Addressing Litter Box Issues
Litter box problems for cats can be frustrating. Any deviations to the daily routine, especially if those deviations are messy, can be simply worrisome or even urgent. Let’s look at some reasons behind litter box issues, along with what you can do to address them.
Litter Box Training
Litter box training is among the easiest pet training scenarios. Cats have instincts to eliminate in the cleanest ways they can, as well as cover their waste. Especially for kittens, basic box training simply involves showing them the litter box and letting them dig around in it on their own. Give them privacy so that they associate the box with that private time. After they’ve eaten, you can bring your cat to the box, again to encourage association with bodily function. Pawing the ground and crouching are sure signs that it’s time to go, so watch out for those behaviors and encourage a trip to the box.
As with pet training in general, patience and positivity are key. It’s important to understand that there could be mistakes. You should keep up the encouragement, and “reinforce the [desired] behavior with treats and praise.”
Going Outside of the Box
Thinking outside of the box is great, unless it means cleaning your cat’s waste off the floor! House cats prefer using a litter box once they become accustomed to it. If your cat starts eliminating outside their litter box, it likely signals a problem.
Stress or painful conditions might cause litter box avoidance. Even if the box itself is not a source of trouble, if that is where your cat happens to be when anxiety or pain occurs, they can make that association. In multi-cat households, going outside the box could be a sign of resource competition (see below for more info about each of these situations).
Blood in the Box
It can be scary to find blood in the litter box, especially because you may not know exactly where it’s coming from. If you do notice blood in the box, do an overall check of your kitty first. Do you see any obvious injury, like a scraped paw? If not, the blood may be from a urination or defection issue. Contact your vet for assistance. During an exam with probable lab work, they may be considering a urinary tract infection, feline lower urinary tract disorder (FLUTD), cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), or even intestinal parasites.
Increased Bathroom Breaks
If you see your cat straining to urinate or defecate, particularly if they’re visiting the box more often in search of relief, the cause may be some of the same issues mentioned above. You should still reach out to your veterinary team. But if your cat is straining to urinate, particularly a male cat, take this even more seriously. Sometimes FLUTD can lead to a dangerous urethral obstruction, or a blockage, that can in turn cause urine to back up to the kidneys. This can affect kidney function in potentially fatal ways.
Straining in the litter box signals an emergency. If you can’t reach us, contact your nearest animal emergency hospital immediately.
Multi-Cat Households
Multi-cat households need 1 litterbox for each cat, plus 1 more. This really is the minimum for reducing any competitive or territorial disputes for your home’s resources. Cats are notoriously finicky. This helps ensure that there is at least 1 reasonably tidy potty between litter box cleanings.
Fastidious felines will prefer that their restrooms are not too close to one another. Boxes should be placed in quiet, low-traffic areas for peaceful and private use.
Older cats need easy access and will appreciate a box with low sides and a wide area, especially if they have arthritis or other mobility issues.
Cat owners may consider litter box issues to be purely behavioral. You might assume that your cat is upset about rearranged furniture, a new baby, or other household change, and any litter box issues are out of “spite” or distress. This can be true, but if you notice any of these issues, they could be caused by a physical ailment, even a very serious one. Solving cat litter box problems can be frustrating on your own, so don’t hesitate to call us at (916) 488-4161 for help!