Behavioral Causes Of A Cat Litter Box Problem

There may be more than one cause of a cat litter box problem, but they come from one of two categories. If you've read my article on the physical causes of this dilemma, then you already know that this problem is either physical, or behavioral.

In order to determine the cause, it is often necessary to use a diagnosis of exclusion. In other words, you look at the situation and try to rule out each of the possible causes, until you are finally left with what must be the answer.

You'll need help from your vet on this one, since you'll want to first rule out any physical cause. It's always best to assume your cat has a physical problem until your vet proves you wrong.

Next, after your vet has ruled out a physical problem, you have to assume that your litter box problems are behavioral. Let's think like a cat for a minute and try to understand some of the behavioral reasons for not using the litter box.

1. Dirty Cat Box - some cats prefer the box to be extremely clean, and others are willing to allow it to be somewhat less so. No matter what, you should clean your litter box at least once per day. You should also change your litter out completely at least every few weeks. Whenever you change the litter, wash the litter box thoroughly. Be sure to wash the lid too if you have a hooded box.

2. Box Odor - some cats will refuse to use a litter box if it doesn't smell right. Remember, that means smell right to the cat, not to you. You might be thinking that your clean box smells just fine. This is not always the case.

If you don't clean the box well enough, your cat will know. If you don't rinse thoroughly, or use a scented cleaner, your cat may detect a smell that says don't go in there. You should use a solution of one part bleach to 30 parts water to sanitize the box. When you're finished, the box should be clean and dry, and not smell like cat waste, bleach, or soap.

3. Litter Box Odor - some cats simply prefer the odor of one brand or type of litter over another. Even unscented litters have an odor your cat can detect and may not like. Be prepared to try different types and brands until you find the right one for your cat.

4. Litter Type - your cat may be turned off by the type of cat litter you use. Also, try not to switch litters too quickly. When changing litters, try adding 20 percent new litter to 80 percent old, and then increasing the amount of new litter over several days until you're at 100 percent.

5. Type of Litter Box - the size, shape, and type of box may make a difference to your cat. Hooded boxes may prevent litter spill over, but some cats may prefer not to be closed in. On the other hand, your cat might like the privacy of high walls, and some will like a larger box. Have you recently changed litter boxes? Perhaps this is the problem.

6. How Many Boxes? - another cause of a cat litter box problem relates mainly to multi-cat households. Remember the one plus one rule when selecting how many boxes you'll need. You should have one box for each cat, and one extra box so that there is never any waiting for a box to free up. Cleaning chores are a little easier if you have more boxes since that keeps each box a little cleaner.

7. Location Choice - in some cases, you just can't find a good spot for the box, and you'll have to do your best. If your cat is not pleased with the location of the box, she may stop using it. Always try to keep the box in a low noise and low traffic area. Busy areas like laundry rooms and kitchens are usually not good places.

8. Territorial Disputes - multi-cat households pose unique problems, and cats sometimes fight over territory, even when they normally get along. Some cats like to sneak up on others when they're using the box and pounce. If one of your cats keeps getting attacked every time she's in the box, she may grow to hate it. Keep to the one plus one rule to help avoid this situation.

9. Stress - stress is a leading cause of box aversion. If your cat is stressed by a life event, such as a recent move or a new addition to the household, this may be the cause of the problem. One of my readers found out the hard way that one family member was trying the wrong form of behavior modification on one of their cats. The result was a litter box issue. Try to think about what might have changed recently in your cat's life, and then try to reduce or eliminate the stress.

Cat litter box problems can usually be solved, once you know the cause. The solution doesn't have to mean getting rid of the cat. Your veterinarian needs to first rule out physical causes so you can tackle the behavior side of things. Think like a cat, and you'll be able to solve your box problems.