4 Reasons Your Cat Isn’t Using the Litter Box
You may be concerned if you’ve noticed your cat having more accidents lately. Missing the litter box, going in places they haven’t before, or urinating on the bed are all signs that something isn’t right. But, what exactly do these accidents mean? From illness to stress, here are four reasons why your cat may be refusing to use the litter box.
Underlying Medical issues
The number one cause of a sudden uptick in accidents is usually an underlying medical issue. Urinary tract infections can cause a cat to need to go more often or urgently, leading to an accident. You may also spot other symptoms including blood in the urine, cloudy urine, attempting to go more frequently, or vocalizing while going. A trip to your vet along with a sample of their urine can help determine if this is the cause. Often, antibiotics and diet changes are the best option for treating urinary tract infections, and can also help prevent long-term issues.
In male cats, a urinary blockage may also cause changes in litter box habits. As urinary blockages are medical emergencies, it’s best to seek care from your vet or an emergency clinic right away if you suspect this is the case. Signs of a blockage in a cat can include dribbling or accidents outside of the box, vocalization, hunching or pain, and attempting to urinate without success.
In addition, litter box problems such as aging-related arthritis, internal parasites, food allergies, and more may make it either too difficult for your cat to get in and out of the box in time, or lead to sudden urgency that causes an accident. As with any behavior change, a trip to the vet to rule out issues is best.
A Problem With the Litter or Box
If you’ve recently changed your cat’s litter type or swapped to a new box, you may have also noticed a sudden uptick in accidents. Cats are very particular about the substrate, or type of litter used, and a sudden swap could lead to your cat refusing to use it. If you must change litter type, a gradual change of adding in the new litter to the old can help encourage use. It’s also a good idea to make sure the litter isn’t painful or uncomfortable to walk on, which may lead to avoidance.
Other Pets Bullying Your Cat
If you have multiple pets in your household, bullying and stress can sometimes lead to accidents. If your cat can’t access the litter box because another cat is blocking them or occupying it, they may end up having an accident elsewhere. It’s best to make sure your cat has a clear path and access to their litter box at all times, and that multiple boxes are available if you own more than one cat.
Your Cat Is Stressed
Stress can also cause your cat to go outside the litter box. Routine changes such as a new job, pets, or people in the home may cause your cat to hide or refuse to make it all the way to the litter box. If you do have a change in the household, a pheromone diffuser or collar can help keep your cat relaxed. If you notice your cat hiding in a particular room, moving their food, water, and litter may make it easier for them to access these until they’re relaxed enough to explore the rest of the house again.
Litter box accidents can be frustrating, and there are many more potential causes of accidents beyond this list. If you’ve tried the above suggestions and are still struggling, feel free to schedule a consultation today!