House soiling is one of the primary reasons cats are surrendered to shelters. It's a challenging issue to deal with, and many cat owners believe their feline friends are acting out of spite or anger when they eliminate outside the litter box. However, I can assure you that your cat isn't being "evil" or "spiteful." Instead, they're reacting to something in their environment that's causing distress or discomfort.
As a professional cat behaviorist, I spend considerable time with clients discussing the myriad reasons their cats might be avoiding the litter box. Each case is unique, often involving multiple factors. However, a common theme is that something about the litter box setup isn't to the cat's liking. Sometimes, even a generally tolerated setup can become a source of stress during particular moments.
Vet Check: The First Step
Before delving into behavioral solutions, it's crucial to rule out any medical issues. Many health problems can lead to litter box avoidance, and no amount of behavioral modification will help if there's an underlying medical cause. Ensure your cat gets a clean bill of health from the vet before addressing behavioral aspects.
Litter Box Setup: Key Considerations
The Box Itself
- Size: Your litter box should be 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to bum and twice the width. Many commercial litter boxes are too small. I often recommend using storage bins, which are more affordable and available in various sizes.
Covered boxed: Covered boxes are generally too small and do not allow the cat to posture in a way they desire during elimination. They can also block the view of your cat so if there is a possibility of ambush, they might be too afraid to use a covered box.
- Liners: Many cats dislike liners as their nails can get caught, and the noise or texture can be unpleasant to them. Avoid using liners if possible.
- Litter: Cats typically prefer a soft, sandy, unscented substrate. I suggest using a soft, hard-clumping litter and avoiding scented or gimmicky options.
- Cleanliness: Cats are clean animals and prefer a pristine litter box. Scoop the box at least twice daily. Also, regularly dump and clean the box with an unscented cleaner (avoid bleach, ammonia, or heavily scented products like Pine-Sol).
- Ease of Access: Ensure your cat can easily step in and out of the box without having to climb or jump into the box.
The Location of the Litter Box
- Proximity: Place the box near where your cat spends most of their time. If you have multiple levels in your home, have at least one box per level.
- Low-Traffic Area: Choose a quiet, low-traffic location that's free from potential ambush spots.
- Accessibility: Ensure your cat can easily find and access the box without navigating a maze. They should have good vantage points to feel secure while eliminating and at least two escape routes.
- Separation from Food and Water: Keep the litter box away from food and water bowls to maintain cleanliness and appeal.
Number of Litter Boxes
- Rule of Thumb: One litter box per cat, plus one extra. If you have multiple boxes, spread them out instead of clustering them in one area. Your cat will see clustered boxes as a single unit.
If your vet has ruled out medical issues and you've optimized your litter box setup according to these guidelines, yet your cat continues to soil outside the box, it might be time to consult a professional cat behaviorist. We can help you understand the broader picture and work towards resolving this challenging problem.
By following these guidelines and seeking professional help when needed, you can create a more harmonious living environment for both you and your feline friend.