I bought a kitten about a year ago and this kitten will continue to dig in her litter box for 15-20 minutes after she goes to the bathroom. I have tried changing litter and how much I put in, but nothing works. I have owned 3 cats before and none of them would do this. Her digging is very annoying when I am sleeping.
2006-10-23 07:20:25 · 24 answers · asked by Jon M. 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
maybe she's obsessive compulsive?
2006-10-23 07:30:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first the digging is normal I have 3 cats and 2 dig for extended times. Especially when I have just cleaned it I think he is inspecting my work.
second it may be the cat box needs to be cleaned with Clorox. Before I change the litter I add lots of water and a tad of Clorox and make sure I rinse well. Then I put new litter in I do this once a month but you may need to do it more.
When my cats smell dirty litter they dig until they find a place that does not smell and when they go they like to bury it till they smell nothing. Switching to a litter that has a light smell to it helps.
Third I use the clumping litter because it does a better job. I use the cheap stuff at pet smart and also a box of scoop away plus crystals for more Oder control. I also clean my litter once a day.
2006-10-23 07:32:03 · answer #2 · answered by squirell 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our cat sometimes does this too - though not for 20 minutes. I also ask her if she's planning to dig to China. :) Anyway, if you have room, I would agree about placing the litter box far enough away from your bedroom that you won't hear it. Or else maybe close your bedroom door? (That is, if your cat then won't cry to get in.) I also wanted to say that I would NOT recommend trying any sort of thing to startle or "freak her out" as someone upthread mentioned. This might only serve to give her a negative association to the litter box - then you may have a whole different and worse problem on your hands - she stops using the litter box completely.
2006-10-23 10:55:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When she starts digging make a loud noise to distract her. I tried this with my cat and it worked for the most part. Clap your hands and yell 'Hey!' at the same time. Or tap the side of the box with your foot while she's digging to freak her out. You could also try shaking an aluminum can with pennies in it. Just try to distract her because eventually she will associate the noise with digging and refrain.
I don't know why they continue to dig but it is annoying. My cat only digs once in a while and if I say her name while she's doing it she stops right away. She's expecting a noise.
Of coarse moving the litter box out of earshot from where you sleep would be another viable solution- but maybe not practical.
Hope this helps and have a great day!!! And give a 'Meow" from my cats, Figaro & Rosina, to yours!!!
2006-10-23 07:30:33 · answer #4 · answered by Coo coo achoo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cat does the same thing, we jokingly call it, digging his way to China syndrome. The best you can do is put the cat box as far away from your bedroom as possible. You can't mess with a cat's natural instinct to dig. I usually wait about five minutes, then yell at the cat, he's trained to stop now, and I figure five minutes is enough for him to get it out of his system without messing him up psychologically.
2006-10-23 07:29:43 · answer #5 · answered by phantomlimb7 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would move the litter box to another room. Cats like to dig in their litter boxes.
2006-10-23 08:12:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a cat that was obsessive about covering her waste as well. I tried to stop her but to no avail. Eventually I just relocated the box so I didn't have to hear her obsessive digging.
2006-10-23 07:53:45 · answer #7 · answered by msnite1969 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mine acts like hes burying the whole litter box lol. i have a automatic litter box . it wont go off while hes in it . but i think hes just trying to clean his feet. there isnt much you can do you cant stop him . some kittys are just strange that way. buy a covered litter box or put it where you cant hear him
2006-10-23 07:25:29 · answer #8 · answered by james w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wonder how often you clean the litter box. I used clumping litter and cleaned it once or twice a day. I think possibly she is now finding enough clean litter to cover up her stuff. Or, it could just be a habit she has developed -- maybe she has OCD.
Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
2006-10-23 07:23:21 · answer #9 · answered by jboatright57 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All cats are different! I have one that paints the walls , the windows , the mirrors. Every cat has a different personality. My cats can't wait till I change the ltter to stink it out. Theres no problem with him digging, he probably likes the feel on his paws.
2006-10-23 07:23:14 · answer #10 · answered by Nonna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put her in a room far away from your bed room if its making a mess get a litter box with a cap on it
2006-10-23 07:47:00 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