PAWSITIVE BEHAVIOR SOLUTIONS

LITTER BOXES

"A DEEP ISSUE"

Vets say the most frequent lament of cat owners is potty problems, namely inappropriate urination.

In the surprising number of cases, the cat is silently protesting the dirty kitty box.  Felines require immaculate boxes –the recipe is two boxes for one cat, three boxes for two cats and so forth.  That is not just scooped but washed and cleaned and refilled weekly.  If you fail to do the housekeeping and your cat still honors his boxes, consider yourself lucky but know your luck may not last forever.

Do not put litter boxes next to washing machines or dryers, the sound may scare them away.  I personally do not like covered litter boxes either.  They are more pleasant for us but the odor is much greater and the possiblity that your cat may not use it is greater too.

If your cat has started going outside the litter box here are a few things you can try.

Place a litter box in the area where your cat is soiling and see if they will use it. (Yes, even in the middle of the living room.  It won't be there forever, just until you see that they are consistantly using it.  Once you see that, start moving it to the side of the room then towards the door nearest the room you want to eventually take it.)

Change to at least two different "textures" of litter.  Sometimes declawed cats' feet can become sensitive and they will not use litters that hurt there feet.  A couple of litters are recommended on this page.

Try to avoid clay litters the dust is not good for your feline friend.
 
If your cat is spraying in a certain area try putting aluminum foil up there.  Sometimes the noise scares them and they will stop.

Always use baking soda and water to clean up any mess.  If you use a highly scented cleaner your cat may feel that they need to re-mark the spot.

Cats also insist on litter just so deep.  But how deep is that?  I came across a great suggestion to fill a fresh box with 3 inches of litter, then tilt the box to make the litter deep on one end and shallow on the other.  Rearrange it each time you scoop, then watch the cat for the votes.  Note the depth and follow suit.

If you have more than one cat fill some boxes more than others and watch for a trend.  You may have to keep boxes filled at different levels.

SUGGESTED LITTERS ARE:


FELINE PINE


YESTERDAYS NEWS

In just 4 visits I have had my “sacred-dy cat” show herself more to me as well as my new kitten to behave as a normal kitten instead of the traumatized orphaned kitten that she is. Thanks to Christina’s “T Touch” all 5 of our cats are less anxious. I am amazed at how quickly the cats have shown results. I have loved what I have learned on how to pet my cats with a therapeutic intention and how calming it is for me as well as one of the cats. I highly recommend Christina to help train your cat to feel less anxious, be happier or just bond with you in a more meaningful way.