One of the most common problems cat owners have is what to do when their cats stop using the litter box. Here are tips from Animalarkpet.com on how to get your cat to eliminating in the litter box again.
Check the Litter Box
Take a good look at where you’ve placed the litter box. Can the cat reach it easily? Is the door to the room always open? Is there a child or other pet that could be keeping the cat from the litter box? Is the litter pan next to the food or water bowls? Cats hate to eliminate in the same room as where they eat. Humans are the same way. Move the litter pan if your cat is having problems getting to it. If you have more than one cat, it’s best to have more than one litter pan.
Clean the Litter Box More Often
Just as you like to flush the toilet every time you use it, your cat wants his or her litter box cleaned every time it has been used. Cats will not use dirty pans because they do not like stepping in droppings or urine-soaked litter. If you have one cat, then the litter needs cleaning at least twice a day. If you cannot clean it that often, considering replacing the current litter pan with a larger one. This gives your cat more room to do his or her business.
Clip Your Cat’s Coat
Do you have a long-haired cat? Droppings can get caught in long fur, which is dragged along and drops of at any random place. Unless your cat is a show cat, make sure your cat’s coat is clipped under the tail, around the buttocks and the hind legs. If you do not know how to clip your cat’s coat, take your cat to a professional pet groomer experienced in cat care.
Take Cat to the Vet
If you have followed these cat care tips and your cat still refuses to use the litter box or has accidents even when using the litter box occasionally, this could be the sign of a medical condition. Until the condition is treated, the cat will keep on having accidents. Many conditions which cause incontinence are treatable. These conditions include arthritis, diabetes, urinary tract infections and obesity. You can also connect with them on Facebook.
