Kitty Harbor Cat Care: Solving Litter Box Problems
Like 1 Dislike 0 Published on 30 Sep 2014
Delyn, owner of Kitty Harbor, a Seattle rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption facility, runs through nine reasons why your cat may not be using the litter box. This video is one episode in a series of educational cat care videos called "Kitty Harbor Cat Care".
Helpful Tips When Solving Your Cats Litter Box Issues
Neuter before 6 months. 90% of cats will not start
spraying if neutered before the behavior begins.
Examine your environment for stressors:
changes in diet, furniture, discord, toddlers
Declawed cats associate pain they feel in their paws
when trying to cover their waste in the litter box.
Feathers, down and leather can trigger
elimination issues due to their odor.
Cats will urinate over previous odors left by other
cats, much like dogs who will re-mark anothers spot.
Infection and blockage cause pain when urinating,
associating the box and avoiding it. Please see vet.
Your vet can screen for diabetes with a blood count, serum profile and urinalysis.
Litter box accessibility and cleanliness is vital.
1 box per 2 cats and 1 box per floor
The cat is not acting out, but asking for help.
Cats are not spiteful, angry, or mean; something has gone awry.
Teasing leads to insecurity, lack of confidence and rejection.
These stressors lead to urination issues.
9 Reasons for Litter Box Issues
1. Spay/Neuter
2. Declaw
3. Odors: Feathers, Down, Leather
4. Stress & Change
5. Infection
6. Diabetes
7. Litter Box Location & Cleanliness
8. Parasites
9. Teasing & Rejection