The Litter Box Blues

Finding puddles around the house? Something may have happened to stop your cat from using its litter box. With a little detective work, you can find out why and correct it.

First, visit the vet to be sure your cat is not ill. Urinary tract infections and other diseases can cause cats to quit using their boxes.

Then, watch your cat's behavior. If it is urine-marking its territory, it has nothing to do with the litter box itself. Whether male, female, spayed, neutered, or intact, any cat at any age can start spraying urine to "mark" its territory.

Puddles just outside the litter box are not from spraying. The problem is more likely the box or its surroundings. Your cat may no longer like where the litter box is located or how it feels, or it may have been scared while using it. Or it could be a combination of these things.

To solve the problem:

• Change the type of litter
• Change the location of the box
• Change the litter more often
• Use a combination of all of the above
• Don't lose patience

If you follow these steps, you will eventually discover the right combination of things to get your feline friend feeling safe and comfortable again. And if you need advice, call your local shelter.

*This article was reprinted with permission from the American Humane Association.