Cat litter box woes

If she's a typical domestic feline, your cat is the picture of cleanliness, and has always understood the where's, when's and how's of using a litter box. Lately, though, it seems she's been deliberately missing her target. To get out of this mess, you'll need to investigate the reasons for her soiling.

Cat litter box changes

First, remember that cats are creatures of habit: any changes, even subtle ones, in the environment can cause a cat to soil out of her litter box. For example, have you switched to a scented litter or moved the box to a different part of the house? It could even be a new piece of furniture that's got your feline ruffled. More obvious upsets in your cat's daily routine include a new baby or new pet in the house, overnight guests and any changes in your schedule - especially vacations. And if you live in a multi-cat household you'll need to make sure the lapsed user isn't being kept from using the box by another cat, and that there are enough boxes to go around.

Litter box problems may be caused by illness

Also, take note if your pet is showing signs of illness in addition to not using her litter box. These symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and straining to urinate or defecate. In this case, the first step is a visit to the veterinarian to rule out any physical causes. Some of the most common medical reasons for lapses in litter box usage are urinary tract problems and geriatric constipation. Raging hormones, too, can cause problems. Unneutered males often mark their territory with urine and females in heat may urinate out of the box to advertise for suitors.

Cat litter box problems can be corrected

There are a number of solutions to this often misunderstood problem. As a starting point consider the following suggestions:

• Have one more box than you have cats.
• Regularly freshen up your litter box. If you scoop, just remove soiled area but do not stir.
• Do all you can to eliminate any trace of urine odor from a trouble spot by using an enzymatic cleaner.
• Consider a litter box makeover. Remove the lid from your cat's box and rethink the location of the boxes. Discontinue plastic liners if you use them. The boxes should be in quiet, out-of-the-way places with convenient access for your cats, but not access for the family dog.
• Treat your cat to some R&R. Stress is a leading cause of litter box problems. Play with your cat for at least 15 minutes every day and make sure she has plenty of toys to keep her interested. Leave the radio or TV on while you are away to reduce boredom.
• Consider specialized training litters.

You can try reintroducing the litter box by taking a very impressionable treat such as tuna or catnip and leading your cat on its own four paws to the box. Have the cat step in and out, then put the treat down in front of the box. You are reinforcing that the box is a nice place to go. Ideally, doing this 2 to 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days should be enough time to see if this method will work.

If all else fails, try the confinement method. This is a 2- to 4-week program, but it is only recommended for cats who use clay litters. Keep your pet in a cattery with just enough floor space for a litterbox at one end and comfortable bedding at the other. When she does successfully use the box, praise her and let her out of the cattery for a short period of time-but make sure you're there to supervise. Gradually increase her time out of the cattery as she continues to use the litterbox. The next level of the program is to confine her to one room, where you must carefully monitor her litterbox usage. If she hits it every time, allow her a trial run of the house. If she lapses, confine her once again and begin again. This intense behavior modification may take several weeks and it can be tough for the both of you, but be patient - this method works.