Do not, under any circumstances, think of trading your Cat in on a "better model." There are absolutely no Lemon Laws applicable to Cats!
Oil and Fuel Leaks
Inappropriate elimination is probably one of the biggest complaints Cat owners have, and is one of the most frequently cited performance reasons for delivering them to the JunkYard (Pound or Shelter). Cats do NOT develop bad elimination habits out of stubbornness or faulty training-- in fact, most Cats do not have to be trained to a litter box at all-- they instinctively know its purpose, and will happily use it in preferance to carpet, bedspread, or bathtub at any time.
However, there are a few things the Cat owner must keep in mind. Cats are immaculate by nature, and will not have anything to do with a less than pristine litter box. They are also very fussy, as a rule, and some Cats will disdain a box that has been used by other Cats. (Behavioral experts offer a rule of thumb: one litter box per cat plus one extra.) Other Cats will not pee and poop in the same box, so you'll need to add another box for that fussbudget. Cats do not suddenly quit using the litter box for no reason, and it is up to the owner to determine what subtle changes may have taken place just prior to this new erratic performance. The first Red Flag is observance of the cat's straining to urinate. This is an emergency situation which indicates the presence of a urinary tract blockage or infection, and the Cat should be transported to the Veterinarian immediately. (See Ch.2: Breakdown).
Having eliminated a medical problem, if your cat has suddenly taken to avoiding his litter box in favor of your white carpet, there are a number of questions you need to ask yourself:
- Do you have sufficient litter boxes for your cats?
- Are they placed conveniently for the cat's use, and in a location that offers privacy, quiet, and not too close to the cat's food and water?
- Is the box kept immaculately clean: Litter scooped at least daily, and emptied, box cleaned with detergent or a mild bleach solution, rinsed, dried, and new litter added?
- Have you changed the brand of litter recently? Cats can be very fussy about the substrate in their box.
- Have you had your cat declawed recently? We sincerely hope that is not the case, and that will be covered later under the "Optional Parts" section. Cats' paws are extremely sore after declawing surgery, and a rough-textured litter will cause pain, thereby associating the litter box in their minds with pain. You'll need to find a softer litter for the duration; one made from paper is a good substitute.
- Is the cat pooping just outside the litter box? The box may simply be too small for him to fit comfortably. Try a larger box.
- Has a new cat been introduced into the household? Cats are very territorial, and even neutered males and females will mark their territory (spray) in defense against an intruder.
- Has a new baby arrived? See #6-- this is very similar cause and effect. The cat may just be indicating his displeasure over losing his status as the household favorite. He needs plenty of extra attention, in this case.
- Are there any other changes in routine that could cause stress? Any new roommates? Divorce? Loud family arguments? Cats are much like human children in that they will will react in their own way to outside stresses over which they have no control.
- Finally, have you thoroughly cleaned and de-scented every single place outside the litter box where the cat has eliminated? Cats will return over and over to the same place, as long as they can smell it. Plain detergent and water will work fine in cleaning up stains. For urine, a mild vinegar solution will sometimes neutralize the odor. Be careful not to use ammonia-based products, as ammonia is the stinky ingredient in urine, and the cat will be attracted to the spot again. There are also several enzymatic cleaners available for sale in pet stores, which will effectively neutralize the urine odor.
Sometimes it is only by trial and error that we can ferret out the cause of inappropriate elimination, so don't be discouraged if the first try doesn't work, but persevere. Your Cat is worth it.
Next > Scratching is GOOD
Cat illustration is adapted from a jpeg file from ArtToday.com, used with permission
