Sharing is caring!

What’s your Reaction?
+1
7
+1
0
+1
0
+1
1
+1
2
+1
0
+1
0

Cats are pretty smart little animals. Most train easily on how to use the litter box during the time that they are kittens. Having a litter box is just part of the territory when it comes to having a cat. But the little box that we’ve been trained to refresh for our feline friend can actually serve us with necessary insight to their health, and sometimes it can even explain those questionable behaviors that arise. If you’ve seen changes to your cat’s litter box routine lately, then this article is purrfect for you. Here is our list of 6 reasons why cats go outside of the litter box…

Changes in Their Routine Could Equal Changes In All Their Personal Routines

Have you recently moved or has something else drastic occurred in your cat’s life? Perhaps instead of moving, someone new has moved in or a beloved person in their life has moved out. Either way, this change in your cat’s daily life can directly affect their litter box routine. If this is the case for your confused kitty, be patient with them and grant them time to make the adjustment. Cats thrive when they remain on a set schedule and routine, so be mindful of this and give them proper time to adjust–on their terms.

Changes in Consistency Could Equal “Accidents” For Your Poor Kitty

If your cat has an upset stomach, perhaps having eaten something that they shouldn’t have or a change in their diet, this can lead to gastrointestinal issues–such as diarrhea. Your cat may resort to going outside of the litter box in the event that this happens simply because they couldn’t make it their in adequate time. Be careful to watch their behavior and monitor them closely for any other drastic changes in their health. For a cat with diarrhea, it’s important that you provide them with fresh water to drink to prevent dehydration. Should your cat’s diarrhea be mild and not combined with other symptoms, home treatment should suffice until their loose stools subside.

If any of the following signs or symptoms occur, it’s necessary to seek veterinary attention ASAP:

  • Your cat is very young, very old, or has an underlying health problem that could make him vulnerable to the effects of dehydration.
  • Your cat is vomiting, lethargic, depressed, in pain, or has any other worrisome symptoms.
  • The diarrhea is profuse, watery, explosive, or very frequent.
  • The diarrhea contains blood or is dark and tarry.

Image: Laura LaRose via Flickr

What Changed, Human?!

Cats like to stay on their routine. We may like to break out and try new things, but your cat is not that way. Changes must be gradual to appease your feline friend and not send them over the edge. If you’ve recently changed your cat’s litter on them–don’t be too surprised if they show you their disapproval by way of leaving their surprises for you outside of the litter box. Even though we humans are bothered by the strong smell of cat urine, your cat actually doesn’t notice it the way that you do. And not only this, but strongly scented chemicals that work to block odor can bother your cat’s highly sensitive sense of smell.

Along with scent, some cats are rather particular about the consistency of their litter. If you’ve switched that on them, they may show you their disdain by refusing to do their business in it. Slow and gradual changes, whether it’s litter or food, are vital to your cat’s well-being. Keep this in mind if considering a switch from their preferred brand.

A Sign of Disease or Infection

Sadly, this is one that no cat mom or dad wants to think about. If your cat is avoiding their litter box, what is causing them pain may be the explanation for this behavior. Rather than use the litter box, which they’ve come to associate with their pain, they could resort to a potted plant, the carpet, a bathtub, or an area near the litter box but not the actual litter box itself. You may also notice that your cat will cry out when they are near the litter box, or paw as if they are scratching litter near the box but not in it. These eccentric behaviors are trying to tell you something, do not ignore them.

Cats are the masters of hiding their pain and often suffer in silence because of the resilient nature they possess. If your cat is choosing not to use the litter box, it could be a telltale sign of a urinary tract infection. Is your cat thirstier than usual and avoiding the litter box? This could be a sign of liver, kidney or thyroid conditions that not only cause pain but also increase their usual thirst for fresh water. Should either of these be the case and there have been no changes at home or with their litter brand, seek the help of their veterinarian as soon as possible.

 

Photo property of Cole and Marmalade ~ Cole and sister Jugg checking out their LitterRobot

Are You Gonna Clean That Thing?

Think about it like this, would you want to use a filthy restroom? Your cat will shown you their disdain for an unclean litter box by protesting–in the form of using the restroom in other areas of your home. Your cat should always have fresh litter and their kitty toilette needs to be cleaned and refreshed daily. It’s also important that you be sure the litter level is high enough, for all that is removed with each cleaning needs to be replaced. Once you establish this clean routine for them, you should see this issue resolve itself. 

Is Your Cat Approaching Their Golden Years? Then You May Need To Adjust Their Litter Box

You love your kitty until the end of their life, and that means that you need to accommodate them as they age gracefully. If your aging cat has to use stairs to access their litter box, this may not be an ideal situation for them once they’ve reached senior age. The less work the better is what is necessary for your kitty as they reach the sunset of their life. Another factor to consider is the style of their box. Although your cat isn’t crazy about trying new things, it’s important that they can access the box itself with an entry door that’s low and easy to step into.

Conclusion….

Unlike some humans, cats are by no means vengeful creatures. Their is undoubtedly a rhyme and a reason for this sudden change in their litter box behavior. It’s our job as the human that loves them the most to decode what this change could mean. And most importantly, to seek medical attention should it come be something serious troubling your cat.

 

 

 

What’s your Reaction?
+1
7
+1
0
+1
0
+1
1
+1
2
+1
0
+1
0

Sharing is caring!