Cat Litter Box Problem -- Four Physical Reasons

The two main causes of a cat litter box problem are behavioral issues and physical problems. The first thing you should do then, is have your vet check out your cat to make sure there are no physical causes.

Cats are creatures of habit and will normally use the box once trained. In fact, your cat wants to use the box. If, however, your cat learns to associate a bad experience with the box, she may stop using it. The problem, contrary to popular belief, may be a physical one that she just can't control.

Here are four physical reasons why your cat can't or won't use the box properly.

1. Pain While Urinating - if your cat experiences pain while urinating, she will create a bad association with the box. Your cat can't hold it in forever, so she ends up urinating on the dining room rug. Be aware that until you remove the odor completely from that spot, your cat may return there again and again.

Note: urinary blockage in male cats is a life threatening condition, so act accordingly.

2. Pain During Bowel Movements - if, for example, your cat is suffering from a painful bout of feline constipation she will associate pain with the litter box. When she is finally able to go, it may be on the kitchen floor, instead of in the box.

3. Pain in Joints and Muscles - your cat has to be able to get in and out of the litter box without experiencing pain, as well as be able to squat. If there's an injury, arthritis, or some other problem with your cat's joints or muscles she may be in pain when using the box. After a few times of this, your cat doesn't use the box anymore.

4. Limited Range of Motion - it's possible that your cat may not be able to climb up into the litter box. If you have an older cat, or injury or disease has limited her movement, she won't be able to use the box.

It's not true that your cat just doesn't want to use the box to annoy you, there is some reason, and it could be physical. Your vet will help you determine if a physical cause is your cat's problem.

For painful urination, bowel movements, or joint or muscle pain, proper treatment will have to be sought out in consultation with your vet. Once the pain is gone, some retraining will probably be required and a large amount of patience on your part to help your cat through it.

If a mobility problem is the culprit, there may be some things you can do. First, make it as easy on your cat as possible. Get a low litter box that your cat doesn't have to step too high into. Also, your cat would probably appreciate a large box to easily move around in. Depending upon your situation, your vet may have a remedy for your cat's mobility problem.

Once the physical cause of a cat litter box problem is identified by your vet, you can work together to help your cat get better. Remember to address any issue that causes your cat to associate an unpleasant experience with the box as soon as possible. Catching these problems early on makes them much easier to deal with.

Get free advice on cat litter box problems and many other cat health problems. Copyright 2008 by Kurt Schmitt.