Solving Your Cat’s Problematic Litter Box Issues: Is It Health or Behavior Related?
From kittens to seniors, litter box accidents can happen at any life stage. You may notice accidents around the box, or in a completely different room. Perhaps your cat is suddenly acting strangely when they were fine before. Litter box issues can signal that something isn’t right with your feline friend. Here are some ways to spot potential issues, what they may mean, and how to solve them.
Signs of Litter Box Problems
One of the easiest to spot signs of litter box problems is an increase in accidents near or around your cat’s litter box. There may be stool next to the box but not in it, or you may catch your cat squatting and urinating on your rugs, carpet, or bedding instead. Other signs can include frequent trips to the litter box, straining at the box without success, or an increase in vocalization or pain symptoms in your cat. You may also notice issues such as a change in thirst or appetite.
Could It Be Health Related?
Litter box habits can certainly be related to health issues. Bladder infections are the most common cause of a change in habit and can include bacteria or crystals in the urine. Your cat may go frequently, have accidents, or dribble urine. In more serious cases such as urinary blockages, your cat may strain to go without results, show signs of pain, and become very vocal. If you suspect a blockage, this is a medical emergency that should be seen immediately.
Nerve and muscle problems such as arthritis, injury, or illness can also affect bowel and urinary habits. Older cats, those with GI upset or constipation, or cats that are ill may have accidents or be unable to get into the box in time.
Chronic conditions such as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or Interstitial Cystitis can also mimic a bladder infection, leading to accidents in the house. While there is no actual infection present, stress and lifestyle changes can be triggers for the condition. In addition, food allergies may also lead to a flare of these illnesses.
Could It Be Behavior Related?
Litter box problems can also be behaviorally related. Stress from another cat in the household, sharing of a single litter box, spay/neuter status, and more can all cause behavioral changes. Your cat may spray surfaces with urine to mark his territory, be too stressed to use the box, or could be getting bullied or pushed out of the box by another cat, making them reluctant to use it.
How to Fix Litter Box Issues
Treat Any Health Issues
The first step is always to bring your cat to the vet for a complete exam. Treating any issues can help get your cat feeling better. Most cats will improve with medications to treat the underlying cause as well as changes in the diet to prevent the recurrence of infection and crystal formation. Your vet may also recommend changing your cat’s litter box height or location. This can make it easier for older or arthritic cats to get in and out. In serious situations, such as blockage, your vet may need to perform surgery to remove it.
Address Behavioral Issues
If your cat is healthy, looking toward behavioral issues is next. Placing pheromone diffusers to decrease household stress or territorial disputes can help. Spaying or neutering your cat may also help with territorial behaviors and urine spraying. With any accident, a good enzymatic cleaner is useful for removing leftover urine and stool particles and odor and can discourage your cat’s desire to go there again.
Make sure you have at least one litter box for each cat in the household to prevent fighting over locations. In single-cat households, having two or more boxes can also give you cat extra choices. By placing them in places your cat is having accidents, it may encourage use instead. Daily cleaning is also important as some cats are picky about how clean the litter is. In addition, changing to a new substrate such as from clay litter to crystals or paper may encourage your cat to use the box again.
If these don’t resolve the issue, talking to your vet or an animal behaviorist may help you find the underlying problem. An animal behaviorist can help look for more serious problems such as litter box avoidance, extreme stress, and problems caused by other pets or people in the home.
Litter box issues don’t need to be an ongoing issue. With the proper attention to your cat, care, and treatment, you can help keep your household cleaner, and your cat happier.
