My cat doesn’t go in its litter box; what should I do?

Every year, thousands of cats are abandoned because of a lack of litter hygiene. Many causes could be at the root of the problem; but very often, a smelly and soiled litter box or even a new one is the main problem. Also, a non-castrated male might tend to secure its territory by urinating everywhere.

No matter what; it is a serious situation that needs to be fixed right away! It could just be a whim but it might also be a serious physical problem. Ask your vet; he/she should be able to help you. Before calling your vet however, just check for a few things that will help him/her with a diagnosis:

  • Is this a new or old problem?
  • Is the litter box clean? A dirty box is highly repulsive for a cat.
  • Does the box smell? Urine tending to burn the plastic, maybe it is time to invest in a new box…
  • Many cats… many boxes? In an ideal world, you should have as many litter boxes as cats. If possible, do it. If not, make sure the box is big enough and always clean.
  • Is there a new cat in the house? Jealousy might be the reason you have some urine everywhere but in the litter box.
  • Is there a baby/new child in the house? Then again, some cats are more jealous than others and a new baby might break a well established routine. Some extra cuddling might be needed…
  • Did you move? Are you renovating your home? Moving is a great source of stress for any pet, including cats. This could result in some unexpected reactions until fully comfortable in the new place. Renovations are also very stressful…
  • Were you gone for a few days? You cat is holding some grudge…If you are gone too often, it might very well urinate on your favourite chair, bed or couch…
  • Does the urine look or smell different? This could be a serious problem; please contact your vet immediately. A urinary infection is a very serious disease for a cat.

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