How Can I Train My Cat to Use the Litter Box After Recovering From a Bladder Infection?

Cats often associate the pain and discomfort of bladder infections with the litter box.

If your cat has recently suffered from a bladder infection, it might refuse to use the litter box. According to DrWhiteley.com, litter box protesting is often common after a bout with bladder troubles, as cats will often associate the pain they felt while urinating with the actual box. Therefore, the cat will avoid using--or sometimes even going near--the box, for fear the pain will return. Fortunately, there are ways in which to entice kitty to go back to the litter box again.

Things You'll Need

• Attractant litter
• Pheromone diffuser
• Hooded or non-hooded litter pan
• Enzymatic cleaner

Instructions

1. Use a product that attracts cats back to the box, suggests the Stanford Cat Network. Look for litter that encourages cats to use the litter box at your pet store. These types of litters contain textures and particle sizes that cats typically feel comfortable using.

2. Place a pheromone diffuser in the area of the litter box. Pheromones are naturally-occurring hormones that provide a sense of well-being to most felines. Placing a diffuser by the box will likely make the feline feel more comfortable and at ease eliminating again. The cat will likely eventually associate the good feelings with the litter box and will no longer fear the litter pan. Pheromone diffusers are often available for purchase at veterinary offices.

3. Change the type of litter pan you are using. If your pan has a lid, switch to one that does not, and vice versa. Sometimes, the cat will not associate the pain with the box if it is not the same one that was used before the infection. In addition, move the box to a different location. A change of scenery may be all your cat needs to forget about the previous pain that occurred during visits to the litter box.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep the litter box clean by scooping the mess at least once a day. A dirty box can deter cats from entering and preventing them from eliminating inside.

• Clean any soiled areas around your home with enzymatic cleaner that is designed to remove the scent of cat urine. If your cat continues to detect its odor, it will likely eliminate in that area again and not the litter box, says the Stanford Cat Network. Follow the directions on the label as to how to use your specific cleaner.

References

• DrWhiteley.com: Feline Housesoiling
• Stanford Cat Network: Solving Litter Box Problems

Resources

• Precious Cat Litter: Cat Attract