Generally speaking, cats are very good about taking themselves to the bathroom. But about one in every ten cats will develop a litter box-aversion at some point or another. If your cat is avoiding her litter box, something is wrong! Your Bourne, MA veterinarian tells you more below:
The Box’s Cleanliness
You wouldn’t want to use a dirty bathroom, would you? Neither does your feline friend. If your cat’s box isn’t clean enough, she may decide to avoid it entirely. So make sure to scoop out your pet’s bathroom box daily, and change the litter out entirely about once a week or so. This will ensure that the box stays as fresh as possible, enticing your cat to use it.
The Box’s Placement
Did you know that where your cat’s box is located is very important? Our cats can be very picky about where their bathroom gets placed. Generally speaking, you’ll want to put the box far away from food and water dishes; cats have been known to stop eating and drinking, or shun their litter box, if these two areas are right next to each other. And put Fluffy’s bathroom in a quiet, out-of-the-way spot where she can use it in peace. If a cat is disturbed while using her bathroom by a human or another pet in the house, she might be hesitant to go back to it at all.
The Litter Type
Certain cats like certain types of litters. You may have to do a bit of experimentation to see what kind of litter your cat prefers. There are all sorts to choose from—clumping and non-clumping, dust-free litters, scented versions… the list goes on and on. But finding your cat’s preferred litter type is important for making sure that they like their bathroom.
A Medical Issue
If you still can’t seem to find out why your cat is avoiding her litter box, it’s time to make an appointment at your vet’s office. That’s because a medical problem could be the root cause of your cat’s bathroom habits. Many health issues, from urinary tract infections to physical injuries, could cause a cat to eliminate outside of her litter box. So, it’s best to get your veterinarians’ opinion to make sure your cat is in full health.
Ready to make your feline friend’s appointment? Call your Bourne, MA pet clinic today. We’re here for you and your pet!
