Do you have a fully trained house cat who suddenly started pooping in a far corner of the basement. Perhaps your kitty started peeing all over the new floor?
This can be a really frustrating thing for a cat owner, but before you get mad or start yelling at your cat, let’s take a look at what it means when your cat stops using the litter box. This will help you get to the bottom of the problem and then resolve it.
What It Means When Your Cat Stops Using the Litter Box
If your cat used the litter box, then suddenly stopped, there’s definitely a reason. Resist any urges to shout at your cat. You’ll just scare her and make things worse. Keep in mind that cats prefer to use the litter box, so something has changed recently, which is causing your kitty physical and/or mental issues.
The very first step is to Assess The Litter Box Cleanliness! Cats are very clean animals and can be very particular about going in a little box that isn’t up to their expectations. No one wants to stand in their own pee or poo while trying to use the bathroom.
You want to make sure the litter box is cleaned on a consistent basis. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Cat Litter Box Clean for a list of all the ways to keep that litter box clean for your kitty!
Put on your thinking cap and consider any Recent Changes Within the Home. Did you bring a new cat or other animal home? Have you had someone unfamiliar visiting? Did you move the litter box or change the brand of cat litter?
Even the slightest change can upset a cat who is very particular about their surroundings. Encouraging your cat to use the new litter, introducing her to the new baby, etc. can ease kitty’s stress level and help her feel better about the litter box.
Address any Territorial Issues. If you have a new cat in the home, accidents outside the litter box could be a way for your cat is marking her territory. It can also happen if something, such as the other cat, is keeping her from getting to her litter box to use it as she normally would.
One reason anyone rarely considers is, what if a new cat is visiting your garden and your cat is seeing him? This can lead to more territorial behavior inside the house despite the problem being outside. Change the location of your cat furniture so kitty can’t see out that particular window, etc.
Finally, when you’ve ruled out all the potential problems like the ones mentioned above, you need to know that going outside the litter box could be a sign that Your Cat is Physically Sick. This could actually be a symptom of a urinary tract infection or problems with kidney and/or liver function.
Time to Consider Physical Problems with Kitty
He could also have feline constipation or diarrhea. Both these lead to desperate behavior. Your cat will just go anywhere at the time to get relief. You should keep an eye out and observe for a short period of time.
Do you see your cat straining when he goes? Do you notice him going a lot longer in between using the litter box than usual? These are all more signs that something could be very wrong.
You don’t want to wait too long to book an appointment with your vet for your kitty. Even something like a urinary infection in a male cat can turn into crystals. It could then lead to death if not treated quickly. You don’t want to chance your cat’s health and life. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat’s health.
If a veterinary appointment is needed, there are Veterinary Care on a Budget options. Hopefully, catching the issue early will lead to less cost involved in the long-term. Your cat offers you unconditional love and deserves no less than the best to get back to their regular kitty self!
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