You Guys!
I shall assume you are all aware by now that litter box skills for a cat are of utmost importance. I have, in fact, heard that poor box skills are one of the top reasons that people surrender their kitties. (Not in this house, tho – one of us could pee a river on MomFOD’s head and she still wouldn’t give us up)
Now, I know for a fact that in this house, several of us have occasionally, shall we say, missed the mark. For instance, there was that time when Peabody was keeping me away from the box so I would scream at DadFOD and pee on his sweater to let him know. Box moved = problem solved! That was an issue of placement and cat warfare. Mrs. Peabody also developed box issues recently because she was suffering from a bought of SIBO or Small Bacterial Intestinal Overgrowth, which caused her painful poop that she then associated with the box. She is mostly back on target now, so to speak, but her cause was medical. And then there was that time Niles peed in the Christmas bin…
Anyway, there are many reasons for which a cat might discontinue use of his or her litter box. They might be medical or behavioral. Some things to look for:
- Is your cat experiencing pain? Does he have a medical problem? See a doctor ASAP to find out.
- Is your box clean? Some cats won’t use a dirty box.
- Is your cat marking territory? Do you have a new cat that might have caused this?
- Is there another cat keeping one of your cats away from the box in a territory dispute?
- Is your box covered? Some cats hate covered boxes.
- Is the box in a place that makes the cat feel unsafe? Cats need to feel safe and calm when using the box.
- Did you switch litters? Some kitties hate change and will rebel.
- Is your cat de-clawed? Hopefully not, but if so, see a vet to make sure that they’re not experiencing pain in their feet that’s exacerbated by the litter pawing.
The first thing you should do, always, is have your kitty checked by a vet to rule out medical issues, then start looking around for behavioral problems or litter box problems that might affect his behavior. Sometimes, a very simple thing could be the cause.
Don’t give up on your kitty! Your kitty would never give up on you!
And now… for some expert advice, we have here a video with famed box consultant Louie Sorbet who’s giving the Johnson residence a kick in the butt for poor litter box skills.
Love,
Crepes.
PS. In light of French CATastrophe (CHATastrophe) getting such a great reception lately because of its Catdance win, we’re hoping that maybe Ellen DeGeneres will notice it and fall in love with Guy LaFurrr. A lofty dream, we know, but we have a plan! Tomorrow, we’re gathering all of our forces to send Ellen’s media team our video! So, if you have a moment, please join us in tweeting and sharing the video on her Facebook page. We would be ever so grateful. We’ll provide all the info you need. We know with your support we can do it! #TeamGuyLaFurrr
Great Video! I am actually thinking about a third box for the boys because I don’t think the ones they have have enough “turn around” room….I am sure people think I am a bit crazy, but I wouldn’t want a cramped space to potty in, or a dirty one!
That video is fantastic. Truffles is a very neat and tidy pottier…as soon as she’s “finished” she yells to demand clean up 🙂
That’s such impawtant information about our litter box needs ! We love your video ! Purrs
Very interesting post and points. OMC, this video is hilarious…Louie you are somefin’ else…love your accent! Sending good vibes for Ellen discovering Guy LaFurrr…
This is so important! Humans need to know that we aren’t just being naughty. There are reasons we stop using the littterbox.
I loved the video! And this is such valuable info in general on our litter box needs!
OMC! That video was hysterical.
That excuse drives our mom and dad bonkers! Thank you for sharing this info!
we had a lady call the rescue once about a kitten she adopted that stopped using the box. mom asked where it was. the lady said in their laundry room. mom said she had $5 said the kitty was in the box when the laundry buzzer went off and no more going there. mom suggested move the box to somewhere quiet and see what happened. TADA – the lady called back and it was a success. (duh – MOL)
that is some impressive stinkeye Louie has going on there
Good kit box training is a must for peeps as well as kits. Luckily there is no problem here. Mom is a fanatic about scooping and keeping the side of the box clean. She even has dad in there taking out the hard stuff. Now he’s started to wipe the sides down too…mom’s statement that started him becoming a “clean” the litter box guy, “how would you like me to leave the toilet all smelly and with crap all over it.” Guess he didn’t care for the idea,
(((Shoko)))
Louie is becoming a star but not sure about the accent.
louie….dood….eggs cell ant video…stock…grate post….guy….we hope yur mewvie makez it ta ellen….pea…..glad yur sorta kinda bak ta yur self…niles…~~~~~ waves….sprinkle… ya noe a plant iz for all inn tentz N purpozez….a box……..therz soil…rite !!!! all…..hope yur knot snowed in…..doodle….yea, bet ya wish ewe used a box huh….. 9 degreez out side…XXXXX
We will share with Ellen 🙂 My Lucy is an out of box thinker, I had her tested several times and she is fine. I put puppy pads around the box and she goes on those. I would never get rid of a kitty for any reason.