Why doesn't the cat go to the litter box? Why did the cat stop peeing in the litter tray? The cat does not have time to reach the toilet

Often, pet owners notice that their cat has stopped going to the litter box. What to do in this case? How to re-accustom your pet to its place? For what reasons could this happen? These and many other questions can be answered in the article.

The cat stopped going to the litter box. What to do?

Of course, you can refer to the fact that the kitty simply harbored a grudge against one of the family members and thus takes revenge. But veterinarians can tell you a lot more about why your cat stopped using the litter box. What to do in this case? Run to a veterinarian or psychologist? Or maybe try to understand the reason for capricious behavior yourself? After all, stress in a cat is not such a rare phenomenon.

It is clear that no owner will like it when their beloved pet suddenly begins to shit in inappropriate places. For one person, this will result in serious discomfort that can last indefinitely. And another would prefer to simply get rid of the pet without understanding the reason for this behavior. Unfortunately, the second option is more common. It is clear that dirty carpets, washing corners, washing furniture and, of course, an unbearable smell will sooner or later tire anyone, even the most patient person. Therefore, it is so important to figure out why the cat stopped going to the litter box and what to do about it.

Try to understand your pet

A sudden change in a pet's behavior always has a justification. A young kitten, which just yesterday regularly went to its toilet, will not so easily shit in the wrong place. This is not typical for clean animals. Moreover, even the most experienced specialists and imported products will not help wean the animal unless the reason is clarified.

Most often it is stress. Cat psychologists are inclined to believe that a pet, like any other family member, can worry about its owners, sympathize and experience various emotions. They are afraid, jealous, worried about quarrels or swearing, and intuitively feel that it is not surprising that even the most mature and well-mannered cat stops going to the litter box.

First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the source of the cat's worries. And only then - accustom the pet “to its place.” It is clear that no one likes it when a cat goes to the toilet anywhere. But you can’t get excited and poke your nose in – this can only make the situation worse.

The reason is animal instincts

A cat is just a domesticated wild animal, so its typical instincts are also characteristic of it. It is quite possible that the pet marks its territory in this way, claiming rights to it. A special secretion is secreted by glands located between the fingers and in the lip area. During the breeding season, its intensity increases. Moreover, traces can be found in urine. You've probably noticed more than once how a cat approaches a corner, furniture or any other object, lifts its tail and shakes it slightly. This is how the animal marks its territory. Any cat psychologist will confirm this.

Cleanliness

A large cat tray that is too dirty or too clean can be the cause of such “mischief.” Cats by nature are clean animals. Therefore, a toilet that is too dirty will certainly discourage you from going there. Empty the litter box, wash it well, fill it with dry formula or put on a clean diaper. Don't forget about the area around the toilet - it should also be clean.

It also happens the other way around. You decided to clean your pet's toilet until it shines and you succeeded - the kitten's litter tray is sparkling clean. But the problem is that the pet doesn’t want to go there. And all because he does not smell himself. This means that this is not his territory. Remember that you cannot wash cat litter boxes with chemicals. It is possible only if these are special mixtures.

Physical reasons

You bought a brand new litter box for your kitten. Large, with high sides, with paws on the sides and a soft diaper inside. The cat toilet matches the color of the tiles perfectly and fits harmoniously into the interior. But for some reason the pet categorically refuses to use it for its intended purpose. How to understand a cat? No way. Just replace the tray with the old one. Or buy a new one, but as simple and convenient as possible.

Cat litter also plays a big role. Today, in specialized stores you can find a wide variety of types of cat litter. Pressed, wood, mineral, etc. It is quite possible that the pet did not like the new litter for cats, so he began to shit where this should not be done.

The location of the toilet is another factor that influences the animal's behavior. Let's say you made renovations in the house and the cat's usual place was moved to another room or to another place. Surely the pet will be confused and refuse to go to the litter box.

Psychological problems

There are a lot of options here, ranging from a negative environment in the house to exclusively psychological problems of the animal itself. First of all, pay attention to your pet's behavior. If he doesn’t just go to the toilet behind a luxurious leather sofa, but literally marks every corner, it’s quite possible that your kitty has become quite an adult and she urgently needs a partner. In this case, if you do not plan to breed the animal, consult your veterinarian. Now there are many safe herbal-based drugs that suppress animal instincts. By the way, there is also a special spray for training a kitten to use the tray.

