Having a kitten as a pet is a privilege and a great responsibility, ensuring a life full of good times, but also with certain challenges and fears that not everyone knows how to face.
Among the most common challenges cat owners face is the litter box and the big question ofwhy doesn’t your cat use its litter box?
This is a problem that affects not only the most novice owners, and can become a major source of suffering for both the feline and the person.
From health problems to the particular tastes of each cat, what leads to cats not wanting to use their litter box? Find out more below.
Medical causes
Warning signs should be triggered immediately when a kitten, who has never before shown complications with its litter box, suddenly stops using it without an external triggering factor.
Detecting diseases or ailments in cats is a difficult task, since they hide their discomfort until the last moment, but if there is something that usually gives them away, it is their behavior when defecating or urinating.
These pathologies can range from infections, diarrhea or constipation, renal or gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, neurological diseases, cognitive dysfunction, visual or olfactory problems, osteoarthritis, hyperthyroidism, among others.
It is of utmost importance to take the feline to a veterinarian to rule out any medical cause that may be causing this behavior.
Sandbox problems
The relationship of cats with the litter box is complicated, on the one hand, it is their greatest ally, but on the other hand, if it does not meet the minimum requirements to be to their liking, they will never want to know about it in their lives.
Choosing the wrong box or litter is the most common cause of cat aversion to litter boxes.
The location, the size of the box and the type of litter used are crucial factors for felines, and for people if they do not want accidents in the home.
In many cases, what seems most convenient for the person is not really convenient for the kitty, and this is usually the trigger for the problem.
Emotional and external factors
Cats, although it may not seem like it, are highly susceptible to stress and anxiety, and certain changes or situations that may seem threatening to them could lead them to develop a fear of using the litter box.
It is not uncommon that after a move, change of routine or the arrival of a new member of the household (human or not), the cat stops using its litter box, as a clear manifestation of its confusion in the face of such changes.
Even something that may seem so small, such as changing the location of a piece of furniture or the box itself, can cause this.
On the other hand, when there is a latent threat to the feline, such as other animals, cats or children, its fear of being vulnerable while relieving itself will lead it to look for a safer place away from risks.
This is closely related to the location of the litter box, coexistence with other cats and cases of territorial marking.
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