to find somewhere else to go to the bathroom. Offering a litter box on each level of your house can be a great help to a cat with mobility issues.

Still having issues with your cat not using the litter box? Litter box issues can be a sign that your cat is ill, so, if these simple solutions don’t help your pet, be sure to talk to your vet about possible health problems.

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with three parrots, two cats, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org