Jealousy is another factor that can affect an animal's behavior. Let's say a small kitten appears in your house. It is clear that an older animal will begin to be jealous of its owners towards the uninvited guest. Going to the toilet in the wrong place is a great opportunity to demonstrate your dissatisfaction.

Hidden grudge

Cats are still comrades. By harboring a grudge against a person, they are sometimes capable of much. It only seems to you that you deservedly scolded your pet for its offense. In his world, you treated him unfairly, hurting his deepest and strongest feelings. Therefore, wet slippers and wallpaper in the corner are the result of your attitude towards the animal.

Try asking your cat for forgiveness. What if it helps? Often cats shit if there is another animal at home (for example, a dog). The appearance of a baby, by the way, can also affect the cat’s dishonest behavior.

Physiological problems

The reason for refusing to use a litter box is not always the same. There are also ordinary health problems that affect the animal’s behavior. It is important to understand the nature of this change. Let's assume that your pet has been regularly going to the litter box for several years and has not exhibited such behavior. But recently something strange began to happen:

The pet suddenly decided that the tray was not suitable for serious matters. But there are no puddles in the house.
The cat goes to the toilet not far from the litter box and buries itself with imaginary litter.
The cat defiantly jumps onto the furniture and makes a puddle right in front of the owner.

If something like this happens more than 2-3 times, you should take the animal to the veterinarian. Problems with a cat's toilet may be the cause of some diseases.

Cat diseases and how it relates to the litter box

There are many ways and means that will help train an animal to shit in the same place. For example, at a pet store you can buy a special spray to train a kitten to use the litter box. But if we are talking about an adult animal whose behavior has changed for no apparent reason, it is worth thinking about whether everything is in order with the pet’s health. There are some diseases that can affect an animal's toilet:

Basic urinary incontinence. It often develops after sterilization as a complication. It is not difficult to determine the pathology - puddles remain in the place where the cat slept or sat. The disease also develops after spinal injuries or with chronic kidney inflammation.
Atony. Most often, this pathology has an age-related origin. Essentially, the animal's bladder turns into a bag with soft walls. As a result, urine fills it completely and comes out under natural pressure.
Cystitis. The disease is characterized by urine mixed with blood. The cat wants to go to the toilet, but cannot and is experiencing severe pain.
Urolithiasis, which occurs quite often in cats.

Therefore, if you have not found psychological aspects that can influence the specific behavior of the animal, you should consult a doctor.

What to do if the cat stops going to the litter box?

Now it’s worth mentioning the piles your pet leaves behind. Among the most common diseases are the following pathologies:

Diarrhea. Even humans know this “heart-ache,” when the body literally stops listening. Motivational trainers have a good saying - if you want to go to the toilet, nothing will stop you on the way to it. A parallel can also be drawn between a person and an animal - if your pet is overtaken by diarrhea, you may not be able to reach the litter box.
Severe vomiting can cause partial bowel movements.
Blockage of the anus. A common reason why piles form on the carpet. In this case, the animal experiences far from the most pleasant sensations. Itching under the tail causes the cat to crawl along the floor.
Inflammation of the anus. This is the result of the previous condition, only in a more acute form. In addition to itching and severe pain during bowel movements, monotonous pain is also added. As a result, the cat begins to avoid the litter box because it causes discomfort.

There is another reason why your pet suddenly suddenly stopped going to the litter box. Trimmed claws. Yes exactly. It is painful for a pet to step on the litter with unprotected paws.

How to retrain an animal to toilet?

First of all, it is necessary to determine the cause of this behavior and eliminate it. Only after this can the animal’s behavior be corrected. You need to be patient. If the cause of unscrupulous behavior is illness, it is advisable to change the tray, since the old one will cause fear.

Ask a consultant at a pet store about scented cat litter. Pay attention to Ms Kiss spray. It has special properties that help litter train your pet.

Don't forget about the psychological aspect. Praise your pet more often if he has done his business in the right place, give him a treat, pamper him. If possible, place the tray in the place where the cat gets into the habit of going.

What to do if a cat encroaches on something sacred?

There are situations (and quite often) when a pet begins to shit in places where it is not at all supposed to do so. Sink in the bathroom, toilet. You can’t let everything take its course. In the end, this tailed mischief should know her place in the house. The reasons may be different:

Competition. If you have several cats or other animals in your home who have to share a toilet, then the cat will most likely be among the first to go in search of another, more secluded place, which, in its opinion, is ideal for relieving itself. Cat psychologists advise keeping a separate tray for each pet and one spare. That is, for 2 cats there should be three trays.
A cat can go to its large litter box, and to a human litter box to relieve minor needs. In this case, you just need to come to terms with it and please your pet with another large cat litter box. By the way, this trait indicates excessive cleanliness of the pet.

