My 2 cats are both litter trained and I see them both using the litter box on a daily basis. Either one or both of them have been using the bathtub for their number 2 business just about every day on top of what they do in the box. Why are they doing this and how can I make them stop?!
2006-09-04 15:10:01 · 15 answers · asked by Tracy O 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
My cat did the same thing. I don't know why she did it....crazy cats!!! We ended up putting some water into the bathtub wile we were not there. Or also shutting the bathroom door. Also, maybe try scrubbing the bathtub with ammonia so they cannot smell the scent. They may quit then. Good Luck!!
2006-09-04 15:17:51 · answer #1 · answered by hello_heather_03 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very unlikely that they are using the bathtub to deliberately upset you. There is either something going on that they don't like and they are trying to get you to think about it/realize what it is OR some type of change occurred and they are responding negatively to the change without even realizing it. It could be that you used a different type of kitty litter in the past (and they don't like the type you are using now,) it could be that the litter box was in a different place in the past (and they don't like where it is now,) it could be that you are using some type of household cleaner that irritates them or is toxic to them (you should be using natural/organic cleaners anyway,) it could be the litter box is not always as clean as they would like it to be, it could be that they are not getting as much attention as they want or feel they need from you, it could be that someone has moved into your house and made some changes... ... ...the possibilities are endless! I have a friend who leaves her three cats alone in the house for three days and nights each week because she has to travel for her job. In the past, she had a roommate who lived there and took care of the cats while she was away. When the roommate moved out, my friend started working at home, so all was well with the cats. Then, my friend had to start travelling for her job again and her cats started doing what your cats are doing (using both the litter box and the bathtub) - presumably because they were unhappy about her being away so much of the time. I advised her to talk sweetly and sincerely to the cats for at least ten minutes before leaving town each week. I also advised her to use only unscented, scoopable litter. She took my advice and it worked! The cats stopped using the bathtub!
2006-09-04 15:53:02 · answer #2 · answered by Carolyn K. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep the bathroom door closed - block the bath tub - clean the litter box or add a second litter box - place a rubber mat with the nubs facing up so that cats do not like that feeling under their feet and they will stay out of the tub or you can put like 1 or 2 inches of water in the tub -
I think they need an extra litter box - sometimes cats like to do #1 in one box and # 2 in a different box - what have you got to loose by making a second box for them?
2006-09-04 15:16:10 · answer #3 · answered by Angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the number one reason cats stop using the box is the litter isn't being cleaned enough. scoop it out daily. also since you have two cats maybe get another box. some cats have space issues. good luck!
2006-09-04 15:17:10 · answer #4 · answered by rose45 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think there are three possibilities here:
(1) You need to provide another litterbox. Rememeber the litterbox rule # of cats + 1. Even if they have used the same box in the past they may want one of their own now.
(2) The "culprit" may be having a problem with constipation. It hurts him to move his bowels and he associates the box with the difficulty or pain he is having in relieving himself.
(3) Many cats prefer to use one box for urine and have another box for poo. It's just a quirky behavior they may develop.
2006-09-04 15:18:10 · answer #5 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
put a small bit of water in the tub, they won't get in there if water is in it. It should only take a couple days for them to get retrained to the litterbox. Also make sure you clean the litterbox everyday. Cats do not like dirty boxes. Dirty boxes will cause them to seek other places to relieve themselves
2006-09-04 15:17:13 · answer #6 · answered by Billy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fill the bathtub up with litter for the cats and shower in their litter box!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-09-04 17:05:04 · answer #7 · answered by Zephyr 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure the litter is clean enough for them? Cats are very fussy animals.
2006-09-04 15:40:02 · answer #8 · answered by doglover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try the water thing... but if that doesn't work... try putting tape in the tub sticky side up.... and on the edge... cats HATE to get tape on their paws...or fur in general...
just a couple of long strips should do it... try the clear packing tape.
2006-09-04 15:17:12 · answer #9 · answered by pink girlie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try putting a couple of inches of water in the tub for a few days. Once you break the habit, they may not revert.
2006-09-04 15:13:42 · answer #10 · answered by blackfangz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