Cat Litter Box Problem? A Look At Behavioral Issues

By: Kurt Schmitt..

A cat litter box problem stems from one of two kinds of causes. The first is physical, which I've discussed in another article, and the second is behavioral. Today, we're going to look at some of the behavioral causes.

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.

The first step here is to have a consultation with your vet. Always assume that your cat has a physical problem as the cause, unless your vet says otherwise.

Once your vet says your cat's problem does not have a physical cause, then you assume that your litter box problems are behavioral. Let's see if we can think of some behavioral reasons for why your cat won't use the litter box.

1. Dirty Box - some cats will use a dirty box without complaining, but others are fussy. In any case, clean your litter box at least once per day. You should change your litter at least every few weeks, unless it gets too dirty more quickly than that. Whenever you change the litter, wash and dry the litter box thoroughly. If you have a hooded box, be sure to wash the lid also.

2. Cat Box Odor - if the litter box doesn't smell quite right, your cat may avoid it. You might think that your litter box smells just fine, but your cat may have a different opinion about the subject.

If you didn't clean it well enough, your cat will know. If you used a scented cleaner, or didn't rinse it well enough, it may not smell right to your cat. It's recommended that you use a solution of one part bleach to 30 parts water to help prevent the spread of parasites and recurring infections. Rinse well and dry thoroughly! When you're finished, the box should not smell like cat waste, soap, or bleach.

3. Litter Odor - certain cat litters don't sit well with certain cats. Unscented litters of different brands still have a particular odor which some cats may not like. Different types of litter exhibit unique odors as well. You may have to try different brands and different types until you find the right one for your cat.

4. Wrong Litter Type - brand aside, your cat may be turned off by the type of cat litter you use. Switching litter types too fast can be an issue. When you switch litters, add 20 percent new litter to 80 percent old, and then increase the amount of new litter over several days.

5. Litter Box Type - the shape, size, and type of box does matter. For example, some cats may like a hooded box, while others prefer the open kind. Perhaps your cat would like higher walls, or a larger box. If you've recently changed litter boxes, this could be causing a problem.

6. Number of Boxes - in multi-cat households, territory is at a premium. Use the one plus one rule when selecting how many boxes you'll need in order to prevent traffic jams. That means one box for each cat, plus one extra so that there is always a free box available. Having more boxes also keeps each box a little cleaner, which makes the scooping chore a bit easier on you.

7. Bad Location - this can be an issue since in some cases, you just can't find a good spot for the box. I've seen them in busy and noisy areas like laundry rooms and kitchens. If your cat is not pleased with the location of the box, she may stop using it. Always try to keep the box in an area that is low traffic and low noise.

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 - if your cat is stressed by a recent move, a new addition to the household, or perhaps simply a behavior shift on the part of a family member, this may be at the root of the box issue. Try to think about what might have changed recently in your cat's life, and then try to ease whatever stress she's under.

Cat litter box problems can usually be solved, and the solution doesn't mean getting rid of the cat. Knowing which solution to use means knowing the cause. Use your veterinarian to rule out physical causes first, then work on the behavioral possibilities. A little learning on your part so that you can think like a cat may be in order, but if you keep at it, you'll come up with the solution.

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About the author: Kurt Schmitt is an experienced cat owner and helps you solve cat litter box problems and other cat care issues at Cat Lovers Only
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