Even if you don't yet know the reason for this behavior, don't despair. To start, just try to understand your pet. Although no one will tell you how to understand a cat. After all, this animal is wayward and capricious, but at the same time affectionate and obedient if you find a common language with it. Give your pet confidence and care, let him feel like a full member of the family - then minor problems (in the form of a puddle in the most visible place) will disappear by themselves.

The toilet issue is one of the most hotly debated topics on the site, so if you are faced with a problem such as your cat stopping going to the litter box, this article is a must read. So, what to do if your pet stops going to her litter box?

First of all, pull yourself together and face the truth - there is no point in looking for human motives in a cat’s actions, because a cat is not a person.

The reason why the animal suddenly began to ignore the tray is most likely specific and not at all related to its moral qualities. Therefore, it is absolutely useless to appeal to the cat’s prudence, and poking her face into a puddle or a pile, and even more so screaming and slapping with a slipper, is harmful and cruel.

What could be the reason for the unscrupulous behavior of cats and how can this situation be corrected?

One of the most common reasons that an adult animal suddenly exchanges its usual tray for an old rug, a secluded corner or a warm and soft owner’s bed is pain.

“Pain syndrome” leading to changes in the behavior of cats can be a consequence of numerous diseases. The mechanism of the “pain syndrome” is as follows: when an animal pees in a tray, it feels pain, which it associates with the tray. As a result, the cat will look for another place to urinate, perhaps a cozy and soft one in which it feels safe.

For this reason, any responsible owner must immediately rule out the presence of possible diseases - contact a veterinarian, do the necessary research and tests (when a cat begins to pee in the wrong place, as a rule, doctors recommend taking a urine test, possibly blood, and also doing ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity to exclude the inflammatory process of the genitourinary system).

If your pet's health is good, the next thing to rule out is sex markings. If a young cat reaches sexual maturity (about 1-1.5 years or earlier) and begins to mark, then the main method of correcting behavior is castration. Cats sometimes mark, like cats, with a stream, as well as with a small amount of urine in different places (marks in cats usually coincide with the period of “mestrus”). Cats mark their territory with a “jet”, and their owners’ belongings, vertical surfaces, and furniture suffer.

Another possible reason for ignoring the litter box is severe stress, which is associated with the arrival of someone new (an animal or person) in the family, the purchase of new furniture, repairs, moving, or frightening the animal at the moment when it decided to use the tray.

Such stress for your pet may well be excessive and often its consequence is that the animal begins to choose a more protected and secluded place to defecate than where the tray is. In this case, minimize or stop the effect of the factor that frightens the cat as soon as possible and create conditions so that the animal can go to the litter box without fear (you can use light sedatives - herbal drops: “Cat-Bayun” or “Fitex” , or Feliway (diffuser).

Place in each room where cat “surprises” were found a tray with a filling that is pleasant and familiar to the animal, and when the cat begins to regularly use these trays, begin to slowly remove them, but no more than 1 per day.

If you are unable to identify the reason for such a change in your pet’s behavior, maybe he simply does not like the size of the tray (too small, or, conversely, too large, in the cat’s opinion), litter (try several types of litter, and choose the one that the animal likes; cats usually choose a looser, fine litter that you can dig into, Catsan, for example) . She may also not like the place (unprotected, open, noisy, on the aisle) where you place the tray.

In this case, you need to do the following. Place several trays with different heights of sides and different sizes in your pet’s favorite places. Monitor him carefully during this period. If you notice that the cat has begun to scratch the floor, fuss in one place, and meow suspiciously, immediately carefully place her on the tray, talking to her affectionately and telling her how smart she is.

Do not forget that it is the smell that signals the animal where its toilet is. Any of the methods for correcting the problematic behavior of a pet described above must be supported by the complete destruction of the smell of cat excrement and urine in unwanted places; thoroughly wash these places with a product that does not contain chlorine (it will only increase the unpleasant odor).

You can use special powders labeled “bio,” as well as special products that are designed to get rid of the smell of cat urine, which are now commercially available in sufficient quantities. To consolidate the result, treat these places with a strong-smelling product that is unpleasant for cats - a special repellent, Zvezdochka ointment, or spread out orange or lemon peels.

