How to Keep Your Kitty Using the Litterbox

How to Keep Your Kitty Using the Litterbox

               We’ve all used a less-than-desirable public restroom: you wait in line, there are only 2 stalls, you can smell the strong perfumy scent of deodorizer under the scent of urine and someone forgot to flush. While it’s probable a bit of an exaggeration, your cat may have a similar experience if her box isn’t cleaned regularly, if there aren’t enough boxes, or if the litter is scented any of which may cause her to make her own restroom. 

               In all seriousness, feline house soiling is one of the most frustrating problems cat owners and veterinarians deal with.  While important to rule out medical issues such as bladder infection, many cases of house soiling are behavioral.  Set your cat up for success by following these “Litterbox Rules.”

               First, have enough bathrooms.  If you have multiple cats, the American Board of Feline Practitioners recommends having one more liter box than the number of cats in the house. A three-cat household should have four litter pans. If this is not feasible, add as many litter pans as you can to make sure there are ample places for your cats to use the bathroom. Some kitties don’t like sharing, so the more bathrooms the better!

               Place boxes in quiet but easily accessible areas. While the basement may seem like an out of sight/out of mind place to keep a cat’s litter pan, senior cats may have difficulty making the trip down the stairs, the door may accidentally close or cats may decide for other reasons the trip is not worth the effort. A litter box in the laundry room may be out of the way, but a noisy washing machine may startle your cat in the middle of doing his business and he may choose a quieter area on his own. If your cats are using their litter pans reliably in their current locations, DON’T MOVE THEM! Cats HATE change! But, if you’re setting up a litter box, think about the location before setting it up.

               What does the ideal litterbox look like to a cat?  Studies show cats prefer unscented fine particle cat litter in uncovered litter boxes in quiet areas.  Cats have sensitive noses.  A covered box can trap urine odor making use of the box unpleasant. Scented litters tend to be very floral (urinal cake, anyone?) a scent which cats do not enjoy.  Stick to unscented litters to make your kitty’s bathroom most desirable.  Cats also tend to prefer fine, sandy clumping-type cat litters as opposed to clay, crystal or pellets.  However, again, if your cat is using his or her current cat litter without any problems, DON’T CHANGE IT!  As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If you can’t find your kitty’s current brand, choose one close to the same texture. There are occasionally medical issues that may necessitate using a dustless or pelleted litter but try to use unscented clumping litter when possible.

               It’s also important to scoop waste daily.  As described above, no one likes to use a dirty restroom. Cats are no exception.  Make sure waste is removed from boxes every single day.  If your cat does have an accident, make sure to clean it with a product made specifically for removing pet urine. Bleach, vinegar and ammonia can mimic the cat urine smell so cats may be attracted back to soiled areas if not properly cleaned.  Cats also tend to prefer traditional litter pans. Automated litter cleaning pans may startle cats due to the noise of the motor.

               To recap—give your cat plenty of choices as to number of litter pans, try to place them in quiet but accessible locations, choose a clumping, unscented litter in an uncovered litter box and clean waste daily so your cat has a fresh box.  Following these rules should keep kitties happy and reduce the chance of them choosing places other than the litter pan when they have to go.  If your cat is going to the bathroom somewhere else in the house, make an appointment with your vet to rule out medical causes and discuss treatments.

               This blog brough to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.