Cat Litter Box Problem: Four Reasons Why Your Cat Wont Use The Box

There are two main categories of causes for a cat litter box problem: physical problems or behavioral issues. If your cat is experiencing difficulty, the first thing you should do is have your veterinarian rule out physical causes.

As you read this, keep in mind that your cat will form an association with her experiences, either good or bad. So, if your cat has a bad experience in the litter box, she may associate negative feelings with it. If those feelings are strong enough, perhaps due to repeated bad experiences, she may refuse to use the box at some point.

Here are four physical reasons why your cat can't or won't use the box properly.

1. Pain While Urinating - if your cat experiences pain while urinating, she will create a bad association with the box. Your cat can't hold it in forever, so she ends up urinating on the dining room rug. Be aware that until you remove the odor completely from that spot, your cat may return there again and again.

2. Pain During Bowel Movements - constipation and other conditions can cause pain during bowel movements. If this is your cat's problem, she will associate pain with the box. When she does go, it may be on the living room rug, instead of in the box.

3. Joint or Muscle Pain - in order to use the litter box, cats have to be agile enough to get in and out of the box. They also have to be able to squat comfortably. Arthritis, an injury, or any problem with your cat's joints or muscles may cause your cat too much pain. The litter box becomes associated with pain, and your cat doesn't use it.

4. Limited Range of Motion - it's possible that your cat may not be able to climb up into the litter box. If you have an older cat, or injury or disease has limited her movement, she won't be able to use the box.

It's not true that your cat just doesn't want to use the box to annoy you, there is some reason, and it could be physical. Your vet will help you determine if a physical cause is your cat's problem.

Once you determine the source of the problem is pain, then your vet can treat the cause. The treatments will vary for For painful urination, bowel movements, or joint or muscle pain depending upon the underlying cause. Some retraining will probably be required. You'll also need a lot of patience to help your cat readjust.

If a mobility problem is the culprit, there may be some things you can do. First, make it as easy on your cat as possible. Get a low litter box that your cat doesn't have to step too high into. Also, your cat would probably appreciate a large box to easily move around in. Depending upon your situation, your vet may have a remedy for your cat's mobility problem.

After a physical cause of your cat's litter box problem is determined, you can then work with your vet to help your cat recover. Any issues that cause your cat a bad litter box experience should be dealt with as soon as possible. The earlier you catch these problems, the easier it is to deal with.