A pet is trained to use a tray as soon as it appears in the house. This usually doesn't cause problems. But there are times when a pet, who has been using the litter box for a long time, suddenly refuses to use it. Constant cleaning, washing floors, cleaning carpets and furniture, and unpleasant odors bring a lot of negative emotions to the owners, so it is important to find out the reason for this behavior. Many factors can influence changes in your pet's habits, most of which do not manifest themselves externally.

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The cat ignores the litter box: behavioral and psychological reasons
If a pet has been regularly visiting the litter box for a long time to relieve itself, and then abruptly refuses to use it, the reason must be compelling. A cat will not change its habits just like that. The pet will not go to the toilet in the wrong places out of jealousy, resentment, revenge, laziness or memory problems. Although this is exactly what many animal owners think when faced with this problem.
These factors have nothing to do with the actual reason for changing the toilet location, so punishing the animal will not help improve the situation. Most likely, they will aggravate it even more, as the pet will experience severe stress. But there are many other details that are of great importance for a cat in choosing a place for a toilet. An insignificant trifle for an adult turns out to be an extremely serious reason for a kitten.

Ambiance and smell
The animal needs a secluded place where it can calmly relieve itself. The tray should be placed so that the cat always has access to it, but not in a walk-through area. Various noises, the presence of people or simply an inconvenient location create this problem. If your pet has been regularly using its litter box for a long time, but suddenly stops, there is a chance that something scared it at the most inopportune time.
Smell is extremely important for a pet; the litter box may seem too dirty to the cat, which will not allow a clean animal to use it. It is necessary to clean the cat litter regularly, but do not use products with a strong odor. The pronounced chemical smell scares the animal away, which is often the reason for abandoning the tray.
Cleaning the toilet itself and the area around it should be done with neutral means so as not to irritate the animal.

Choosing a tray for your pet
The tray must be suitable for the animal in size and height of the sides. It often happens that as a pet ages, it needs to be replaced with a larger one. This happens due to the cat's weight gain; he may simply be uncomfortable in a tray that is too small. The height of the sides is also important, especially if the animal is quite mature. Joint problems or other illnesses can make it difficult for the cat to move; it is simply not convenient for the cat to constantly climb over high edges, so she refuses the litter box altogether.
Changing the litter box for an animal is not always a good idea; some cats refuse to accept another litter box. If behavioral problems began after purchasing a new toilet, then to solve them it is enough to return the old one to its place. If this is not possible, you must purchase the same one. The animal may not like the presence of the grill; in most cases it is removed.
A pet does not always accept the smell of a new toilet, especially if it is made of low-quality plastic. When choosing a tray, you need to pay attention to its quality; cheap products often have a strong chemical smell. Some cats prefer closed litter boxes, but often refuse to use them because of the door. This problem can be solved by removing the door to make it more comfortable for the animal.
Cat litter
For convenience and cleanliness in the house, most owners of four-legged pets use cat litter for the toilet. They come in different types, and not each of them will appeal to a particular animal. If the problem with visiting the litter box occurs after changing the litter, then it is worth purchasing the option that is familiar to the cat. If no changes occur, then you can try another toilet filler as an experiment.
The size of the pellets may not be suitable for the kitten. An option that is too large for a small pet is unacceptable; it can cause damage to the paw pads and discomfort. Some cats categorically refuse litter in the form of small pebbles. In addition, he may not cope with his task.
If absorption is poor and odor is insufficiently eliminated, the pet will not use the toilet a second time, even if the tray is externally clean.
