Litter Box Issues What can you do when your cat refuses to use the litter box? Well, there are several things you might try.
Speaking of Pets June 7, 2008
by Mindy Norton
June is Adopt-a-Cat Month, because more cats and kittens are surrendered to animal shelters during this month than at any other time of the year.
People have a lot of reasons for giving up their feline pets.
Top of the list is too many cats in the house. Family members who have allergies is another common reason for surrendering cats to shelters.
Also on the list – litter box problems – for some reason a cat either stops using the litter box or has refused ever to use it.
The good news about litter box problems is that most often they can be solved with a little effort.
There are several factors to consider – the style of litter box, the size, the location, and the type of cat litter you use.
You may have to experiment with each factor to see what works best for your pet.
Some cats are fine with a small, flat box, while others prefer one with a cover that offers some privacy. A covered box, or one that has high sides, is a good choice for cats that tend to spray. Make sure the litter box is large enough for the cat to stand in and turn around.
Where you place the box is important. Putting it in a high-traffic area is probably not a good idea. Find a relatively quiet place, where the cat will feel comfortable and safe when it is relieving itself.
The most traditional type of filler is clay litter. You can find it with added ingredients to help reduce odor. You can even find clumping litter that forms solid clumps when it gets wet.
I'm not a fan of clumping litter, because it can wreak havoc with a cat's intestinal system if the cat ingests it. It can be fatal for kittens.
If you don't want to use clay, you can find litter made from all sorts of alternative materials, including wheat and pine.
What matters most is whether your cat will use it.
One of the reasons cats now outnumber dogs in American homes is the ease of care, and the litter box has a lot to do with that.
So consider adopting a feline friend during Adopt-a-Cat Month. You may find it's the "purr"-fect companion for you, when you're speaking of pets.
Speaking of Pets with host Mindy Norton (pets@apr.org) is for people who care about pets and about humane treatment for animals in general, and who want to celebrate that special relationship between us and our animal companions. Find out more about Speaking of Pets at Alabama Public Radio.
