There are many things to love about cats. Fluffy is cute, cuddly, playful, loving, and often hilarious. Our feline friends are also very clean: your kitty will carefully groom herself each day, and will use her own private bathroom to do her business. Occasionally, however, cats start avoiding their litterboxes. Needless to say, this can be extremely frustrating for cat owners. We are here to help! In this article, a local Aurora, CO vet offers some tips on how to solve Fluffy’s litterbox woes.
Veterinary Care
First and foremost, have Fluffy examined by a vet to make sure that a medical problem isn’t behind her behavior. If everything checks out, then you can move onto other possible causes.
Cleanliness
Fluffy hates dirty bathrooms! Keep your cat’s litterbox clean by scooping it out daily, and changing the litter about once a week.
Privacy
Kitties like to have some privacy in the bathroom. Make sure Fluffy’s facilities are in a quiet spot.
Accessibility
We know, you don’t exactly want your cat’s litterbox to be the centerpiece of your home, but if you put it in a spot that is too out of the way, Fluffy may avoid it. If you have multiple floors, keep litterboxes on each story.
Crowding
Do you have more than one furball? If so, you’ll need to provide multiple litterboxes. As a rule of thumb, you should have one litterbox per cat, plus at least one extra.
Litterbox
Some cats prefer certain types of litterboxes. If you have a kitten, try a smaller box. If Fluffy is in her golden years, she may favor a litterbox with low walls. Kitties can also have preferences for covered or uncovered boxes, as well as for different kinds of kitty litter. Experiment a bit by putting out a few different litterboxes, and trying some various types of litter. (Note: avoid using clay or clumping litters on young kittens, as these litters aren’t safe for baby cats.)
Anxiety
Sometimes anxiety can also cause cats to avoid their private bathrooms. If you suspect fear or anxiety is behind Fluffy’s behavior, consult a professional cat behaviorist. Never punish your kitty for not using the litterbox: if you have an anxious feline, negative reinforcement may make her even more nervous!
Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Call us, your Aurora, CO animal clinic, anytime!
