Litterbox Issues!! Why is my cat doing this? How can I make it stop?

There are many reasons why a cat suddenly stops using his/her litterbox.  The first step towards finding the solution should always be a complete physical exam by your veterinarian.  The exam may include a urinalysis and/or bloodwork to rule out any physical cause for the inappropriate urination.  If the problem is determined to be behavioral, the veterinary team can start working with you, the pet owner, to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.  Although this type of problem can be extremely frustrating, a majority of the time it just takes some simple changes in the litter, the box location, or the box cleanliness.  To help decide if this is true in your cat's case, please take time to ask yourself these simple questions:

✓Is the litterbox located in a quiet, private area away from food and bedding?
✓Is the same type of litter being used consistently?  (Don't coupon shop)
✓Is the litterbox too clean?  Cats hate the smell of soap and pine scented products.
✓Is the litterbox too dirty?  Scoop daily and change gravel litter once weekly
✓Does your cat like the litter you've provided?  Most cats prefer clump able litter or sand because of its small particle size.  Litter must also not be too dusty or heavily scented.
✓How much litter is in the pan?  Most cats prefer about 2 inches, HOWEVER, some older cats with arthritic hips might like the box filled at a slant to provide better footing.
✓Is the number of litterboxes equal to or greater than the number of cats in the house.
✓Does the litterbox have a cover or high sides?  Not all cats appreciate these features.
✓NEVER punish a cat in, on, or around the litterbox!!  The cat will begin to associate the negative experience with the litterbox.
✓Are the accident areas  around the house being cleaned effectively?  The smell of urine will keep a cat going back to the same spot.  Proper cleaning and treatment of areas are important.  Natures Miracle is a product readily available for effective urine clean up.
✓Has the stress in your cat's life recently been increased?  New people in the house, new pets, and other changes in routine can be very stressful to a cat.

In some cases, confinement can be used to retrain your cat to use the litterbox.  A small room or or
large kennel can be used to house your cat, food, toys and the litterbox.  This technique will help to
retrain the cat to use the litterbox because they will avoid soiling areas they sleep on.  After the cat
is consistently using their litterbox, they can gradually be reintroduced to the house.