Feline behavior makes cats independent pets with a genuine character, which can sometimes mean that owners do not easily understand certain behaviors or interpret them wrongly.
One of the most common feline behavior problems is not using the litter box to defecate, which is often interpreted by owners as vindictive behavior on the part of the cat (for example, when it has passed a lot of time alone), but this is wrong, since this attitude is not typical of a feline and, furthermore, they do not have an unpleasant conception of their physiological waste.
When we ask ourselves why the cat does not use the litter box we must analyze the different possible causes, which range from a hygiene problem to a pathological disorder.
Cleaning the sandbox
If there is something that characterizes cats it is their continuous need for hygiene, hence they can spend several hours a day grooming themselves, for Therefore, we must understand that a hygienic environment is one of the needs that our cat demands as a priority.
If our cat defecates outside the box, we must supervise the hygiene of the litter box, being necessary to clean it twice a day and remove all the sand once a week, also proceeding weekly to a more exhaustive cleaning of the box, with soap and water
We must not confuse these basic hygienic measures with the use of scented litter, since in this case, this may be the reason that our cat does not use the litter box, since it may feel uncomfortable with certain types of odors caused by chemical additives.
The location of the sandbox
If the cat does not use the litter box another possible cause may be its location, it is true that as owners we do not want to have the our cat's litter box in a central place in the house, something that our pet does not need at all, but we should not move the litter box too far away, since this would not be attractive to the cat.
We must find an Intimate and quiet place to place our cat's litter box, but not too far from the most busy households, obviously, we should not place the litter box in front of the wall, but it is much more recommended that our cat can have visual contact with all the available space in the room.
When placing the litter box we must also avoid those spaces where there may be drafts of cold air, since if this is the case our cat will not feel comfortable and will not use this space.
A possible pathology
If we wonder why our cat does not use the litter box, one of the causes that we must rule out as a priority isthe disease Some pathological disorders can cause kidney malfunction or kidney inflammation, which causes pain to the cat, which associates the litter box with physical discomfort and therefore prevents its use. This problem is relatively easy to identify since we will see that our pet moans and complains while he relieves himself
Display of anger
Indeed, cats sometimes express their discomfort and anger by urinating in places in the house that are not suitable. It can happen if you spend many hours alone, after a move, the adoption of a second cat or a traumatic experience. Find out on our site why your cat urinates everywhere.
Lack of learning
Has your cat never learned to use the litter box? Whether it is a puppy or an adult, don't worry, even if it takes longer, it is always possible to educate your feline and teach him to use the litter box Of course, you must be very patient throughout the process, follow the guidelines correctly and make use of positive reinforcement so that he learns faster and understands you.
Marking
It is important to learn to differentiate urine from marking This type of behavior problem is more frequent in cats that are not sterilized and that they live with other felines or circulate near what he considers his territory. These are small drops on furniture, walls and floor. Find out what to do if a cat marks territory.
Tips for a good use of the sandbox
Here are some tips that will allow your cat to use its litter box properly. If you follow these simple guidelines you can get your cat to use the litter box without major difficulties:
- Before considering that it is a behavior problem, go to your veterinarian to rule out any he alth problem. You can also go to a veterinarian specialized in ethology (science that studies animal behavior) as it will help you better assess if it is a behavioral problem.
- Your cat should have a litter box that occupies approximately 1.5 times its size.
- The sand should be approximately 4 centimeters high in the drawer.
- The cat can relieve itself outside the litter box due to territorial behavior, so if you have more than one cat it is recommended that each one has its own litter box.
- Carry out a frequent and constant cleaning of the litter box.
- Do not clean the urine from outside the litter box with bleach or ammonia, opt for enzymatic products, such as "Sanytol", which eliminate 100% traces of urine.
