Litter Box Problems and Their Solutions
There can be a lot of problems when it comes to cats and litter boxes. Each cat has their own personality and therefore can have their own litter box preferences and problems as well. This article will discuss some common litter box problems and how to solve them.
Odor
Litter box odor can be a big problem for both the cat and the cat's owners. And the problem can be magnified for a couple of reasons. If a household has multiple cats the odor can increase, or if the cat(s) owners do not clean the litter box often or change the kitty litter often enough the odor can be a big problem.
Solutions to litter box odor problems
To solve the litter box odor problem the owner should clean the litter box frequently, hopefully each day, and change the litter often as well. Using a bleach solution, one part bleach to 30 parts water, to clean the litter box container can get rid of odor and prevent the spreading of parasites. If the house has multiple cats they can and should have more than one litter box which can help keep all of the litter boxes cleaner.
When the cat just won't use the litter box
One of the biggest problems is that the cat will not use the litter box. There are many reasons for which cats will stop using the litter box. Kitty litter odor, the cat does not like their litter box, the litter box is placed in a bad area, there are multiple cats, or, if the cat has a medical problem.
Location, location, location
Cats care where their litter box is placed in a house. They want a place which is quiet, where they feel safe, and they will not be disturbed while they are doing their business. If the litter box is in a loud room, or a high traffic area, the cat will prefer not to use the litter box and find someplace quieter to relieve themselves.
Solution to the location problem
By putting the litter box in a quiet room where the cat will not be disturbed, the cat owner can quickly solve the litter box location problem. The cat owner may have to purchase a new litter box so that the cat will know that it is a new place and not associate the old litter box with the loud, high traffic area.
Multiple cats
If a household has multiple cats this could cause a litter box problem. Some cats are very territorial and if they feel that their space is being invaded they may attack whoever or whatever is invading their space. If it is another cat that is trying to use the litter box, and they continue to get attacked by the other cat while they try to use the box, they will quickly associate using the litter box with getting attacked.
Solution for multiple cats
Solving the multiple cat litter box problem is simple. The cat owner needs to have three boxes if they have two cats or four boxes if they have three cats, etc. That way each cat has their own box, plus there is always one empty. This can help each cat feel as if they have their own space.
Medical condition
Sometimes a cat my have a medical condition which makes relieving themselves a painful experience. If the cat has a bladder infection and it hurts when they use the litter box, they may associate using the litter box with the pain they feel and decide not to use the litter box anymore.
Solution to medical condition
To solve the problem of the cat not using the litter box because of a medical condition, the owner should take the cat to the vet. Sometimes a cat will not show any other symptoms of being sick so it is important for the owner to take them to the vet if they have tried other things and the cat still will not use the litter box. If the cat is sick, and the vet is able to treat the cat, then the owner should purchase a new litter box so that the cat does not associate the pain with the new litter box. Many times this will do the trick and the cat will begin to use the litter box again.
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