Cats are often surrendered for litterbox issues, which are resolvable .
Litterbox issues can be caused by :-
-The wrong litter. You may like perfumed litter or litterbox liners, but your cat probably doesn't . Granulated litter is painful for grown cats to stand on. The best litter is usually sand like .
-The wrong box. Often cats don't like covered boxes because they can be trapped in the box if another cat approaches ,and the smell can be trapped too . Never buy a self cleaning box - they can frighten injure and kill cats. Plus the litter box contents gives you valuable information about the health of your cat.
-The wrong place . Your cat won't like a box in a busy location, or next to the washing machine when it 's going, or if it' s an obstacle course to get to it .
-Not enough boxes. The rule is one box per cat plus one , in various places so one cat can't guard all the boxes .
-Multi cat conflict . One cat may be going outside the box because another cat is guarding the box , or to claim territory.
-Health issues . Your cat may not be making it to the box in time, or associates the box with pain eg because it has a UTI.
-Trauma . If something unpleasant happens when the cat is in or near the box , eg dog bothers it , a sudden noise , or a cat outside threatening it , it wont want to use it .
-Too far away . Kittens or elderly cats may not make it to a box if they have to go a long way to get it to it eg downstairs .
-Box is too small . Provide a big box that your cat can use comfortably.
-Dirty box. If you don't scoop the box daily and clean it thoroughly regularly , your cat will not enjoy using it .
-Box is too close to food and water .
-Feliway plugins ( petshop ,vet or internet ) where the cat is going in an inappropriate place , will often stop the cat toileting there.
-Peeing on your bed . This may be an attempt to claim territory from another cat, or to seek comfort from your scent . Identify and address the cause , and close the bedrooom door until it's resolved . Provide the cats with multiple comfy beds in various places in the meantime .
NEVER punish your cat for toileting in the wrong place . You will only teach it to fear you and pee there when you aren't around . Find the cause of the litterbox problems and address them .
Teach your kitten/cat to use the box if needed by placing kitten in the box after play session, a sleep, or a meal ,or every few hours. Reward your cat with a treat after it uses the box as often as possible .
Clean the area where the cat has toileted with an enzyme based cleaner ( biozet laundry powder in tepid or cold water is your cheapest option ) as if you don't use enzymes that will break down the chemicals the smell will attract it back . Even if you do remove the smell effectively , using the area repeatedly will form the habit in the cat of going there.
As a last resort confine your cat in a room , or a kitten pen if absolutely necessary (an indoor pen with a roof ) so it has no alternative to using the box . When your cat is using the box reliably after a few weeks to a few months , gradually allow it more freedom.
