Browse Instructions
How To Get Your Cat to Use the Litterbox
Posted By: Stacyh;
Category: Pets;
November 20, 2008
Author StacyH;
The how and why of cats and litterboxes.
1
Use a shallow pan that the cat can stand in and turn around. If you have a large cat, you may need a larger box. Higher sides are good for larger cats, but make sure the box won't tip if the cat steps on the top edge while getting in.
2
Use a litter that suits you best. Many control for odor or clump and can be scooped, but sometimes the old-fashioned small gravel type is best because it tracks less. You will need a liner if you want to tie it up and toss it. Hard clumping litter will not always require a liner. You can just scoop and flush if it is labeled as flushable.
3
Cats naturally want to dig and cover their waste. If confined to a relatively small area or room with a clean litter box, the cat will use it. Once the cat uses the litter box a few times, they can usually be allowed more freedom because they tend to return to the same area.
4
Don't move the litter box to a new location without retraining the cat to use it there. It is best to pick a place for the cat's "bathroom" and leave it there.
5
Keep the litter box as clean as you can. A too full and smelly litter box will often cause a fastidious cat to look for an alternate "bathroom".
6
A cat under stress will sometimes "go" outside the litter box. If the cat stops using a litter box it has always used, consider stressors or changes in the cat's environment. It may also be sick and a visit to the Vet may be necessary.
7
Take good care of your kitty and make sure kitty has access to fresh water to keep its urinary tract healthy.
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