Litter Box Training
Most Frequently Asked Questions
The single biggest cause of cat owner neurosis is - The Litter Box! Here are the most frequently asked litter box questions and the answers.
Why does my cat urinate in his litter box but sometimes defecate in my bathtub?
Cats urinate more frequently than they defecate so it is likely that after your cat has urinated, the litter box is now too dirty and repulsive to use again. He goes in the tub because it’s always clean there. Every time your cat soils the tub, you most likely clean it immediately, whereas the litter box may go an entire day before you get around to changing the litter. Given the choice of using a clean tub or dirty litter box, your fastidious cat will naturally use the cleaner area. If you are unable to change the litter box more frequently, get another litter box so at least one of them will be clean enough for him to use. He may continue to soil in the tub out of habit so either place another litter box in the tub, or discourage him from using it altogether by filling the tub with about 1/2 inch of water.
My cat prefers to use a back room closet for his litter box. Why won’t he use the litter box I have for him in the kitchen?
Cats like privacy to do their business. Kitchens are usually too busy a place for cats to feel privacy. Cats also don’t like to eliminate in their dining area. Even if you don’t feed your cat in your kitchen, he probably feels uncomfortable soiling in your dining area. I would take the path of least resistance and place his litter box in the back room closet. If that is not acceptable, then I would use a covered litter box near the closet he prefers.
Why is my cat spraying urine on me?
Urine spraying and marking are social, sexual and territorial behaviors. It’s also how cats express extreme emotions such as frustration. Your cat is trying to tell you sometime. Take a good look at what is going on in your home. First, is he neutered? Have there been any social changes, like a roommate moving in or out? Is there a new cat or dog in the neighborhood that he perceives as a rival or threat? Is he being mistreated in any way? Is he healthy? Are you neglecting him? Has your schedule and therefore his routine changed drastically? Are you “seeing another cat” outside your home and bringing back its scent on your clothing? All these things can cause a cat to spray or urine mark. Many people don’t realize it, but both male and female cats can urine mark.
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