Stress, competition with other animals
Often the culprit is simple stress. This can happen due to a move, a visit to the veterinarian, loud noise, the arrival of a new family member or animal, a change in environment, and many other factors. When a problem occurs, it is necessary to analyze all events over the previous 2-3 months. For a long time, a cat is able to cope with psychological trauma, but not always with good results.
Having several cats in the house causes them to compete with each other. Rarely do such pets agree to share a litter box, which causes unpleasant behavior in one or more cats in the house. Each pet needs its own tray, and it is best to have one spare. Not all cat owners take this into account, so animals periodically relieve themselves in inappropriate places. Sometimes a pet chooses a certain item and instead of a tray uses a sink, cabinet, bathtub and other containers within its reach.
If there is a problem with visiting the litter box, you need to monitor the kitten. How he behaves before using the toilet, whether he immediately goes to the wrong place or initially shows interest in the litter box. It is worth noting all the details, whether the animal is trying to dig, is feeling restless, sniffing, choosing certain places, or is it happening chaotically, etc. Frequency is also of great importance: the cat uses the tray at least sometimes or does not approach it at all. This data can help determine the cause of trouble and even indicate problems in the animal's health.
Medical factors
A pet may refuse to use a litter box due to various diseases. If the kitten experiences pain when trying to urinate or defecate, then the litter box will subsequently be associated with them. Therefore, the animal stops visiting a specially designated place and looks for another suitable space. With some illnesses, the pet simply does not have time to get to the tray in time. Any illness in an animal causes severe stress, which directly affects its behavior.
Puberty in a cat often brings a lot of inconvenience and worries to its owner. At this time, the animal marks its territory, and the strong smell of urine adds a special secretion. You can determine that this is the problem by the cat’s behavior. Usually during the heat stage she is restless, and only puddles appear in the wrong places.
You cannot punish an animal, as it gives in to its instincts. The pet simply will not understand why he was scolded.
The cat does not go to the litter box in a small way
Such a change in the pet’s behavior indicates not only the animal’s puberty. An adult cat refuses its usual activities due to some illness. This behavioral feature covers a large number of ailments, but most often the following are diagnosed in pets:
1. 1. Urinary incontinence occurs after cat sterilization surgery; this is a complication that requires specialist intervention. It also appears as a result of spinal injury, severe inflammatory processes, pathologies and chronic kidney diseases. It is easy to determine the disease by wet marks in places where the cat slept, sat, ate or played.
2. 2. Cystitis is common in cats; with such inflammation, the pet feels severe pain every time it tries to pass. The inflammatory process is accompanied by a constant urge to urinate, which does not bring success. When the bladder is full, the animal expels urine with difficulty and pain, and sometimes blood is found in it. When sick, a pet often tries to go to the toilet, but leaves a clean place or small puddles.
3. 3. Atony is a pathology or age-related phenomenon that is accompanied by atrophy of bladder tissue. The disease is characterized by the fact that the pet does not feel the urge to urinate, and when the bladder is completely filled, the contents come out under naturally created pressure. Puddles can be of varying volumes, and appear in places where the cat spends time or on the way to the litter box.
4. 4. Urolithiasis in cats is quite common; the symptoms are similar to cystitis. The cause is sand or kidney stones that block the ureters, thereby causing inflammation of the kidneys. Occurs most often due to infection or improper diet (large amount of fish and meat in it).
Suspicions about the presence of a disease in a cat should be checked at a veterinary clinic. Such diseases must be treated as early as possible to prevent complications from developing. The animal is in pain and severe stress, so any punishment from the owner can make the situation even worse.

