Probably the most frustrating problem you will have with your cat is litter box accidents. It is a well known fact that litter box accidents are the main reason that some owners will give up their cats.
However there is normally some underlying reason as to why your cat is refusing to use their box. So before you give up on your pet you should first check some of the main causes to this problem.
One of the main reasons your cat will refuse to use the litter box is because the box is already dirty. Some cats (mine included) will only use the box once and then prefer that it is cleaned out after every use. This can be a very time consuming task but it is also a very quick fix of the problem. So if you are having accidents trying getting into a routine of emptying the box each time your pet has used it and you may find that this solves the problem.
Another common problem with litter box accidents is do you have enough boxes for the cats you have in your household, for example if you have 3 or 4 cats you should have a box for each one. Cats are very territorial and like to have their own space including their own box.
Another problem could be the type of litter you are using and the size and shape of your litter box. If your box does not have a lid perhaps you cat would feel more secure in a closed box. If you have an older cat or a little kitten perhaps they are struggling to get in the box if it is a closed one. Try to watch your pet carefully when he or she uses the litter box, you may find they are having trouble getting in and out of the box and a change of box may solve the problem.
Also, check the type of litter you use, your cat may not like the smell or texture of the litter. Some people prefer to use the scoop away litter which clumps together when used, however some cats do not like this type because is sticks to their paws. Some litter also causes a lot of dust which again your pet may not like.
If you have tried all the above tips and you are still having accidents, it could be that your cat has some health issues that are causing the problem. So it could be time to take a trip to your veterinarian to check that there are no health issues that are causing the problem. Cats that have bladder problems and urinary tract infections are often prone to accidents. If this is the case your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help your pet.
If your cat has been ill or has stopped using the litter for any reason, you may find that your cat returns to their old ways out of habit. It is really important that if your cat does have an accident, that you clean the area extremely thoroughly to get rid of any smells that may remain, as it maybe a case of your pet marking their territory rather than just not wanting to use the box. This will often happen if you have more than one cat in your household or if you are bringing a new pet into the home.
When you do find the reason why your cat is having accidents you can usually find a solution. However, it may take a lot time and patience, but this is much better that getting rid of your much loved pet.
I am a mother or two grown up children. I enjoy writing articles about various topics which include my pets, my hobbies which include scrapbooking. I am a member of the six figure mentors. If you would like more information please visit my website.
http://www.whoisdianesmith-harris.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Smith-Harris
