Squatting for long periods of time, blood in the urine, frequent urination and meowing while trying to urinate are all signs that your pet might have a bladder or urinary tract issue or infection. These health problems can cause litter box avoidance. Inappropriate urinations can be a medical condition and with male cats can actually be an early sign of a life-threatening blockage. [2] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMCat Behavior Trainer Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
Consider having your carpets cleaned professionally if they are heavily soiled. Some rugs may be beyond cleaning if the messes were not taken care of right away. Get rid of rugs that have been soiled repeatedly by your cat.
Do not try to reward your cat for using the litter box by giving her treats. Cats don’t like to be disturbed while they use the litter box. [8] X Research source You can leave treats and toys near your cat’s litter box, but do not keep your cat’s food and water dish next to her box. Cats don’t like to eat too close to where they use the bathroom.
In addition to scooping out your cat’s litter box every day, once per week you should also remove all the litter and clean the box with warm water and unscented soap or baking soda. When you are finished, dry the box and add fresh litter. Try a self-cleaning litter box to make it easier to keep your cat’s litter box clean.
Make sure that your cat will be able to see approaching humans or animals and easily get away. Cats don’t like to feel cornered Attend to the needs of older cats by providing boxes with lower sides, for easier entrance and exit to the litter box. Place litter boxes near or over where your cat tends to urinate on the carpet.
Give your cat a choice of litter types by placing two litter boxes with two different types of litter right next to each other. At the end of the day, check to see which one your cat used. Provide a shallow bed of litter. Most cats prefer a litter box that has about 1-2 inches of litter.
Consider the size of your cat’s litter box as well. If it is too small for her, then she may avoid using it. Cats likely feel about hooded litter boxes the same way we feel about porta potties—they’re serviceable, but less than ideal. [18] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMCat Behavior Trainer Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
Try using Feliway diffusers to help your cat feel more relaxed. This product releases a scent that some cats find comforting.
Urinary tract infections may cause a cat to avoid the litter box, even after the infection has been treated. Your cat may still associate the litter box with pain and want to avoid it. Feline interstitial cystitis is another common cause of litter box aversion. Cats with feline interstitial cystitis may urinate in the litter box because they feel the need to urinate more often. Kidney stones or a blockage of your cat’s urinary tract may also result in a litter box aversion. Your cat may meow or howl while using the box and the fear of pain may continue even after treatment. Keep in mind that prompt treatment of these conditions is essential so that your cat does not develop a long lasting litter box aversion. [20] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Urine marking is most common in unneutered male cats but unspayed female cats may also exhibit this behavior, so it is important to have your cats spayed and neutered. Urine marking is also common in households with more than ten cats, so keeping the number of cats in your home below ten can also help with this problem. [22] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
