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Alright Meow, it's 2015!

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Litter Box

Beating head against the wallissues
(AFTER RULING OUT MEDICAL REASONS)


I don't like this box

I don't like this litter

I don't like this location

I don't like that new thing you brought into the house

I don't like that

or that

Not sure about that...

 What you can do to stop the litter box problems

 First things first...DO NOT IGNORE THIS BEHAVIOUR
  • Address the problem promptly. 
The longer the behavior persists, the more likely it is to become a habit.

Second..Identify culprit

  • This only applies if you have more than one animal 
  • You may need to separate them to find the responsible party. 
 Alternatively, your veterinarian can provide you with a special non-toxic stain given by mouth that will show up in the urine.

Third..Is the cat urinating or spraying?

  • You’ll need to distinguish between spraying and other forms of house soiling. 
  • Watch your cat for signs of spraying 
Or set up a video camera to keep an eye on the situation when you’re not around. 
That would also be helpful in identifying the kitty culprit.

( I will assume you have already taken your kitty to the vet to make sure there are no medical issues- if not..TAKE KITTY TO VET..The cost of a visit is much cheaper then the feeling of helplessness and frustration a person feels upon finding yet another puddle)


Identify the Cause

Time to play detective. Not as fun as it sounds....

I would suggest before you delve into the list...
Try this product - It is a litter called Cat Attract
If that is not of any help -

  • Does she prefer a certain type of surface? 
If so, it may be possible to modify your litter to match it.

Kitty likes soft?
  • There are different grains of litter - smaller, softer.
  • There are different types of litter - Walnut, Corn, Wheat, Paper, Crystals ( It's a booming business)

Kitty using the carpet as their bathroom?  
  • Take a trip out to the carpet remnants store - You can buy scraps, testers, samples, end of roll - all rather cheap
  • Put the carpet in the litter box as a liner - I know it sounds kinda counter productive - but it may be the first step in getting the kitty to use the box.
  • Obviously you will have to toss and replace the carpet ...I have no idea on a time line
  • Slowly add litter- then more litter - then more - then remove the carpet and just have litter 
Kitty seem to like shiny surfaces? 
  • Take a trip to the hardware or flooring store.
  • Grab a few pieces of tile
  • Maybe a few different items that match some of the surfaces in your house
  • They have odds and ends and samples that may be discontinued
  • Start with only a small amount of litter.. then work your way up as you would with the carpet.

Is there a certain location she prefers?
She may have developed a preference for a new area because something bothered her about the old area.
Know how sometimes people don't like change? KITTIES DON'T LIKE CHANGE.
Unless it's their idea.
The litter box may have been in a certain location for months or even years - and now kitty refuses to use it.
What she may not be able to tell you is -
  • There is a new smell
  • There is a weird new chair
  • There is an odd new pair of shoes
  • You moved the couch
  • You added a glade plug in and it's right by her box  ( she prefers Hawaiian Breeze and you bought Apple Cinnamon!)
  • There is a creepy neighbour watching her through the window ( or creepy neighbourhood kitty)
  • That old fridge is making a weird buzzing sound
  • You got a new fridge and she misses the old buzzing sound
  • Or a million other kitty thoughts that we will never understand
Try placing a litter box in her “preferred” location. ( where she seems to want to pee now)
  • Once she reliably uses it, gradually move the box just a few inches a day back to the desired location. 
  • Stop moving the box if she stops using it; instead simply move it back to the spot where she last reliably used it, then gradually begin moving it again.
It's a process.
Just my thoughts...  if her new preferred location is not horrible ( not under the kitchen table for example)
Consider a site you can both live with...

Do you have a bathroom bully?
Fluffy White Cat Crying
  • If you have multiple pets, does another animal terrorize your cat while she’s in the litter box or as she exits? 
This may make your cat afraid to use the box.
  • If you currently use a covered box, replace it with one that gives her a 360-degree view. 
This will give her more confidence while she’s in the box and make her less prone to ambush.
  • Don't block the exit
Position the box so that she has more than one way out
It may be simpler for us to place a box in the corner, but that eliminates 2 exits
By moving the box over slightly you gain another way for kitty to escape from the bathroom bully
  • Multi Cat = Multi Box
Some say you should have 1 box more then that amount of cats you have
I say at least have more than 1 box ( most of you don't have a plethora of cats)
If you have more than 3 cats - you need at least 3 boxes ( it doesn't hurt to have one on each floor and this also allows for various types of boxes)

Kitty using the area beside the box as her bathroom? 

  • Your meow may be trying to tell you something. CLEAN MY BATHROOM
Some cats are  much more particular than others. They want their box cleaned right after they use it.
Thankfully that is not normally the case - But you may be the lucky owner of a kitty like that.

