How to Get Your Cat to Use the Litter Box Again

There are many reasons that a previously hygienic cat will suddenly stop using the litter box. Stress, trauma, moving, and changes in lifestyle can cause a cat to avoid his litter box. My own cat stopped using the litter box after he developed a urinary tract infection and began associating the box with pain. While litter-training a cat is easy, it's much harder to get a cat to use the litter box again after he has begun avoiding it. Here are some tips for getting your cat to use the litter box again.

1. Talk to the vet. If your cat has a condition such as feline lower urinary tract disease, he may be avoiding the litter box for fear of pain. The vet can diagnose this and other potential problems. If stress is the primary issue-- caused by a new baby or a move, for example-- the vet may prescribe Valium to temporarily ease your pet's anxiety.

2. Have lots of litter boxes. I have three litter boxes but only one cat. As much as I don't appreciate the extra clutter in the house, the additional litter boxes have been very helpful for getting Ziggy to eliminate in an appropriate place. When he's feeling too nervous or shy to use one litte rbox, he goes to the other.

3. Follow your cat's suggestions for litter box location. Is there one spot in the house where your cat has decided to relieve himself? Whether you like it or not, that's where the litter box will need to be. If his favorite pee-spot has been covered up with a litter box, he'll likely resort to peeing in the box.

4. Provide different types of litter. As irritating as it is to buy several kinds of cat litter for His Royal Highness's multiple litter boxes, this is also important. Your cat may dislike the texture or smell of one kind of litter, or may change his mind frequently about his preferences. Try litters with grainy, pellet-like, and soil-like textures. You may not normally be a scoop-every-day kind of pet owner, but it's important to keep all of his litter boxes exceptionally clean at all times to get him to use the litter box again.

5. Keep your house clean. If your house has gotten dirty or cluttered recently-- or if you're just not in the habit of keeping your house ready to go on the cover of a magazine-- it might be contributing to your cat's litter box avoidance. Cats become anxious in cluttered homes and view them as an invitation to pee and poop in inappropriate places. To get your cat using the litter box again consistently, make sure you've got your own sense of hygiene in order.

One of the biggest challenges a pet owner can face is the predicament of a cat who stops using the litter box. However, this obstacle can be surmounted with diligent attention and a steadfast resolution to solve the problem. A cat who begins avoiding the litter box doesn't need to be abandoned, surrendered, or given up on. With a little TLC, he can go back to being the wonderful pet you know and love.