Cat Not Using the Litter Box? Help in Durham Region & Across Canada.
If your cat has started going outside the litter box, you’re probably frustrated, worried, and tired of cleaning up. You’re not alone, and it’s almost never about spite. Your cat is telling you something isn’t right. Litter box problems are also a common reason cats end up surrendered to shelters, and most of them can be solved once the cause is found.
Start with a vet visit
Sudden changes in bathroom habits can be a sign of a medical problem, such as a urinary tract issue, so I always ask clients to have their vet check their cat first. If your cat is straining, crying in the box, passing blood, or going to the box constantly with little result, call your vet right away. A male cat who is straining and can’t pass urine is an emergency.
Why cats avoid the litter box
Once health is ruled out, common causes include:
- The type of litter, box style, size or location
- Stress from a move, a new pet, a new baby or household changes
- Conflict between cats, including tension you may not see
- Not enough boxes (a good guide is one per cat, plus one extra)
- Cleaning habits or products that put your cat off
- Anxiety, fear or past negative experiences with the box
How I help
Every cat and home is different, so I don’t hand out a generic checklist. I’ll:
- Learn your cat’s history, routine and home setup
- Work out what’s driving the behaviour
- Build a plan to match, using positive reinforcement and cat-friendly changes to the environment
- Support you as you put it into practice and adjust as needed
I offer in-home visits in Durham Region and virtual sessions across Canada.