How to Retrain Your Cat to Use the Litterbox

When a cat stops using the litter box, frustration ensues from both parties. The owner is upset and sore from scrubbing the carpet clean of cat droppings, and the cat is stressed out by the negative reaction. Rest assured, when your cat stops using his litter, there are practical steps you can take to help your cat start using the litter pan again.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• litter box
• cat
• patience
• diligence

1. 
    
   Cats have an amazing sense of smell

   KEEP THE LITTER CLEAN. Cats are clean freaks, and they do not appreciate dodging poop whenever they step into their litter. They are very sensitive to smell, and may be rejecting the litter pan due to uncleanliness. Ensure that you keep your cats litter VERY clean to eliminate them going elsewhere.

2. 
    
   Cats have preferences of litters

   CONSIDER CHANGING LITTERS. Many cats do not like the scent of odor reducing litters. Consider switching brands that are odorless or try a new variety, such as the kind that clumps. Sometimes, this solves the problem almost immediately.

3. PURCHASE A NEW LITTER PAN. It is necessary to buy a new litter box once every six months. Otherwise, odor will begin to stain the plastic, and your cat will not want to use it anymore due to the smell. Even if you think it smells ok, the cat may not. So do kitty a favor and get her a new box.
   
   You might want to get a second box for your cat to pee and poop in. Some cats are picky and would like a separate one for each. Experiment with this for a while and determine whether or not your cat has a special preference. You could also do this for different types of litter pans. Some cats prefer a closed top, while others like one without. Placing the different types next to each other will give your cat a chance to determine her preference.

4. MOVE THE LOCATION OF THE LITTER BOX. Sometimes, cats prefer to use the litter in a corner, near a wall or in an open space. Figure out what works best for your cat. If you do move the litter, only move it a couple of feet each day to prevent confusing the cat.

5. ENCOURAGE! In more extreme cases, the entire retraining process is necessary. If you decide your cat needs this, it is best to keep him in one or two rooms for a couple of weeks. Figure out when the cat likes to poop or catch him in the act. Then carry him over to the litter pan and place him gently in it. Repeat this process consistently for a couple of weeks. Cats love consistency, so they will gradually return to the litter themselves. Speak positively to your cat when it uses his litter, as this will encourage him to keep doing it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cat is still not using his litter after implementing these steps, schedule an appointment with your vet to determine if it is biological.
• Sometimes cats do not use the litter because of stress. Determine potential stressors in your cat's life and seek to eliminate them.
• Never scold or yell at your cat when it does not use the litter. This creates stress for your furry animal and does not encourage or teach him anything. Cats are strictly instinctual, they do not poop in the corner on purpose.

[violet4me]

on 9/4/2009 Felines are finicky about their litter boxes, useful tips!

[Sondrac]

on 6/17/2009 Great write! Thanks for sharing

[cherylphillips]

on 6/13/2009 we have cats here and this is great info 5*