The lack of dedicated animal clinics can make diagnosis difficult. A routine urine test reveals the presence of an inflammatory process in the urinary system, with increased protein in the indicators. But only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis, since every disease requires the correct selection of medications.
The pet does not go to the litter box in a big way
This animal behavior may be associated with certain diseases. Problems in a kitten’s health can be congenital, but do not appear immediately, or acquired. Bowel function depends on your overall health and nutrition. Problems with visiting the litter box for “big” tasks arise for a variety of reasons; most often you may encounter the following:
1. 1. Diarrhea is accompanied by an unexpected and strong urge to defecate. The cat does not control this process, so it often does not have time to get to the litter box. The cause is usually diet, medications (mostly antibiotics), severe stress, poisoning and other similar factors.
2. 2. Vomiting, especially if it appears in combination with diarrhea, leads to partial bowel movements in the wrong places.
3. 3. Constipation prevents the cat from going to the toilet for a long time, which sometimes leads to a decision to change the place to try. It is quite easy to notice an illness in a domestic cat; you do not have to remove its waste for a long time. A stressful environment, an unbalanced diet and various problems in the intestines can lead to such a problem.
4. 4. Blocked anal glands are characterized by frequent urge to defecate and itching. The pet tries to scratch the anus, usually choosing carpeting and upholstered furniture for this. After such manipulations, traces of feces remain. If a cat rides on its back passage, it is necessary to show it to a veterinarian; the problem can be solved in a timely manner by cleaning the glands in the clinic.
5. 5. Inflammation of the anal glands is a more advanced stage after they are blocked. Added to the symptoms is pain, which is greatly aggravated when attempting to defecate. When you try to scratch the anus, its tissue becomes infected, which worsens the situation.
Many other factors can affect a cat's behavior. Some pets decide at some point to separate areas for natural processes. The pet goes to the litter box, but only in small ways, the rest is done in other places. Or the cat goes into the litter box exclusively in a big way, and makes puddles in any other place it likes.
If this behavior of the cat is not motivated by anything, and there are no health problems, then you need to purchase a second tray. If he settles the pet, then the problem should resolve itself. Understanding an animal is not so easy, so good observation and specialist advice are necessary to determine the cause. It is impossible to solve the situation with punishment, let alone physical force, and it is quite easy to aggravate it.
What to do if your cat avoids the litter box
If an adult cat refuses to go to the toilet in a certain place, it is not so easy to retrain her to do so. The exact reason for the behavior will help to correct it, but it is not always possible to establish it immediately. In such a situation, it is better to act sequentially, using different methods alternately:
1. 1. During the period of sexual heat, hormonal agents are often used to help the cat calm down faster. But most of these drugs are harmful to the pet’s health, so they are used extremely rarely. It is best to sterilize an animal if it has no breeding value. When this opportunity is absent, the owner can only wait until the situation is resolved on its own. It is worth noting that thoroughly cleaning a cat’s marks provokes him to even greater efforts. It is absolutely forbidden to scold a pet; he will not understand the reason for such an attitude. Sterilization has contraindications, the presence of heart failure, acute reaction to anesthesia and age in the range from 7 months to 8 years are good reasons to refuse surgery.
2. 2. When a cat develops a conditioned reflex of avoiding the litter box (due to illness, etc.), it is necessary to teach it to the toilet again, like a kitten. You need to change the tray itself, the filler, its location, possibly several times. Sometimes one change is enough, in other cases you will have to go through all the options, it depends on the situation and the animal itself. The owner needs a reserve of patience, since it is necessary to create a calm environment in the house and treat the pet with care and affection. Sometimes a closed tray solves the problem; the animal feels safe in it. It must be positioned correctly, in a secluded place, but the exit from the tray should be directed towards an open space, and not into a corner.
3. 3. If you have health problems, you must initially solve them directly. Prescription of drugs should be made by a veterinarian based on the diagnosis and individual characteristics of the animal. After treatment, the animal needs peace and care. After the disease is eliminated, the cat will have to be toilet trained again if it does not dare to go to the old litter box.
4. 4. If you can’t guess your pet’s preferences, place several trays of different sizes, side heights and with different types of fillers. From time to time you can swap them around and rearrange them. In such a situation, the cat chooses the most suitable option for it.
5. 5. When your pet goes to the toilet in the same place, placing the tray there will solve the problem. If this method does not help, it is likely that the cat does not like the litter box itself or its litter.
6. 6. To wean a kitten from inappropriate places, you need to carefully rid them of the smell. To do this, you can use scented cleaning products or special sprays that absorb unpleasant odors. It is better to apply them on a damp surface, so the aroma will last longer.
7. 7. It is necessary to monitor the cat and put it in the tray at the first sign. Usually the animal begins to behave restlessly, meowing or digging an imaginary hole.
8. 8. If the problem is psychological and serious, then the animal will not immediately be able to overcome its fears. Every little progress should be encouraged so that the pet feels protected and affectionate.
9. 9. It is best to express your dissatisfaction with intonation; physical force should not be used. This can only make the cat's behavior worse. It makes sense to scold only during the process itself, directly when the pet walks past the tray. At other times, the cat will not understand why the owner is so angry and will simply experience fear.
10. 10. If problems began due to stress, an appropriate environment will help to cope with it. It is recommended to give your cat special food Royal Canin Colm, it neutralizes anxiety. Use Kot Bayun, Fitex or Stop Stress. The specialist may recommend other medications depending on the situation.
11. 11. Places where the cat likes to go to the toilet should be protected from it as much as possible. Place large furniture on them, regularly treat them with sprays, and cover them with rustling paper or film.
12. 12. The animal's tray must be kept clean, as well as the entire area around it. The smell of the products should be neutral so as not to scare away the kitten.
13. 13. It is necessary to ensure proper and balanced nutrition. Diet is of great importance in the functioning of a pet’s body, and a lack of any substances leads to ailments and diseases.
14. 14. The cat should be provided with a calm environment and a place where it will feel safe. A special closed house will allow the animal to rest peacefully, which is very important in the fight against stress.

