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Four Reasons Why You Have A Cat Litter Box Problem
The two main causes of a cat litter box problem are behavioral issues and physical problems. The first thing you should do then, is have your vet check out your cat to make sure there are no physical causes.
The two main causes of a cat litter box problem are behavioral issues and physical problems. The first thing you should do then, is have your vet check out your cat to make sure there are no physical causes.
Cats are creatures of habit and will normally use the box once trained. If, however, your cat learns to associate a bad experience with the box, she may stop using it. The problem, contrary to popular belief, may be a physical one that she just can’t control.
Here are four physical reasons why your cat can’t or won’t use the box properly.
1. Urination Pain - if your cat has a physical problem causing her pain when she urinates, she’ll learn to hate the box. When she absolutely can’t hold it anymore, she’ll go on your bedroom carpet. Remember that cats often return to the same spot again and again until you remove the odor!
2. Pain During Bowel Movements - constipation and other conditions can cause pain during bowel movements. If this is your cat’s problem, she will associate pain with the box. When she does go, it may be on the living room rug, instead of in the box.
3. Painful Joints and Muscles - if your cat can’t get in and out of the litter box without experiencing pain, she won’t want to use it. If there is anything causing her pain while squatting, or getting in and out of the box, it could mean trouble. Injuries, arthritis, or some other painful joint condition could create a cat litter box problem.
4. Limited Range of Motion - it’s possible that your cat may not be able to climb up into the litter box. If you have an older cat, or injury or disease has limited her movement, she won’t be able to use the box.
It’s not true that your cat just doesn’t want to use the box to annoy you, there is some reason, and it could be physical. Your vet will help you determine if a physical cause is your cat’s problem.
For painful urination, bowel movements, or joint or muscle pain, proper treatment will have to be sought out in consultation with your vet. Once the pain is gone, some retraining will probably be required and a large amount of patience on your part to help your cat through it.
If your cat has a limited mobility problem, there may be some things you can do to help that, in addition to veterinary care. In any case, make it as easy on your cat as possible. A low litter box that your cat doesn’t have to step too high into is a good start. A large box that your cat can easily move around in is another idea.
Once the physical cause of a cat litter box problem is identified by your vet, you can work together to help your cat get better. Remember to address any issue that causes your cat to associate an unpleasant experience with the box as soon as possible. Catching these problems early on makes them much easier to deal with.