Litter Box Problems
The following is excerpted from The Total Cat, which contains a whole chapter on Litter Box Problems.
Litter Box Problems… http://thecattherapist.com/
You just don’t get it! Every cat you’ve ever had was fastidious in his litter box habits. But your present cat is problem. Sometimes he’ll use the box religiously and then suddenly he’ll start to leave puddles near the box, in the hallway, on the sofa, or sometimes on the bed.
How to React to a Litter Box “Incident”
Your cat has had an incident, and you’re miffed. Sure, you understand why and what you do. But what can you say so you’ll release your frustration and not provoke him to do it again? You realize he’s already upset and he’ll eventually recover. Help!
You can express your feelings by saying, “Oh no, you did it again!” You can even scream into a pillow. But it’s important that he know you’re on his side. So tell him he’s getting better and that you’re both doing your best. These words of encouragement will convey that you’re there for him. You don’t want to increase his anxiety level. True, he won’t understand your words, but he’ll sense you’re a friend and not a foe.
Yes, you’re rightfully confused and frustrated. But your cat shares your discomfort. His behavior is so bizarre in order to alert you to his physical and/or emotional dilemma. It’s a formal protest. By avoiding the litter box, his message is conveyed in no uncertain terms
Your cat may be reacting to any of the following problems:
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Untidy litter box
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Type of box
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Litter aversion-You had a coupon that made it a real bargain. Don’t ignore his rejection. It’s his preference that counts.
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Need for privacy
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Toilet conflict-You almost had your cat trained to share your toilet, but he may not want to use it. Don’t be stubborn, or his stress could activate a bladder problem.
Misconceptions About Litter Box Problems
Fiction: My cat does this out of spite. He knows where his box is, yet doesn’t use it to make me angry.
Fact: Your cat’s incidents are an SOS. He purposely avoids the box to signal his distress, which may be medical, emotional, or a combination of the two.
Fiction: He’ll never get better.
Fact: With the correct regimen, and your understanding and patience, your cat can recover.
Fiction: If he recovers and has an “incident,” it’s back to square one.
Fact: No, a setback is not the end of recovery because he’s been made stronger and will bounce back faster. Also, you know what to do to give him the help he needs.
Fiction: Incidents will come out of nowhere.
Fact: You’ll be able to anticipate his vulnerable times. A change in environment, your personal life, or your work schedule or travel are common anxiety catalysts. Anticipate your cat’s potential angst and give him the props you’ve used before to maintain his physical and emotional health. You might even want to schedule a therapy session for stress reduction.
Fiction: A new home would solve his problem.
Fact: A new home might help if his deviant behavior was the result of a tense relationship with a particular companion or person, or if he needed more attention, which the new home could provide. But if his problem remains unresolved, his misbehavior will probably surface whenever he feels threatened or vulnerable. So it would be best to at least start him on the road to recovery before you find him a new home.
Physical Problems Can Lead To Poor Litter Box Behavior
There is a long list of physical and medical problems in The Total Cat that could cause your cat to avoid the litter box. Have your veterinarian check your cat over for physical and medical issues, as such problems often have a physical or medical basis.
Anxiety and Litter Box Problems
Your cat checks out A-OK medically, but he is still having litter box problems.
It’s been a difficult year for the two of you. You started a new job a few months ago, moved to your present apartment last year, separated from your beau of five years, lost your dog to cancer, adopted a puppy whom your cat hated and who now lives with your former beau, and lost your mother. From what you’ve read, this spells out super separation anxiety and culture shock. The bottom line is that you must have a practical program to correct your cat’s behavior. You don’t want to continue to resent him because you love him too much.
Auxiliary Support: A Last-ditch Way to Relieve Anxiety
A tranquilizer, antipsychotic drugs, Chinese herbs, Bach flower remedies (or other homeopathic remedies) and/or acupuncture may be used to relieve your cat’s angst. But it’s the program of reconstructive therapy that will give him the ability to release the fear he feels and to incorporate new coping mechanisms so he can live a healthier and happier
