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.
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 where your cat tends to urinate most often.
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 (3–5 cm) 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.
Try using Feliway diffusers to help your cat feel more relaxed. This product releases a scent that some cats may 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 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. [11] 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. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Cats do not like litterboxes placed in closets or other areas with one entrance and exit, as these are considered ambush areas. You can plug in a nightlight near a litterbox if it’s in a dark area. Older cats and cats with medical issues that cause them to go to the bathroom frequently require easy access to a litterbox. Many cats prefer to defecate in one box and urinate in another.
Ultimately, let your cat choose which litter they prefer. If your cat prefers a specific litter, do not change it.
Monitor your cat’s behavior and positively redirect it if you suspect that they had an accident. This can involve tossing a toy, calmly calling their name and petting them, or tossing a treat.
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. [17] 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.
Punishment does not teach your cat what you want; instead, it can result in them urinating in a place that you can’t find.
