What to do if your cat has stopped using the litter box: reasons and solutions

20.06.2023 14:01

For a while, pets may not have problems with visiting the toilet, but one day, puddles made by the cat interfere with the usual course of events.

Moreover, they can appear in the most unpredictable places. From the classic puddle on the carpet to the more original ones – in the owner’s bed.

Let's figure out what could have happened and how to solve the problem.

Reasons

1. The reasons should be sought in the cat's health. These are probably the consequences of a disease, the symptoms of which are not discernible with the naked eye.

This may be a consequence of physical trauma - a blow to the abdominal cavity or cystitis, kidney stones (more common in cats).

Cat
Photo: © Belnovosti

A disorder in the functioning of the nervous system and other diseases may also develop, which can only be determined by a specialist during an examination.

This is where you need to get ready for an appointment with the vet.

2. Perhaps the cat has stopped using the litter box because it is not happy with its condition. First of all, the smells.

Perhaps he didn’t like the filler, other debris and dirt that ended up in the tray or nearby.

If the product is new, your pet may not like the smell of plastic.

3. If the cat lives a full life, then such a problem may be related to the psyche.

For example, while searching for a partner, a cat may begin to mark its territory, so actively that the owners eventually decide to castrate the cat.

4. And the last thing that can be the cause is protest or severe stress.

An animal may start protesting after a child or a new pet appears in the house, a change of residence occurs, and so on.

These problems can be solved with the help of a veterinarian.

Igor Zur Author: Igor Zur Internet resource editor