Not every cat owner will find out why the cat does not go to the litter box, but will simply put it out the door. This is understandable - you can put up with a pungent smell and puddles only if you have great love for your pet and a desire to rehabilitate it.

Main reasons

As a rule, a kitten purchased from a breeder is trained to use the litter box by its mother.. The skill is fixed and remains unchanged if the animal is in good health, both mental and physiological. The reasons for sudden deviation from the norm should also be sought in these two areas.

First time in a new house

The most difficult thing is with a cat picked up on the street, since he is basically unfamiliar with a stationary toilet. In this case, it will take a lot of patience and attention to promptly pick up and transfer to the litter box a kitten that is showing typical signs of anxiety before urination/defecation.

Important! The situation is complicated by stress (moving to a new home) and can drag on for a week. If the cat managed to wander by, orient it by soaking a napkin in the urine and putting it in the tray.

It’s a little easier in this regard with a purebred, already trained cat, but the tray will need to be shown to him too.

Wrong tray

What your cat doesn’t like about the toilet, she will decide for herself.

Among the parameters that cause rejection may be the following:

tray dimensions;
its depth;
width of sides;
closedness/openness;
smell of plastic;
color.

You should especially not rush when replacing the tray: do not throw away the old one until you are sure that the cat enjoys going to the new one.

Unsuitable filler

Several options are possible here as well. Sometimes rejection is caused by the fragrance with which the fillers are impregnated (you may like the aroma, but not your pet). It is possible that the cat is being capricious due to the texture of the granules or their insufficient density: the animal will not relieve itself in something that sticks to its paws.

Sometimes tastes transform immediately after a change of home - for example, a cat refuses to go to the usual wood filler, but becomes exemplary when the owner

Inappropriate location for the tray

You may have placed the container poorly by choosing a place that is too open, walk-through, or brightly lit. Of course, not all cats are shy, but some cats shy away from prying eyes, preferring privacy and relative darkness.

Important! In country mansions, it is better to place several containers on different floors and around the perimeter so that the pet has time to carry its excrement to the target.

If your cat knows where his litter box is, but for some reason misses it when he relieves himself nearby, try moving the litter box to find the optimal position.

Problems of the genitourinary system

If you suspect there is a health problem causing your pet to urinate past the litter box, take him to the clinic.

The animal may well have one of the following abnormalities:

atony– pathological/age-related disorder accompanied by bladder atrophy. The latter turns into a flabby sac, filled to capacity, from where urine comes out only under pressure;
– the animal wants, but cannot, go to the toilet due to stones/sand that have blocked the ureters or caused inflammation of the kidneys;
urinary incontinence– often develops as a complication after sterilization or spinal injuries, as well as in renal pathologies (acute/chronic). Incontinence is detected by wet marks where the pet sleeps and sits;
– an animal, experiencing pain (as with urinary tract disease), wants, but cannot, urinate. Urine (often mixed with blood) comes out only when the bladder is full.

In reality, there may be many more reasons for deviant behavior, but a doctor must understand them.

Stress in an animal

Cats, despite their ostentatious equanimity and fearlessness, have a subtle mental organization and are capable of getting nervous for various, even insignificant (in human opinion) reasons. Unexpected events, people (friends and strangers), as well as domestic animals become catalysts for stress. It could be:

change of place of residence (moving);
the appearance of a baby/another animal in the family;
renovation with noise and strong odors;
going to a cat show or clinic;
the presence of strangers in the apartment;
intraspecific aggression (establishment of hierarchy when a second cat appears).

This is not a complete list of factors that lead to increased anxiety, resentment, or revenge in your cat. She is unable to complain, so she resorts to an accessible non-verbal means of expressing her anger - shitting past the tray.

In this case, swearing will only do harm - first try to provide peace of mind by removing (if possible) the source of stress. If this is not possible, try to create the illusion of control over what is happening: for example, arrange a cat house/bed on some hill. Being above your heads, the cat will feel like the ruler of the world, and all his fears will disappear by themselves.

Gender marks

They appear, logically, at the time of puberty: the cat raises its tail, spraying a caustic secretion throughout the house and not forgetting the strategically important area near the entrance. In just a couple of days you will get tired of scrubbing corners/floors, cleaning furniture and washing things. Flavorings are also not a solution: most of them mask the aroma of urea for a short time.

A considerable part of owners decide to eradicate the sexual instinct of their charges with the help of heavy artillery (hormonal drugs), without particularly thinking about their danger to the body. It has long been proven that hormonal injections and pills significantly increase the risk of cancer abnormalities. A radical way to get rid of sex marks is to remove the reproductive organs, which, however, is not indicated for all animals.

This is interesting! Breeding or old (after 7 years) cats, as well as those who cannot tolerate general anesthesia or have a heart condition, are exempt from the operation.

