Litter Box Problems
You just don't get it! Every cat you've ever had was fastidious in his
litter box habits. But your present cat is problem. Sometimes he'll use the
box religiously and then suddenly he'll start to leave puddles near the box,
in the hallway, on the sofa, or sometimes on the bed.
How to React to a Litter Box
"Incident"
Your cat has had
an incident, and you're miffed. Sure, you understand why and what you
do. But what can you say so you'll release your frustration and not
provoke him to do it again? You realize he's already upset and he'll
eventually recover. Help!
You can express your feelings by
saying, "Oh no, you did it again!" You can even scream into a pillow. But
it's important that he know you're on his side. So tell him he's getting
better and that you're both doing your best. These words of encouragement
will convey that you're there for him. You don't want to increase his
anxiety level. True, he won't understand your words, but he'll sense you're
a friend and not a foe.
Yes, you're rightfully confused and
frustrated. But your cat shares your discomfort. His behavior is so bizarre
in order to alert you to his physical and/or emotional dilemma. It's a
formal protest. By avoiding the litter box, his message is conveyed in no
uncertain terms.
Your cat may be reacting to any of the following problems:
-
Untidy litter box
-
Type of box
-
Litter aversion-You had a coupon
that made it a real bargain. Don't ignore his rejection. It's his
preference that counts.
-
Need for privacy
-
Toilet conflict-You almost
had your cat trained to share your toilet, but he may not want to use it.
Don't be stubborn, or his stress could activate a bladder problem.
Misconceptions About Litter Box
Problems
Fiction:
My cat does this out of spite. He knows where his box is, yet
doesn't use it to make me angry.
Fact: Your cat's incidents are an SOS. He purposely avoids the box to
signal his distress, which may be medical, emotional, or a combination of
the two.
Fiction: He'll never get better.
Fact: With the correct regimen, and your understanding and patience,
your cat can recover.
Fiction: If he recovers and has an "incident," it's back to square
one.
Fact: No, a setback is not the end of recovery because he's been made
stronger and will bounce back faster. Also, you know what to do to give him
the help he needs.
Fiction: Incidents will come out of nowhere.
Fact: You'll be able to anticipate his vulnerable times. A change in
environment, your personal life, or your work schedule or travel are common
anxiety catalysts. Anticipate your cat's potential angst and give him the
props you've used before to maintain his physical and emotional health. You
might even want to schedule a therapy session for stress reduction.
Fiction: A new home would solve his problem.
Fact: A new home might help if his deviant behavior was the result of
a tense relationship with a particular companion or person, or if he needed
more attention, which the new home could provide. But if his problem remains
unresolved, his misbehavior will probably surface whenever he feels
threatened or vulnerable. So it would be best to at least start him on the
road to recovery before you find him a new home.
Physical Problems Can Lead To
Poor Litter Box Behavior
There is a long list of physical and
medical problems in The Total Cat that could cause your cat to avoid
the litter box. Have your veterinarian check your cat over for
physical and medical issues, as such problems often have a physical or
medical basis.
Anxiety and Litter Box Problems
Your cat checks out A-OK medically,
but he is still having litter box problems.
It's been a difficult year for the
two of you. You started a new job a few months ago, moved to your present
apartment last year, separated from your beau of five years, lost your dog
to cancer, adopted a puppy whom your cat hated and who now lives with your
former beau, and lost your mother. From what you've read, this spells out
super separation anxiety and culture shock. The bottom line is that you must
have a practical program to correct your cat's behavior. You don't want to
continue to resent him
because you love
him too much.
Auxiliary Support: A Last-ditch
Way to Relieve Anxiety
A tranquilizer, antipsychotic drugs,
Chinese herbs, Bach flower remedies (or other homeopathic remedies) and/or
acupuncture may be used to relieve your cat's angst. But it's the program of
reconstructive therapy that will give him the ability to release the fear he
feels and to incorporate new coping mechanisms so he can live a healthier
and happier life.
Read a testimonial
from a Wilbourn client.
The Complete Guide to
Understanding and Caring for Your Cat
contains more detailed information, diagnostic suggestions and
reconstructive therapy approaches. Buy it from
Carole's Cat Store.
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