Many times cat owners are at a loss as to why their cat doesn’t
use their litter box. Here are some great tips that can help you
solve the problem.

The litter box is the first thing you should check. It should
be in a quiet, private area of the house. Many people put them
in their basements and leave the door open a little as this not
only creates a private environment but also keeps odors to a
minimum in the rest of the house.

Some use a closet but if you do this be sure and keep the box
clean to reduce odors in such a confined space and don’t forget
to leave the door open!

Another placement possibility is under a table. Many people
find a place without carpeting is best from a maintenance point
of view as tile or cement is a lot easier to clean.

Ask yourself if you changed the litter box in any way:

* Has the box been moved to a high traffic area recently? *
Does the box need cleaning? * Is a new litter being used or does
it have too heavy a scent (clumping and unscented is best). *
Has the depth of the litter in the box changed? Some cats like
their litter deep, others shallow. * Your cat has outgrown the
box and needs a larger one. * The box is too hard to enter and
exit. This can be an issue for older cats.

Do not put food and water near the litter box. Cats like these
two areas kept separate (don’t you?).

If your cat has picked out a particular room to soil try
closing the door to that room if you can or cover the target
area with furniture.

Put a bowl of food over the target area as cats like to keep
their eating area away from their “bathroom”.

Take your cat to the Vet on a regular basis.

If you have more than one cat get each one of them their own
litter box.

Have you recently moved? A cat might smell an area where the
previous owner’s cat urinated.

Let the cat alone while it goes so it can have some privacy.

If it is a new cat in your home it could take from three to
eight weeks to get adjusted to the new environment. Be patient!

Was there a recent addition or loss to the family? A new baby,
spouse? This is usually temporary until the cat adjusts to the
change in their environment.

A change in your schedule can throw off your cat’s schedule as
well and cause problems. Try and phase in major lifestyle
changes gradually.

NEVER EVER punish the cat by kicking, hitting, chasing,
screaming or rubbing their nose in their urine (remember the
smell doesn’t bother them). Cats cannot make the cause and
effect connection like we can so punishment after the fact is
useless and will only make matters worse.

Cats are naturally very clean animals and they know where they
are going. It is important to remember this and try and help
your cat overcome any stress or anxiety they might be having in
a caring and loving manner.