Remove odor in marked areas

The list of prohibited odor control products includes those that contain chlorine (due to its high toxicity) and ammonia. Take advantage of powerful oxidizing agents, such as:

vinegar (only in aqueous solution);
potassium permanganate (often used in urology);
hydrogen peroxide;
lemon juice;
iodine (10-20 drops per 1 liter of water).

Common antibacterial liquids, including tea leaves, alcohol, soda solution (concentrated), vodka and mouthwash, can help remove fresh cat urine stains. In addition, glycerin, which is included in laundry soap, breaks down uric acid crystals quite well.

Now effective flavoring agents (with enzymes) have appeared on the market, not only neutralizing odor, but also destroying uric salt crystals.

We especially note the following foreign drugs:

“Just for cats Stain&Odor Remover” (Nature’s Miracle);
"Urine Off";
"Odor Kill & Stain Remover" (ATX);
"Pet Stain&Odor Remover" (Hartz);
"Complete Pet Stain&Odor Remover" from 8 in1.

All products are of high quality and are recommended even for leather surfaces. The only thing you need to remember is that the skin cannot be wetted too much, which is why it is processed in stages. Among domestic drugs, “Bio-G”, “DezoSan” and “Zoosan”, containing special enzymes, are popular.

It is sometimes necessary to retrain a cat after prolonged treatment, especially if going to the toilet (during illness) was accompanied by noticeable pain. The animal has developed a reflex to ignore the tray, so you must do the following:

change container;
change the type of filler;
help adapt to the new tray.

You will have to act in the same way as with a kitten, condescendingly and patiently. Remember to talk to your cat and reward him for his progress in learning his new litter box.

How quickly can cute Fluffy turn into an “ungrateful brute”? Desperate owners of cats who suddenly stopped defecating in the litter box and turned the entire apartment into their personal toilet can tell you about this.

Living in such conditions becomes unbearable, and something must be done. The strategy of your actions will depend on the reason for such a sharp change in the animal’s behavioral habits.

Health problem

Do not rush to scold your pet - perhaps this situation arose due to a disease that cannot be recognized by sight. Excessively frequent urination, when the cat simply does not have time to reach the litter box, is often associated with various pathologies. It can be:

injuries (especially when the blow was to the stomach or kidney area);
cystitis (inflammatory process in the bladder);
stones in the kidneys;
disorders of the nervous system due to stroke or brain tumor;
severe pain of any etiology, when the animal’s normal reactions are disrupted.

Therefore, the first step to get rid of the problem is to show the cat to a veterinarian, get tested and undergo the necessary examinations. And only when the pathology of the internal organs is excluded, do we look for other causes.

Protest against inconvenience

Particularly clean cats may refuse to go to the litter box if it is not clean enough or if there are foreign odors in it. They may react this way even if you just scooped the litter in with a dirty scoop. Sometimes even garbage and dirt next to the litter box can discourage a cat from going to this place.

A capricious, spoiled animal may simply not like the tray itself. Cats do not like cheap plastic stampings because of their strong chemical smell - keep this in mind and do not try to save money on such an important item for your pet. You may not like the size or shape of the new tray. So don’t rush to throw away the old one (even if it’s unpresentable, but it’s dear) - in case you have to return the cat to its rightful property.

Your pet may outright refuse the litter box if for some reason you switch to a different litter. Or suddenly you don’t like the old one, this also happens - try switching to another one. Do not overuse odor neutralizers and other aromatic substances in the room where the tray is located - cats can react unpredictably to even the most common odors.

Another important point is privacy. If you see almost human traits in your pet, you will understand that he, like you, needs privacy to perform his natural needs. And if the cat stops going to the litter box, just try moving it to a more secluded place.

Experiment, and with a high degree of probability the problem will be solved.

Something happened to the delicate cat's psyche

There are several psychogenic factors that can also cause litter box refusal.

For example, during periods when an animal is looking for a partner for mating, it marks its territory. Sometimes this process becomes too intense, and the owners grab their heads. In this case, it may be worth consulting your veterinarian about neutering. Usually, after such an operation, problems with the toilet no longer arise.

It happens that a cat stops going to the litter box after severe stress. Animals have a hard time with moving, the birth of a child, a change in daily routine (for example, when a beloved owner returns from maternity leave to work), and the appearance of other animals in the house. In such a situation, shouting and swearing will only make the problem worse. Be tolerant of your pet, create a calm atmosphere for him. Consult your veterinarian - it may be worth correcting the cat’s condition with the help of herbal-based sedatives.

Rest assured: love and patience will help you cope with your toilet problem.