What Every Cat Owner Should Know About the Prevention of Litter Box Problems

Have your cat spayed or neutered at six months of age. Sexually mature and intact felines frequently use urine and feces to mark their territory. Neutering will correct elimination problems in ninety percent of these cats.

The rule to go by (generally) is for the number of cats in your home, have that many litter boxes plus an additional one. Extra litter boxes are necessary because some cats like to defecate in one and urinate in another. Some cats may not use a litter box that has been used by another cat. Different areas for the litter boxes can prevent location avoidance issues. Loud dryers can be a location avoidance issue for cats. The same can be said regarding washing machines and dish washers.

Clean the litter boxes DAILY. The single most common reason for a feline's refusal to use a litter box is because the box is dirty. When you use public restrooms, do you not look in the stalls first and then make your decision whether to use that one or go on to the next one? Non- clumping litter should be scooped daily and the litter box emptied and washed (bleach is recommended) once a week. Clumping litter should also be scooped daily and the litter box washed weekly as well. The cheaper clumping litters that easily break up should be scooped as frequently as the non- clumping litters (Bacteria left in the litter box will have an odor the cat can detect, even if you cannot.)

Chose a litter that appeals to the cat. (Yes, you read that right!) Most cats prefer the texture of the sand- like scooping litters. Be sure to choose a brand that clumps into a firm ball hence, the scooping is easier and cleaner.

As a health precaution regarding kittens that might be prone to ingest litter (yes, some do), use a non- clumping litter until the kitten is four months old.

Never use scented litter. Perfumed, chemical scents repel cats. (Especially citrus aromas.) When you wash the litter box, use hot water and a mild dishwashing soap (or bleach as was previously mentioned).