Litter Box Problems: Prevention and Treatment 

Cats are very particular, especially when it comes to their litter box. Roughly 10% of all cats develop litter box problems in their lifetime. 
While some problems can be easily identified and fixed, others are more complex. Listed below are some common problems, and some simple solutions. ​

Medical Conditions:
Before trying some litter box solutions, it is important to rule out potential medical conditions. Here are some common illnesses to look for:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI). If your cat makes frequent trips to litter box but only produces small amounts of urine, your cat may have a UTI. 
• Feline interstitial cystitis. Feline interstitial cystitis is a neurological disease that causes bladder inflammation. It can also cause cats to urinate outside the litter box. 
• Bladder stones or blockage. If your cat has bladder stones or a blockage, they may frequently enter the litter box. They may also experience pain and cry when they try to use the litter box. Their abdomen may be sore and tender to the touch.
• Endocrine disease
• Declawing. If a cat was declawed, she will often stop using the litter box. The coarse texture of the litter is painful for their sensitive paws post-surgery.​ ​

If your cat exhibits any of the following symptoms, they may have a medical issue and it is absolutely necessary to take them to the vet!

• Straining to urinate
• Bloody or discolored urine
• Very hard stool OR mushy stool/diarrhea
• Crying/vocalizing while using the litterbox
• Frequent trip to the litterbox that end in little or no urine or stool
• Going a little bit at a time

Environmental Causes:

• An unclean litter box.
  • ​Solutions: 
    • ​Scoop litter at least once a day and change it weekly.
    • Thoroughly rinse out the box with baking soda or unscented soap once a week.
    • Try a self-cleaning box, which is typically cleaner than a traditional litter box.
    • Remove the litterbox cover if there is one. Covers trap and intensify odors.
• Not enough boxes for the number of cats in the household.
  • ​Solution: Provide one litter box for each of your cats, plus one extra. If you live in a multi-story residence, place a box on each floor.
• A litter box with tall sides or a hood/cover.
  • ​Solution: Covers and high sides block a cat's visual field, which can make her feel trapped and vulnerable. Remove the cover or replace the box with a more shallow one. 
• A poorly located litter box. 
  • Solutions: 
    • As with covers and high sides, a boxes placed against walls or in a corner block her visual field. Move the litter box to a lace where she can watch for anyone approaching and escape quickly.
    • If the litter box is in a noisy, high traffic area, move it to a quiet and dimly lit location. Place a few litter boxes in different locations, away from children or other animals.
    • If your cat is old or has limited mobility, make sure to use a box with low sides.
    • Litter boxes should not be near food or water bowls.
• Issues with the litter
  • Solutions:
    • Some cats don't like too much litter in the box. Two - three inches is ideal
    • She may dislike the type of litter, especially if you've changed brands recently. Use clumping, unscented litter, or try the litter your cat used as a kitten. 
    • Don't use litter box liners. Cats' claws can get stuck in them.
• Box size
  • Solution: Get a bigger box for a big cat, or a smaller box for a small kitty.
• Stress factors such as moving, adding new animals, or new family members to the household. 
  • Solutions:
    • ​Resolving your cat's emotional issue will resolve her litter box issue as well. In extreme cases, ask your vet about giving her Prozac, which can calm anxious cats.
    • Try confining your cat to a smaller area of your home with an floor that is easy to clean for several days. Have a litter box set up and remove any rugs or other fabrics from the floor. Expand your cat's access to more of the house gradually.

What Not to Do:

• Do not rub her nose in urine or feces.
• Do not scold her and carry or drag her to the litter box.
• Do not place the litter box near where pets eat or drink.
• Do not give her treats to tempt her to use the litter box. However, you can place toys and treats near the litter box.
• Use enzymatic cleanser (not an ammonia-based cleanser) to clean up accidents. Then, cover the area with foil or plastic wrap and block it off for a few weeks to give the neutralizer time to work.

References:

Edgar, Julie. “Cat Litter Box Problems: Prevention & Treatment.” WebMD, WebMD, pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/solving-cat-litter-box-problems#1.
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“Litter Box Problems.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/litter-box-problems.