  • Buy doggie poop bags and keep a box by each litter box. Along with a scoop.
This allows for easy and quick removal of waste. You can also toss it in your green bin!
Depending on the number of cats ( and if you  have a weirdo kitty) You may be able to clean your litter box every few days.
I clean every day because I have my cats and foster kitties ( it needs to be done)

  • Your cat may dislike the litter you use, especially if you’ve recently and suddenly changed brands.
     
Remember - kitties don't like change! If you must switch brands, do so gradually, adding small amounts of new litter to the old.
  • Scented litter vs unscented litter - considering the fact that cats have a much better sense of smell than we do - and those scented litters can be rather strong to us...choose wisely.

  • Clumping vs non clumping - I only use non clumping litter for small kittens who are just learning how to use the box ( and tend to sample the litter with their silly mouths- clumping could be dangerous )
    Clumping litter allows for removal of urine and feces - this keeps it cleaner and keeps the smell down.
    I have never had an actual conversation with a cat about it - but I would assume they would choose clumping.
Kitty got a bit more junk in the trunk? Maybe a little older than some? Legs not as long?
  • The box itself may be the offender. 
Larger cats need bigger boxes
Kittens and elderly cats need boxes with low sides.
    • We humans may find a covered box to be more appealing ( less visual , less smell)
    The meows may see it as a port-o-potty from hell - you know the ones... that you have to hold your breath the entire time to keep from vomiting...
    That can not be fun for kitty to visit.
    • Kitty claustrophobia? Who knows.. if all it takes is removing the cover - try it!!
    How are we to know what goes on in their little kitty minds.
    • Don't forget the bathroom bully - a covered little box leaves the poor kitty trapped
     Trial and error - or trial and exclusion
    It may take a few different litters and litter boxes.
    It may take a bit  of time.
    Kitty needs you to remember- She can't talk, if she could...she would spend the first few hours complaining... but then she would explain what is bugging her.

    ( I used 'her' just because I didn't want to keep saying 'it' or 'them' Obviously I mean both Male and Female cats)

    Other tips
    • Sheets of plastic, newspaper, or sandpaper, electronic mats that deliver harmless, mild shocks, or a carpet runner with the nubs facing up can be used to discourage your cat from entering a soil-prone area.
    • Try changing the significance of a soiled area. Cats prefer to eat and eliminate in separate areas, so try placing food bowls and treats in previously soiled areas. Playing with your cat in that space and leaving toys there may also be helpful.
    • Try denying your cat access to a given area by closing doors, or by covering the area with furniture or plants. Baby gates will not keep a cat out of a room.
    • Catch him in the act. A bell on a breakaway collar tells you his whereabouts. If you can catch him within the first seconds of his elimination routine, startle him with a water gun or shake a jar of pennies, so that he associates being startled with those actions. It is important that you startle rather than scare him; fear will only worsen the problem. Moreover, if you catch him after he’s eliminated, your window of opportunity is gone—you must catch him just as he’s about to eliminate.
    • Consulting with a veterinary behaviorist may provide important insight into the cause of inappropriate elimination and potential strategies to address this common problem.


    I TRIED EVERYTHING IN THAT LIST AND SHE IS STILL PEEING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX!!


    Fat White Cat Shaking No
    Well that sucks.
    Time for kitty retraining.
    • This entails confining kitty to a cage or room.
    • She can only come out for supervised play sessions and for cuddle time. 
    • Do your best to make the area entertaining - but limit the places she could use as a bathroom. 
    • Having a bed ( a people bed) in the room will probably not be a good idea. 
    • Litter box, food, water, cubby, toys, scratching post, box, blanket ( if she pees on it, she looses it)
    Doing this gives kitty very little choice where she can soil.
    Generally animals do not like to soil where they sleep.
    How long?
    Depends...3-6 weeks sounds super long. - but what are the options?

    Climbing cat
    • After the first week you can let her stay out longer...but still supervised. 
    • After the second week you can give her a little more slack ..but not all day, and not when you are away.
    • After the third week - trial run. 
    • Let kitty out, leave the cage or room open for her to use the litter box there if she wants to. 
    • Put another box where you would normally have it.
    • No accidents? Excellent! 
    • Keep her our and make sure she uses the litter box. 
    • If she has an accident - back in the cage or room.
    • Try again the next day.
    Cat hug and love
     You may find out that she likes the room or cage to sleep in.
    A routine can be helpful.
    She can absolutely have a bed time.

    If after all that she still keeps peeing outside the litter box...
    Kitty Behaviourist ?
    Kitty Psychic?
    Don't give up - Kitty needs you. 

    Kitten says Hello

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