In this video, we will talk about 10 common mistakes cat owners make when it comes to litter boxes.
A covered Litter Box
A covered litter box is problematic for many cats. Though hoods do create privacy, they also create a dark and perhaps worrisome environment for your pet. Cats are fearful by nature and may feel vulnerable in a covered box.
In addition, hoods tend to trap odors that your cat might find objectionable.
Not Cleaning the Litter Box Regularly
Cats are very clean animals. They deserve a well-maintained bathroom just as much as you do. If you are not cleaning the litter box regularly, don’t expect your cat to use it.
Not using the right litter
The litter used in the box is a critical choice and many cats are quite particular about the type of litter they like.
Ideally, a litter without a strong scent is preferred. Cats are very sensitive to strong odors and scented litter may drive your cat away from the box altogether.
Many cat owners use clay litters. But Clay litters may produce silica dust, which can be kicked up and breathed in, causing respiratory problems in both you and your pet. Clay litter also often gets stuck to the cat’s paws and is then tracked around the house. It’s messy and there's also lots of toxins and chemicals in these litters.
Even worse, the clay litter is mined from the earth and is not environmentally friendly. Pine litter or wood pellets are better alternatives. These litters smell good, they are compostable, healthier, less messy, and they effectively control the odors.
Not having enough litter boxes
Many cats do not like to share a litter box. In a multi-cat household, make sure to provide enough litter boxes to satisfy the needs of all cats.
As the rule of thumb, it’s best to have at least 1.5 litter boxes per cat. So, if you have one cat, you need two litter boxes; two cats, three litter boxes - and so on. This is because cats see their litter box as more than just a bathroom. It’s their private place, and somewhere they can call all their own. They might also view it territorially.
When you have multiple cats and only one or two litter boxes, it’s possible that a dominant cat could decide that one box is his, and no one else is allowed to use it.
Placing the litter box in the wrong location
Cats like a bit of privacy when they’re doing their business. Place your cat’s box in a quiet location, away from anything noisy such as loud TVs or washing machines that could frighten your pet while in the box.
Another rule is to never place the litter box near the feeding station. If a cat's food is too close to a litter box, the smell of excrement may overpower the scent of their food, which could deter them from eating.
When it comes to location, it’s also important to look at what’s convenient and easy to access for the cat. A litter box in the basement may be unappealing because of the discomfort of going up and down stairs.
It’s not big enough
When it comes to litter boxes, size matters. A 2014 study found that cats tend to prefer big litter boxes to small ones.
Sides are too high
Most cats can easily get into and out of a litter box with semi-high sides. However, an older cat or a cat with mobility issues may have a hard time entering and exiting a box with sides that are too high.
Introducing new litter too quickly
Cats are creatures of habit. Any sudden change in their environment, like switching the litter over to a new brand, can cause them to stress out. If you need to change types or brands of your cat’s litter, do it gradually over the course of about five days by mixing the new kind into the current litter.
Using a litter box liner
Liners are made with people in mind, not cats. For many cats, feeling a goofy plastic bag while they’re scratching and burying their excrement can be uncomfortable and may make them avoid the litter box altogether.
Using too little litter in the box
Cats love to dig and bury their excrement when they do their business. You can keep your feline friends happy by making sure they have the right amount of litter in the box to bury their poop and cover their tracks.
Another common reason for a cat eliminating outside the litter box is stress.
Environmental changes, visitors, or even arguing in front of them are some possible anxiety triggers in cats.
Cats are creatures of habit. These types of life changes can make your cat stressed and stop them from using the litter box.
Urine-marking is another reason why your cat may eliminate out of its box.
Of course, cats may also eliminate out of litterbox due to underlying medical issues. A likely culprit is a urinary tract infection.
Why cats like to cover their waste
Burying waste is a natural feline instinct, and it's not just because cats are obsessed with cleanliness.
In the wild, weaker and smaller cats bury their excrement to hide their presence, eliminate odors and prevent attracting the attention of predators.
31 май 2024
