Litter Box Blues
from 2005 Holiday Newsletter
There are not many problems as frustrating as a cat who previously used his box and is now inappropriately eliminating.
Here are some helpful tips:
- MOST IMPORTANTLY: Take your friend to the vet. Not only can an infection be painful, but a blockage can become deadly.
- Clean offending area with Nature's Miracle or similar product (nothing with ammonia). Place a dish of treats there.
- Fill a few boxes with different litters - some cats like unscented instead of scented, crystals instead of clay, covered instead of uncovered.
- Is someone attacking him on the way to the box - or while he's in it? Another box in a DIFFERENT ROOM may be the solution.
- Is the box in a private area? Perhaps there's too much else going on in his "bathroom."
- There is a product called "Feliway" (comes in a spray or plug-in wall unit) which releases pheromones to calm her down. This may be helpful, but spray needs to be applied frequently.
- If all else fails, confine the cat to a small room (bathroom or bedroom) with all his necessities of life until he relearns proper behavior.
