We live on a farm and have 3 one year old cats who use my kid's sandbox as a litter box all the time. We have a fenced in yard for our kids but the gates are too high to keep the cats out. Is there anythign I can use to deture them from the sandbox?
2006-10-24 12:53:39 · 24 answers · asked by nicalbers 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I hate to tell you this, but short of keeping the sand box covered, you won't be able to keep the cats out. They look at that and think, "How sweet! Our humans made us a great big litter box."
2006-10-24 12:56:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Difficult to persuade a cat to stop doing something it likes to do -- and using a sand box for a litter box is much easier than digging holes in the dirt. However -- you might try putting a lid on the sand box that you can remove when your children are playing in it and cover up when they're finished. Not a perfect solution but about the only one with any chance of success. Anything you put in the sand to deter the cats would be unpleasant for the kids as well.
2006-10-24 12:57:57 · answer #2 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi... It sound like it could be one of two things. 1. It could be the litter your cat doesn't like. Does it have a fragrance? Contrary to what most people think and even litter manufacturers believe, cat's don't like fragrance. It will prohibit them from using the box. Also, it may be the texture of the litter it doesn't like. The one that works great for me is The World's Best Cat Litter, made of corn. It is clumping, but is digestible so it won't hurt the cat's intestines, etc. 2. It may be the placement of the litter box. Cat's like privacy. It should be in a quiet place, not next to noisy objects like the air conditioning unit, furnace, dryer, washer. These objects are noisy and may startle the cat. But don't put it in a closet that is totally dark either. They really can't see in total darkness, contrary to popular belief. Is your basement totally dark? You may need to put a night light or leave another small light on, for the cat. If the cat is not sick it is probably one of these issues. Have a look at the sources. They will help clarify your concerns. You can correct this situation. Best to you.
2016-03-28 06:35:35 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll have to cover the sandbox with a tarp or a sheet of plastic. You can get those pretty inexpensively at Walmart or Big Lots. Cats aren't going to understand that the sand is off limits. They're just doing what comes naturally.
2006-10-24 13:02:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing I know you can do is cover it..make a plywood lid and cover it when the kids are not using it. Also keep an area of the yard dug up at all times..they may be willing to use the soft dirt and give up the sandbox.
2006-10-24 12:58:52 · answer #5 · answered by jst4pat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem with stray cats using the sand as a litter box. I did some research on the web and you can sprinkle lemon juice any where you do not want them to use the bathroom. They will not go their. I thought it sounded weird but it actually worked. Good luck!
2006-10-24 13:46:07 · answer #6 · answered by Curious 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's not much you can do , but cover the sandbox .
Once the smell's in the sandbox , they'll use it again .
Unless you want to change the sand all the time .
2006-10-24 13:02:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make a cover for the sandbox.
2006-10-24 13:08:25 · answer #8 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put a cover on the sandbox
2006-10-24 12:55:39 · answer #9 · answered by lilbit_883_hugger 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to cover it, it's the only way top keep them put. Toys R Us sells all kinds of covered sandboxes ranging anywhere from 29.99 to 79.99. Used to work there. If your husbands crafty he should be able to make a frame big enough to cover it.
2006-10-24 13:02:39 · answer #10 · answered by sookie1969 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