Here are six reasons why cats
stop using their
litter boxes:
1) Boxes are not
scooped enough (1 - 2 times daily minimum).
2) Boxes are in
locations that makes cats feel uncomfortable.
3) Cat does not
like the litter type (feel or smell).
4) Cat has an
undiagnosed urinary tract infection or other medical problem
causing discomfort.
5) The box is
too old. Odors are impregnated in the plastic.
6) The box was
cleaned with a chemical cleanser that left an aversive smell instead of
cleaned with soap and water.
Would
you like to use a toilet that isn't flushed?
Most cats prefer you clean the litter box after each use. Felines are fastidious and value cleanliness.
For
two-story homes, prevent your cat from getting side-tracked
and not making it to the litterbox in time, by providing two litter boxes - one on each floor. Provide more than one litter box in a large home to keep
toileting convenient for the cat. For multiple cats, the rule of
thumb is to provide one more litter box than the number of cats.
Felines are individuals.
Just like some people like rap music and others prefer
classical, cats have personal preferences. Try different types of litter boxes,
different types of litters, and different locations for the box
and you will discover
your cat's personal preferences.
Many
cats value their privacy.
Do not place
litter boxes in high traffic locations. Would you feel relaxed
using a public toilet if there were no stall doors provided?
Kitten Development
Adolescence: 17 weeks to 1 year
-
Sexual maturity if not
altered; spraying and fighting to protect territory
-
If allowed outdoors, may
wander farther away from home.
-
Keep a break-away collar
with an
identification tag on at all times.
-
Consider a
microchip - permanent identification - to avoid losing your
kitten
AAFP.
(2004). Feline Behavior
Guidelines. Pg. 10. |