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There are two main categories of causes for a cat litter box problem: physical problems or behavioral issues. If your cat is experiencing difficulty, the first thing you should do is have your veterinarian rule out physical causes. Cats are creatures of habit and will normally use the box once trained. 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 good reasons your cat won't use the box. 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. 2. Painful Bowel Movements - obviously a similar situation applies. For example, if your cat is constipated and it causes her pain to have a bowel movement, she will associate pain with the litter box. When she finally does work things out, so to speak, it may be on the living room floor instead of 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. Many readers believe that litter box problems are always behavioral. I hope this article has shed some light on other possibilities. If your cat is having a physical problem that you are unaware of, your vet can help sort that out. Once you determine the source of the problem is pain, then your vet can treat the cause. The treatments will vary for For painful urination, bowel movements, or joint or muscle pain depending upon the underlying cause. Some retraining will probably be required. You'll also need a lot of patience to help your cat readjust. If your cat has a limited mobility problem, there may be some things you can do to help that, in addition to veterinary care. In any case, make it as easy on your cat as possible. A low litter box that your cat doesn't have to step too high into is a good start. A large box that your cat can easily move around in is another idea. After a physical cause of your cat's litter box problem is determined, you can then work with your vet to help your cat recover. Any issues that cause your cat a bad litter box experience should be dealt with as soon as possible. The earlier you catch these problems, the easier it is to deal with.
Article Source: http://www.rightarticle.com
About the author: Kurt Schmitt publishes Cat Lovers Only as a guide for pet owners. For the behavioral causes of a cat litter box problem and a longer version of this article, see the web site. Click here to get your own unique version of this article from the Unique Articles Submissions Service
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