No More Carpet Messes

In response to Cat Diaries member Pexi09′s comment in the forum about how to stop her kitty from doing her “number 2s” anywhere but her kitty littet tray. She asked for help in training her little one.  There are many reasons why cats do this and here are some tips to keep your kitty from going to the toilet outside of its litter area.

• Never rub cat’s nose in it. I know that most cat lovers know not to do this but it doesn’t hurt to remind you all. Rubbing a cat’s nose in the mess will not solve the problem only frighten the cat and make it more apprehensive to change and bathroom issues.  Also swatting the cat will only frighten it as well as making it more likely to hide and use the bathroom not in its box.

• Clean the Area. The reason your cat may be going to the bathroom around the home might be the chemical cleaning products you are using. Make sure to clean the messed area with cat safe cleaners and non bleach products. This will clean the area but keep the cat from wanting to leave its scent there again. For more tips on cats that make their territory click here.

• Change the Litter. Your cat may have a problem with the litter you have chosen for its box. . You may have unknowingly deterred the cat from using its box by purchasing harsh scented litter or cleaning the box with harsh chemicals.  Try purchasing a non scented litter or simply changing brands.  Clean your cat’s box using simple soap and water; avoid bleach and chemicals that can harm your cat. The problem might correct itself as cats have an amazing sense of smell more than ten times that of a human nose.

• Change Litter boxes. This issue might just be that your cat is just not happy with its box. Is the box too small? Have you cleaned it with harsh chemicals? Does it share with another cat? Cats need a box they can call their own that is cleaned with soap and water (no harsh chemicals!).

• Location, location, location. The location of your cat’s box can be another reason it has chosen another spot. They need to feel safe to use the toilet in that area so keep it away from air fresheners (strong scents) and other cats.  Also, cats do not like to eat where they go to the bathroom (who would right?) so make sure the box is in a location separate from food as well.

• Leave a scent at the area. The same as cleaning the area leave an unpleasant scent for your cat if it keeps going to the bathroom in the same spot. Orange scent or cloves are not a favorite of cats and it will make the cat stay away from the area.

• Latex glove. This is a move to do when all else fails. Purchase latex gloves and move the cat poo into the cat’s box. Then place the cat in the box training it to know that the box is for that reason. You may have to repeat this process but the cat will catch on.

• Vet visit. This is something to consider. Are your cat’s bathroom habits healthy? If the poo looks abnormal and this is not a normal behaviour for your older cat it is time for a trip to the vet.  Cats are usually pretty good about using their box so check to make sure illness is not a factor of the problem.

Kitties will get the hang of the little box eventually. If any of you cat lovers know any litter box secrets, please leave them below!