Has your cat suddenly started eliminating outside his or her litterbox? Nobody likes to clean up cat urine or feces, especially when it’s found on your personal items or furniture. Whether it be a cat you have had for several years or one that you have just adopted, there are many things to consider before jumping to any conclusions when your cat is not using their litterbox appropriately.
1. New Cats May Need Time to Adjust
If you just added a new cat to your home and they instantly have litterbox issues, there can be a simple fix! The most common mistake people make is to rush a new cat’s introduction into your home and/or to other pets. Your new cat has had a major shift in their life, and this in itself is stressful. So, you want to be sure you limit any additional stressors if possible.
Ideally, when you bring your new cat home, close them off to one room until they can adjust to their new environment. A smaller space also gives them the opportunity to learn where their litterbox is. This works best if the room they are confined to is where their litterbox will permanently be.
2. Your Cat Might Not Like Their Litterbox
If you already have your cat in a small area and litterbox avoidance is still happening, there are other simple solutions to explore. The type of litterbox you chose for them could be one they are not comfortable with. For example, if you have a covered litterbox, your new cat may prefer an open one. Another example is that the litterbox may be too small for the cat to get comfortable in, or maybe the lip of the litterbox is too high for a smaller kitten.
The type of litter you are using is something else to consider, so try a variety of litter types. If you are using a litter with a fragrance, it could be too overwhelming for your cat; therefore, an unscented option may be best. Also, the placement of your new cat’s litterbox might be an issue. Avoid putting the litterbox near a noisy object like a washer and dryer. While you are trying out these suggestions, put a litterbox in the area (or areas) that the cat is eliminating in.
3. Sudden Life Changes Can Cause Litterbox Issues
If your cat has been in your home for a while now, consider anything in their environment that could be different. Cats are creatures of habit and thrive when their routine is not disrupted. There could be many different behavioral changes that lead your cat to litterbox avoidance. Changes like moving homes, house guests, new furniture, moving their litterbox, and adding a new animal to your home are just some of the possibilities.
If nothing has changed in your home and your cat has started this behavior, you may want to look outside of your home. There could be another cat visiting your windows that is upsetting your cat and making them feel uncomfortable inside its home. The bottom line is your cat is stressed due to a disturbance and the goal now is to help them manage their stress.
Adding things like Feliway products and other calming supplements to your cat’s daily routine may be a great first step in trying to help. There are many natural remedies to help a cat deal with stress as well. Many of these products are formulated to release feline pheromones to make your cat feel more comfortable and relaxed. Something to consider if you decide to use a pheromone diffuser product is that they are most effective inside a smaller room, so if your home is an open floor plan, you may want to use a supplement your cat ingests, wears, or a product you can spritz on their favorite lounge areas.
4. Rule Out Any Medical Concerns
If you have tried making all the changes suggested and your cat is still avoiding their litterbox, you should consult your veterinarian for medical advice on what may be causing this behavior. If a medical issue is pinpointed, your vet will discuss with you possible medications or dietary changes to help improve your cat’s well-being. If there is no obvious medical reason causing your cat to be in discomfort, you can also speak to your veterinarian about behavior modification medicine. Sometimes, cats need help managing their stress with medications.
As far as actual cleanup, be sure to purchase only enzymatic cleaners for cat urine, and blacklights can help you find hidden urine around your house. Cleanup can be tedious, but if your cat still smells where they have eliminated outside of the litterbox, they may keep choosing to eliminate in that same spot unless thoroughly cleaned. You can place puppy pads on the areas your cat is choosing to eliminate on and even start adding some litter to those pads.
Be Patient When Confronting Litterbox Issues
Be patient with your cat and the process of finding a solution to their litterbox avoidance. No matter which issue is plaguing your cat with stress, be sure to try to look at the whole picture before assuming what the actual reason is. It may take some problem solving, but your cat will thank you once you understand their stressors and make comfortable them in your home again.
