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Welcome to Tuesday’s Cats.com Newsletter. |
Cats can be picky about food but did you know they have preferences for litter boxes, too? If your cat’s litter box usage is inconsistent (or if they’ve suddenly stopped using it), you’ll want to read this mailer to the end. |
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Must Read On Cats.com: |
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Cats Have Potty Preferences, Too. |
I wouldn’t say my cats are particularly picky, so I’m always surprised when they outright refuse something. It’s usually a new cat food we’re testing, but sometimes it’s a litter box. |
It becomes obvious when a perfectly clean litter box remains unused while the ones on either side require daily scooping. In times like this, I find myself wondering whether it’s something about the litter inside or whether it’s the litter box itself. |
I haven’t really identified any specific characteristics that my cats like or dislike in a litter box. But some cats have strong preferences. The question, then, is this: How do you know if your cat hates their litter box or if there’s something else going on? |
Let’s talk about it. |
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Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box. |
Litter box avoidance is a common issue in cats. Just because it’s common, however, doesn’t mean it’s trivial. Your cat’s litter box activity (or lack thereof) provides key clues into your cat’s mental and physical health. |
Here are some reasons cats stop using the litter box: |
They don’t like the litter in it (often the texture or scent). The litter box isn’t scooped often enough or cleaned regularly. They’re having trouble getting into and out of it comfortably. Stress or health problems are making urination or defecation difficult. They’re peeing elsewhere in the house as a form of territorial marking.
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When your cat’s litter box activity changes, it’s always worth taking a closer look. If you’ve recently changed litter boxes or litter, the issue might simply be a matter of preference. If not, it may be time to get your vet involved to make sure your cat hasn’t developed a health issue that’s making it difficult or painful to use the litter box. |
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Tips for Making a Switch. |
Once you’ve ruled out underlying health issues as the cause of your cat’s litter box avoidance, it’s time to explore other explanations. |
Here are some questions to ask to help uncover the factors driving your cat’s change in behavior: |
Is the litter box in a loud or busy area with little privacy? Did you recently change the litter box location? Has your cat grown or gained weight (has the litter box become too small)? Are you scooping it daily and cleaning it once a month? Is another pet obstructing access to the litter box?
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Answering these questions may make the problem obvious. When no alternative explanation jumps out at you, however, you’re left with the matter of preference. Your cat might just hate the litter box you’ve chosen for them. |
So, what’s the solution? Try a different one! Go with a different size, shape, or style from the current litter box and place them side-by-side (and fill them with the same type of litter) to see if your cat likes the new one better. |
Looking for some help picking out a new litter box or getting your cat to use it? Join our new community over on Reddit at r/litterboxhelp. |
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EXPLORE OUR TOP GUIDES: |
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A Sneak Peek At Friday's Newsletter. |
It’s a well-known fact that all cats go crazy for catnip. Or is it? In Friday’s mailer, we’ll discuss why catnip does what it does to certain cats and why others are completely unaffected by it. |
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| Meet The Author. | Kate is a pet food nutrition specialist and writer who has been part of the Cats.com family for over three years. She is the doting owner of three cats - Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit - and often shares stories about them in weekly mailers like this one! |
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Check your inbox every Tuesday, Friday & Sunday for another round of exciting cat news! |
Have questions about your cat’s health, diet, behavior, and more? Visit our Cats.com community. Our team of expert moderators is available to give you answers and advice specific to your cat’s unique situation. |