Cats with BAD litter habbits
Understanding your cat

Generally people will place a cats litter box in an area that is convenient for them without consideration
of what is or is not convenient for their cat. A few things to consider:

• Is this cat or kitten able to easily go up and down stairs?
• Is the litter box in a location that the kitty can get to quickly and easily regardless of where they are in the house?
• Are there appliances such as a washer, dryer or a furnace that might scare the kitty if it where to turn on while kitty is using the box?
• Is the litter box sitting on cold cement? If so would you be comfortable if your bathroom floor where cold cement?

When choosing a location for kitties litter box choose a location that is quiet, private and easily accessible. You might want to also consider a rug under the box if the floor is cold where the box is located.In addition, it is recommended that you have one more litter box than cat. This will help to avoid any accidents while "standing in line" and if you have a very particular cat it will give them a second box to use should the first box be too messy or should the location of that box be "inconvenient" at any given time. We also recommend having at least one litter box on each level of your home.

Another thing to consider is the type of litter. When bringing home a new kitty it is always best to use what the kitty had been using prior to bringing them home(right down to the specific brand/scent). If you decide to switch you will want to make that switch as slowly as possible by mixing the new litter with the old litter gradually. As you are making this change any litter box problems will be a good indication that kitty does not like the new litter. Obviously if this happens you should discontinue the use of the new litter. Also try to keep in mind that different cats have different preferences when it comes to the feel of the litter. Not only the type but the amount of litter in the box. Some cats will like a very very small amount and some would prefer a box that is half full of litter. Be aware of your cats preferences. If you would like to try liners be sure that you have them tied down properly as to not snag on the cats nails while scratching. If you notice your kitty having any trouble it would be wise to get rid of the liner. For kittens, we currently use regular clay litter until kittens are roughly around six months old and after that they are switched to the clay scoopable litter along with the rest of our adults. Our kittens are not allowed use the scoopable as there is now much concern about cats and kittens becoming very ill from ingesting too much of this litter. To read the story of one breeders problems with clumping litter click here: http://www.sonic.net/marina/articles/clump.html

Since it is best to provide your cat with more than one litter box it is also a good idea to provide your cat with more than one type of litter box as well. Some will prefer an open box and some will prefer a hooded box. Just remember that which ever type you use to make sure that the box is roomy enough for the cat.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to litter boxes it to KEEP IT CLEAN. Don't blame your cat for eliminating on the floor if you are not keeping the box clean. Do you want to stand in your own waste to go to the bathroom? I think not. Daily cleaning or scooping of the litter box is recommended. In addition, a thorough cleaning should be done every week to two weeks but try not to use harsh chemicals or cleaners (particularly those with a strong smell) as some cleaners will be offensive to your cat as well.

Keep in mind that cats really aren't litter-trained in the same way one would house-train a dog. A cat will generally use the litter box out of instinct. You simply need to make sure that you have provided an acceptable and accessible litter box.

Should your cat start eliminating outside the litter box the first thing you should always do is take kitty (along with a stool sample) to the vet. for a check up. Many medical problems can cause a change in your cat's litter box habits.

If after a trip to your vet. your cat is found to be healthy, the cause may be behavioral. Most litterbox behavior problems can be resolved by taking the time to figure out what is causing the problem in the first place. Punishment is not the answer. Actually if you punish your cat and then place them in the litter box you might just be giving them one more reason to have a problem with that box. However, it is ok to place any solid waste in the box along with the kitty just as a reminder of where the waste should go. Should you have a long-standing problem we recommend confining kitty in a small area until he or she seems to be using the litter box with no problems. Gradually expand the kitties area until things are back to normal.

Below we have also listed a few other website with helpful information regarding litter box habits.

Understanding Your Cat's Territorial Nature and Behavior Cat and Kitten Training - Part One http://www.perfectpaws.com/help1.html

Litter Box FAQs Cat and Kitten Training - Part Four  http://www.perfectpaws.com/help4.html

Another Litter Box Problem http://www.perfectpaws.com/xmas.html

House Training and House Soiling Problems http://www.perfectpaws.com/litter.html

Cat Spraying or Territorial Scent Marking http://www.perfectpaws.com/spray.html