How to Fix Cat Litter Problems

Even if using a litter box seems like simple feline care, you're not alone if you're concerned! Many cat owners have difficulty with litter boxes. According to American Humane, litter box issues are the most common feline behavior problems. What should a cat parent do? You can do several things to ensure your cat uses his litter box.

Make Sure Your Cat Isn't Sick

Your cat may have difficulty using the litter box if they have specific health issues. It is good to see a veterinarian near you ensure everything is alright.

Several health issues can contribute to litter box problems:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Feline Interstitial Cystitis
• Bladder Stones
• Blockages
• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dementia
  

An elderly cat may have mobility issues that make it difficult for her to get into the box. An obese cat may have trouble bending to fit into the box. Cats with arthritis may have trouble kneading because of the pain it may cause. Cats with urinary issues may associate pain from urinating in the box and avoid it. Cats with mobility issues may find it difficult to jump up to the box and instead choose to urinate outside of the box. Cats with vision issues may have trouble seeing the box and need assistance. 

If your veterinarian fails to detect any health issues with your pet, you should attempt the suggestions listed below.

Change Your Setup

Your cat may have preferences about where and how the litter box should be situated. Here are some things to avoid:

• A cat's litter box should not be near a major attracting point, such as the washing machine. 
• Your cat's food and water bowls are too close to the litter box.  
• The litter box is hard to reach. 
• Your cat is too big to enter the litter box comfortably.
• Your cat is too small to enter a big litter box. 
• Your cat is unnerved by a covered litter box.

Choosing the right litter box and location might be challenging if attempting to acclimate your cat to your home. Try using a variety of litter boxes and locations until your cat seems satisfied. As long as your cat seems content, you should adjust your litter box and location. In addition, you should assess the amount of litter in the box. Cats typically prefer the amount of litter to be one to two inches, so try to keep it at a medium level.

What about Using Different Litter?

Even if you've got the right box in the perfect location, your cat may still ignore it if the litter is not to her liking. You'll need to find a different sort of litter if this happens. Many varieties of litter are available, and each cat has a distinct preference. Your kitty will enjoy the litter you select as long as you attempt different types.

Here are some options for switching to a different type of cat litter: clay litter, silica gel litter, pine litter, wheat litter, grass litter, corn litter, and recycled paper litter.

Clean Your Litter Box Regularly

It's up to you to keep your cat's litter box clean by removing the used litter daily. You should also dump out all the litter, rinse the box, and refill it with fresh litter once a week.

Help Your Cat Relax

Consider what your pet is experiencing right now. Have you recently moved? Have you recently acquired a new dog? Are your house guests staying for a while?

All of these things can lead to stress for your pet. And just like humans, pets can experience stress and have trouble relaxing when they're constantly feeling on edge. Stress can negatively impact your pet's health if it's left untreated. It can cause issues like anxiety, weight gain, and lethargy. And unfortunately, these are all things that we want to avoid for our pets if possible. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help your pet cope with stress and relax.

Have Enough Litter Boxes

If your kitties have different personalities or if you have a multi-story home, you might want to consider getting a litter box for each cat on each floor. This will help to cut down on the amount of time that they spend on their toes as they dash from one box to another and help avoid any confrontations as a result of sharing a box. Even if your cats have gotten along for years, a second box can help them feel more at ease by providing a place where they can go when they want to be left alone.

Determine the Cause

You must first determine the cause of your cat's litter box issues to address them effectively. Once you have identified the source of the issues, you may take the appropriate steps to solve them. This might be a lengthy process, so be patient. Your cat will soon use the litter box without complaint if you keep at it.