In this video, we’ll talk about how to get a cat to use the litter box. We’ll discuss the things you need to do to get your cat to use the litter box, and we’ll also discuss the reasons why they may not want to. Thanks for watching! Debra 🙂
To read the article discussed in the video, click here: http://peoplelovinganimals.com/how-to-get-your-cat-to-use-the-litter-box-stop-your-cat-from-peeing-everywhere
To purchase the items mentioned in the video:
Self-Cleaning Litter Box: https://amzn.to/2LQXpsH
Arm & Hammer Litter: https://amzn.to/2yqsue6
House Plant Litter Box: https://amzn.to/313QsI7
Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator: https://amzn.to/3141KvX
For more help with cat training issues: https://PeopleLovingAnimals.com/CatTrainingGuide
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I just watched the video about cats not using the litter box. We have 2 cats, Belle and Leo. When Belle was adopted as a kitten, Simon, our male cat, was still with us. Belle immediately went to the litter box to do her business. Simon passed and we adopted Leo as a kitten. Both cats used the same litter box and never had a problem. Belle had several medical issues, skin allergies (or so we thought) and her anal ducts would clog. The vet would clean them and several months later we would have to take back to the vet because she was dragging herself. The vet recommended removing the ducts so we did the surgery. Since that time, she has stopped using the litter box to poop and she still drags herself. Normally she will do her business near the box but for several months her territory has extended into the kitchen, hallway, and on the bathroom rugs. We have tried everything from using more litter boxes, changing litter, using ear drops and some type of plug-in scent that was supposed to calm her. Other than this issue, she is a wonderful, loving animal. Please don’t tell me to contact Jackson Galaxy…all I got from them is their canned response about cat urinating in places other than the box. They clearly didn’t read my question. Any advice?
I’m so sorry about this, Diane. I may be completely wrong, but my first thought when I read your comment was to suggest you find a new vet. Your vet obviously did not solve this – getting another opinion may be worthwhile.
My second thought was that the cat is clearly still uncomfortable physically. Again, I could be wrong. I know cats will conclude the problem is the litter box if they’re having pain or discomfort while peeing or pooping in the litterbox, then they’ll try multiple other places trying to find somewhere to pee or poop that isn’t uncomfortable.
The fact that she’s still dragging herself and is trying out several spots to poop makes me believe she is still having a physical problem of some sort. I’m sorry I can’t offer any more ideas except to take her to another vet for a second opinion. Maybe go to a local animal hospital rather than just a local one-doctor veterinarian office. The animal hospitals may be more capable of handling this.
Please keep me posted. I know you won’t give up on this little sweetie. Try hard to be patient until you can get it solved. I’m sure she’s suffering far more than you with this problem and she’ll likely be unbelievably relieved and grateful when you find the solution. I’ve just said a prayer for you and your cat. Debra
Debra – thank you for your reply. Some additional info – Belle was born in 2014. The anal duct surgery was in 2016. She started using the floor just after the surgery. We took her back to the vet who ran tests, suggested the different boxes and litter, gave us the ear cream and the plug-ins. Nothing worked. We’ve taken her to other vets, even specialists, who did find that she had mites instead of food allergies (yes, we had those tests run as well) so she’s had Sulphur lime dips (YUCK). I’ve watched her when she goes on the floor, she will turn and smell, then begin to “cover”. The last time we took her to a vet, they did blood work, x-rays, etc. and couldn’t find anything wrong. We love her and are resigned to clean up her ‘gifts’ every day.
Diane, this cat is so very blessed to have you. I wish every animal in the world could be loved as much.
Maybe you’ll just have to continue on and try out different ideas as you think of them. My ideas might be to find a way to make the space around the litter box more inviting – maybe put down puppy pads, for example. Would be easier for you if you could at least get her to stick to one area of the house. I also wonder if you could have a second litter box in that area where you try out different things, perhaps you’ll get lucky and she’ll decide she’ll poop there! Here are two articles I found with some things you could try:
https://www.hepper.com/what-can-i-use-instead-of-cat-litter/
https://excitedcats.com/cat-litter-alternatives/
If her health checks out ok, maybe it’s just a matter of getting her mindset to switch – to “undecide” that the litter box won’t work to poop in LOL. Sometimes a girl’s just gotta have options, right? I’m just kidding. But it’s what I’d do, try to give her different things to try hoping she’ll be happy with something eventually. Sounds like she wants to cover it up – even shredded paper on a puppy pad might satisfy her.
Sounds like she’s had a lot of difficulties in her little kitty life. Maybe just love her and provide safety, comfort and security for her, and maybe she’ll eventually at least settle on an area to do her business that’s ok for you and her.
Please feel free to keep me posted! And give your girl a hug and kiss from me.
Debra