Check and improve the litter box environment
Cleaning the litter box:The cleanliness of the litter box is very important for cats. If there is too much excrement in the litter box, the litter becomes dirty, or there is an odor, the cat may dislike and refuse to use it.
Regularly remove solid excrement from the litter box and replace the litter box to keep it clean and hygienic. It is recommended to clean the litter box at least 1-3 times a day, thoroughly scrub it once a month, and expose it to sunlight for disinfection.
Choose the appropriate cat litter:
Different cats like different types of litter. You can try providing cats with different types of litter, such as soft, clumped, or crystal shaped, to observe their reactions and find the type of litter they like.
Replace the litter box:
If the litter box is too small or too deep, cats may feel uncomfortable. Choose a suitable litter box that is at least one circle larger than the cat's body size and of moderate depth, allowing the cat to use it comfortably.
Adjust the position of the litter box:
The litter box should be placed in a quiet, private, and convenient place for cats to enter and exit, avoiding noisy or crowded areas. If the position of the litter box is not suitable, cats may refuse to use it due to a lack of security.
Observe the behavior and health status of cats
Observe whether the cat has any abnormal behavior:If a cat suddenly becomes unwilling to defecate or urinate in the litter box, pay attention to whether the cat shows any pain or discomfort, such as frequent entry and exit of the litter box without excreta, making noises during urination, etc.
Consider whether the cat is in heat:
If a cat is not neutered and in estrus, it may urinate outside the litter box in order to mark territory or attract the opposite sex. At this point, you can consider taking your cat to a pet hospital for sterilization surgery.
Check if the cat has any urinary tract problems:
If a cat frequently urinates outside the litter box, accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty urinating and pain, it may indicate urinary tract problems such as urethritis and cystitis. It is recommended to take the cat to a pet hospital for examination and treatment in a timely manner.
Establish good toilet habits
Guide cats to use litter boxes:Regularly take cats to the vicinity of the litter box and use inducers such as catgrass or catnip to attract them into the litter box. When cats use the toilet in the right place, give rewards and praise to let them know that using the toilet in the right place is worth it.
Avoiding punishment:
If a cat is using the toilet in the wrong place, do not punish it. This will only make the cat feel stressed and fearful, further affecting its toileting behavior. On the contrary, one should patiently guide and correct erroneous behavior, encourage and reward correct behavior.
