One of the main reasons for cats and kittens being re-homed is due to problems with cat litter boxes and your cats refusal to use it. There is usually a fundamental reason for your cat refusing to use the litter box, understanding the reason is your first step to resolving the cat litter box problem. If you are having problems with your cat not using the litter box, below are some things to look for.
Inadequate Maintenance
Now I’m not suggesting when I say inadequate maintenance that you are an unclean person, however your definition of clean and your cats definition of clean may be two completely different things. Cats are fastidiously clean animals and will not use what they consider to be a dirty litter box, fact.
Waste should be cleared out at least daily, if circumstances allow, as soon as possible. Clumping cat litter should be considered, if you don’t already use it, as it makes it easier to maintain the litter. Once your cat urinates, the cat litter absorbs the urine and forms clumps, which can easily be scooped out.
The actual litter tray should be washed, at least once a week, possibly more often if your cats are indoor cats. Never use strong smelling detergents, hot soapy water will suffice. Your cats sense of smell is much stronger than yours, and strong smelling detergents, however nice they smell to you, will be off putting for your cat.
Location and Positioning
Cats like privacy when it comes to matters of the toilet, so if the cat litter is situated in a busy room in the house, with lots of traffic and noisy disruptions, chances are he will go and find a quieter area, which will more than probably involve your carpet or favorite rug.
Cat litter boxes should be placed in as secluded a place as possible away from noisy distractions such as washing machines and dishwashers. If you are limited for space consider purchasing a hidden litter box which will provide more privacy.
If you have a multi cat household you should also ensure that there are adequate litter boxes for all of the clan. At least one litter box per cat should be provided, plus an extra one.
Size Matters
If you have kittens ensure that the litter box isn’t so big that they struggle to get in and out. For adult cats you should ensure that the litter box is large enough for him to do a complete turn in. Some cats are deep diggers, which means they like to dig a deep hole in the litter, and as such will prefer a deeper litter box, filled with more litter.
Types of Cat Litter
In my experience the type of cat litter to use is usually a decision made by the cat. Before bringing any new cat or kitten home, try and find out what litter has been used previously as a sudden change in litter can cause problems. If you decide you want to change the type of litter being used, the change should be gradual. This is one of the biggest cat litter box problems which can easily be remedied.
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