Is your cat 'thinking outside the box'?
Most common reasons cats urinate outside the box:
1. The litter is dirty / not scooped often enough
2. Too few litter boxes (you need at least 1 box per cat)
3. The box is too small or they can't get into the box properly
4. Too much or not enough litter
6. Doesn't like the type of litter being used
7. The box smells like cleaner (especially ammonia)
8. Stressors like moving, adding new animals or family members to the household
9. A conflict with another cat in the household
10. They feel sick [possible urinary infection, feline interstitial cystitis, bladder stones or blockage]
What you can try:
1. Have a vet rule out a health problem
2. Scoop the litter box at least once a day
3. Regularly clean the box with baking soda or unscented soap
4. Use clumping, unscented litter of a medium to fine texture
5. Move the litter box to a quiet, low-light location where your cat is able to see anyone approaching and can escape quickly
6. The litter box should be out of sight of their food and water dishes
7. If your cat is old or arthritic, use a litter box with low sides so she can get in and out easily
8. If you live in a multi-storey residence, place a box on each level
Source: www.petplace.com; www.pets.webmd.com
