[Written by a Veterinarian] Why isn't my rescue cat using the litter box, or making messes? Choosing litter that suits the habits of former strays, and training to correct inappropriate urination.

"The rescue cat I finally brought home won't use the litter box I prepared..." or "They peed on my bedding." Have you ever had an experience like this?

Cats instinctively recognize where to go to the bathroom and are usually animals that don't struggle with litter box training. If they aren't learning, there is always a "reason why they don't want to use it" from the cat's perspective. In this article, after understanding the habits unique to former stray cats, we will explain the "training" and environmental improvements needed to stop accidents and get them to eliminate in the proper place.

Why do they fail? 3 psychological and environmental reasons why rescue cats don't learn to use the litter box

1. They don't like the feel of the "cat litter" (habits of former strays)

It is said that the cat's ancestor is the African wildcat, which lived in the desert. Therefore, they are instinctively programmed to eliminate in sandy areas. Also, cats that lived outdoors are used to eliminating on soft soil or gravel.

Because cat litter for house cats often has large or hard granules, they often feel discomfort in their paw pads, and because they "feel pain in the soles of their feet," they may not like the litter box.

2. The location is "scary" or "unsettling"

Because cats are defenseless when they eliminate, they prefer places where they can feel safe using the litter box. Since rescue cats are highly vigilant, they cannot eliminate in places where people come and go frequently or places with loud noises, such as next to a washing machine. Also, if there is a resident cat, they might be afraid they will be "attacked" and unable to approach if the litter box is within the resident cat's territory.

3. The litter box is dirty or too small

Cats dislike dirty litter boxes. It is thought this is because, instinctively, they do not want their location to be identified by the odor of their waste, or because they want to mark their territory. Therefore, they dislike litter boxes that contain waste.

In addition, small litter boxes that don't allow them to fit entirely inside, or covered types where odors linger, may also be unsuitable for vigilant rescue cats. Imagine a cat living outside. They eliminate in places like a park sandbox where it is open, they can see their surroundings, and they can run away immediately. For house cats, a large, open litter box similar to that is considered desirable.

Even former stray cats will definitely learn! Basic litter box training and how to choose "litter"

Start with "mineral-based" litter

The texture closest to natural sand or soil is mineral-based cat litter, such as bentonite.

Even if you want to use a system litter box, the first priority is to use mineral-based litter to teach them that "this is a place where it is okay to dig." Fill it with plenty of litter to a depth of at least 5 cm. If you want to change to a different type of cat litter in the future, gradually transition to other litter once they have gotten used to the litter box.

Make it a "safe place" by adding their own scent

Soak some of the urine from where they had an accident onto a tissue, and bury it inside the litter box. This is the most basic and effective training method to make them recognize that "it smells like me = this is my territory (litter box)." Do the same for poop; if they have an accident, put it inside the litter box.

Guide them to the litter box when they act restless (identify the timing)

When they wake up or after eating, if they start sniffing the floor or wandering around restlessly, these are signs they need to eliminate.

Gently pick them up and bring them to the litter box. If they are successful, do not praise them with a loud voice; watch over them quietly, and when they are finished, give them a treat to associate the act with something "good."

How to deal with persistent accidents on bedding or sofas and the possibility of "illness"

Perform "thorough deodorization" and "physical blocking" where the accident occurred

Cats remember the place where they peed once as a "litter box." Use an enzymatic bleach or a deodorizing spray for pets to completely break down the odor components.

If they continue to repeat the behavior, it is better to replace the item if it is replaceable. If it is difficult to replace, physical measures such as covering the spot with a waterproof sheet or keeping them out of the room are effective.

Re-evaluate the litter box environment

If the litter box is unappealing or there are too few of them, this can also cause accidents. For the litter box size, try one that is 1.5 times the cat's body length (a size that allows them to move around easily even when they enter the back of the box), and try preparing several types of litter, such as paper, mineral, or pellets. The desirable number of litter boxes is the number of cats + 1. When keeping multiple cats, it is necessary to use ingenuity, such as leaving space between boxes or installing them in different rooms rather than putting them all in one place.

Could it be a sign of cystitis or urinary stones?

If they continue to go outside the litter box no matter how much you teach them, if the amount of urine is extremely small, or if the color is dark or contains blood, it may be caused by pain from cystitis or urinary stones. In the case of illness, because there is pain or discomfort during elimination, they learn that "it hurts to go to the litter box," and they start avoiding it. If they have accidents repeatedly, do not try to solve it with training, but visit a veterinary clinic immediately.

They may endure it even if they cannot enter because another cat is there or the litter box is dirty, which can lead to the cause of cystitis or urinary stones, so re-evaluate your litter box environment at the same time as getting a medical examination.

Summary

The reason rescue cats don't learn to use the litter box is that they have their own reasons and anxieties. Never scold them, and try to find the cause. If you change the litter to "something closer to nature" and set up a quiet, safe environment, they will surely start using the litter box. Being patient and dealing with it persistently is the first step to deepening the bond of trust with your cat.

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