Possible reasons why a cat has stopped using the litter box

You can't call a cat human, so there are no human motives behind its actions. And if you're wondering why your cat doesn't want to use the litter box, the answer likely lies in something specific, unrelated to feline morality. Therefore, appealing to common sense by poking the animal in yet another pile or puddle, or worse, hitting or yelling at it, is futile. But the problem of a cat's friendship with the litter box must be addressed. And we'll figure out how to do that now.

Understanding the reasons behind the litter box and the cat

The situation is already clear: the cat refuses to use the litter box, and naturally, this behavior must be corrected. It should be noted right away that a cat's ignoring the litter box occurs for only two reasons: behavioral and medical.

Behavioral approach

The psychological reasons for uncleanliness in cats are as follows:

• Disgust.
• The dislike can be directed at both the litter box itself and the litter. A cat may even find the area where its litter box is located disgusting.
• Preference.
• The pet likes this corner and is not at all afraid that there is no litter box there.
• Dirt in the tray.
• The owner is entirely to blame here. He doesn't clean the litter box and doesn't change the litter.
• Presence of strangers.
• The cat is shy and doesn't use the litter box out of embarrassment when strangers, such as relatives, are in the house. Another possibility is that the pet is afraid of strangers.
• Intraspecific aggression.
• Social conflicts between two cats living in the same house. This is especially true if one of the pets is new.
• Increased anxiety.

This is a bit of everything from the previous points, plus you can add a recent move, rude behavior on the part of the owner, etc.

In general, a conclusion can be drawn.

If a healthy cat doesn't want to use the litter box, the answer must be sought in psychology.

Medical point of view

Let's get this straight right away regarding unspayed and unneutered animals. There's no need to explain anything. Hormones are raging and pushing these poor cats to do something dangerous. The problem is elevated hormone levels and the stress associated with them. There's a solution: it's time to see a vet for surgery.

It's a completely different matter if the problem with fertility has been resolved, but the cat still misses the litter box. In this case, it's probably due to illness. There are many conditions that disrupt the natural urinary cycle:

• inflammatory processes in the intestines;
• food allergy;
• diabetes mellitus;
• hepatitis;
• constipation;
• colitis.

But the predominant reason for cats to avoid the litter box is diseases of the genitourinary system: urolithiasis, cystitis, etc.

When it comes to older cats, their physical abilities and brain function decline with age. This is a compelling reason to disrupt their perfect natural urination. For example, a cat won't use the litter box for one simple reason: he can't reach it in time due to atony (age-related weakening of the urethral muscles).

We've covered the main reasons why cats don't use a litter box. But what if your pet regularly goes to the bathroom for a big business and leaves puddles in the corners? Or, conversely, the corners are littered with piles of poop, but otherwise everything is fine? We'll address this issue, too.

Why doesn't my cat want to use the litter box?

You see that your pet is regularly leaving poop where it's supposed to, but there are no wet spots in the litter box. This is clearly a warning sign. After all, a minor issue with no puddles could turn out to be a major problem – a bladder infection or cystitis.

Why doesn't my cat use the litter box?

Ask yourself: is he capable? Maybe he's constipated. There could be many reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon:

• stress;
• improper diet;
• intestinal problems.

In each of these cases, the cat needs your help. The simplest method is to feed your pet a laxative until the desired result is achieved. Regular milk can be helpful in this regard. Of course, you can resort to medication, or even the old-fashioned way: an enema or soap in the rectum.

How to solve the litter tray problem - the best methods

If you have several four-legged pets at home, provide them with separate toilets.

Take the time to decide whether your cat is marking territory or actually going to the toilet. Marking is a small amount of urine, while the toilet is a puddle. It's worth knowing that fighting for space is common among both male and female cats.

Take the time to use the litter box.

Try to clean the litter box as often as possible. Ideally, once a day. Don't delay changing the litter either. Cats are naturally clean animals, so it's not surprising if your cat stops using the litter box to show its feelings.

Remove the smell.

The problem has already occurred: the cat won't use the litter box, but it can be solved. Eliminate even the thought of the smell in the place where the cat has taken to doing its business. You can use home remedies like bleach or vinegar, or you can go to a pet store and buy a special product for this kind of situation.

Install multiple toilets.

This is especially true for large homes. Your cat may not have time to use the litter box or may be too lazy to go to it. Therefore, buy several litter boxes and place them around the perimeter of your home.

We move the tray.

Your cat has gotten used to eliminating in the wrong spot, but in the same place. Place the litter box there, and over time, gradually move it in the direction you prefer.

We are changing the tray.

If you've tried all of the above and still encounter unexpected "gifts," consider changing your litter box. This really does help in certain situations. For example, an older cat might prefer to use a simple, low-sided litter box than a super-fashionable one. closed toilet.

We change the filler.

Some litters, especially expensive ones, are scented to mask odors. While this is convenient for humans, a cat might have a different opinion. The issue may not be the scent, but the pellets themselves.

Observe.

You can find out why your cat doesn't want to use the litter box by observing it. Often, the reason for your pet's reluctance to live "like a human being" is right under your nose. But there's no time to notice the obvious, so keep an eye on it.

Ideal option.

Show the cat the door and give her a litter box for the road. Just kidding, of course. The best way is to make the area you don't want your cat to use as a toilet inaccessible and/or unpleasant. Use everything you can – build barricades, buy a repellent spray, wipe the "bad" spot with vinegar and bleach. Your goal is to make the cat hate the toilet or forget about it. This, by the way, takes a couple of months.

Thanks to these tips, you've not only been able to understand why your cat isn't using the litter box but also learned how to combat the problem. Stick to this approach and never resort to threats or violence. Sadly, many cats, and even people, are familiar with this type of training. In any case, if your pet has become untidy for one of the above reasons, yelling at them clearly won't change their behavior.

Remember! Cats will never resist your persistence and patience, and the joy of a full litter box will reward you for all your efforts.

Read also:

• What to do if a kitten eats litter
• When do kittens start walking on their own?
• Blackheads on Cats: What They Are and What to Do About Them