Companion Connection

Questions Often Asked

Phone: 512-285-5620

Fax: 512-285-5614

E-mail: VillageRescue@gmail.com

Companion Connection

P.O. Box 875

Elgin, TX  78621-0875

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated...

I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man." -Mahatma Gandhi-

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Reasons Cats Stop Using the Litter Box (Revival Animal Health)

 

 

Cats who start to house-soil after having been reliably using their litter box may do so because of a litter box aversion, a surface or location preference, or to mark territory.  Determining the reason that you cat is house-soiling is the first step toward solving the problem.

· First, have the cat checked by your veterinarian; the cat may have a urinary tract infection.

· The most common cause of house-soiling in cats is an aversion to the box. Aversions develop for a variety of reasons. These include a dirty box (some cats are very particular about the cleanliness of their box), dissatisfaction with the type of box or litter, or having had a painful or frightening experience while in or near the box.

· Some cats develop a location or surface preference. This occurs when a cat finds a room or type of surface that he prefers to his box. Typical surface preferences include soft materials such as beds and carpets, or cool, smooth surfaces such as sinks and bathtubs.

· Cats who show a location preference will usually choose an area of the home that is quiet and protected or a spot where a litter box was previously kept.

· Finally, cats may urinate outside of their litter box to mark territory.  Spraying is the most common form of urine marking, and is most frequently seen in un-neutered male cats.  Cats may begin to urine mark after the introduction of a new cat or if there has been a change in their living situation or daily routine (i.e. an addition to the family).

Even well trained cats may occasionally stop using their litter box and develop a house-soiling problem.  If this problem should occur in your cat, it is important to first determine the underlying cause before attempting to stop the unwanted behavior. 

 

Things that may help:

· Cat Attract ---they make a litter and also some sprinkles that can be added to the current litter.

· Tin foil over the places they have marked may stop them from doing it again as cats don’t like the sound when they step on foil or try to move it.

· Try adding a bird feeder outside the window to give the housecat some entertainment while you are gone to work.

· Feliway plug-ins: about 1 every 400 sq ft.  It releases momma cat pheromones that calm the kitties down.  This pheromone also comes in calming collars.