I have a cat that has an unusual problem. When it uses the litter box, it scratches and digs on the sides of the litter box in an effort to cover up its feces instead of actually scooping the litter over the waste itself. Although I have thought about buying a bigger litter box, I dont think size is an issue, because he is less than 10lbs and has more than enough room to get in there and do his business (he even digs holes). Does anyone know if this is some sort of behavioral or mental issue and if so, could give me some tips on how to correct the problem?
2007-01-01 18:32:01 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I wish I had an answer for you but I don't.
I can only tell you that according to my Vet it's a very common problem amoung he said it happens with females but is much more commom with males.
We have four cats, three females and one male.
Two of the females cover, the other female and the male don't.
They do just what you said your cat does, they scratch the sides of the box to cover and not the litter itself.
I tried getting bigger litter boxes, but that didn't help so don't bother doing that.
It's not really a problem for use, because one of the females that does cover her own business will go in and cover everyone elses too!!
So don't worry that there's anything wrong with your cat, there isn't some just do not cover.
2007-01-02 01:08:07 · answer #1 · answered by gracieandlizzie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a younger cat you may need to teach him how to cover it up, (at least his natural instincts are working) . I have had to teach some . When he goes and starts the digging just help guide him in what to do .take his paw and cover the poop while talking nice to him, soon he should get the idea. An older cat may take longer if ever.
2007-01-02 02:47:41 · answer #2 · answered by Robert F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cat did that for 17 years, and aside from i never thought she was firing on all cylinders i just cleaned the cat box everyday and it wasn't an issue. good luck. if you have the extra money and this is driving you nuts there is a cat box that automatically moves soiled litter into a bag or something as soon as the cat leaves the box or stops waxing the sides of it with his paws as we said ours was doing.
2007-01-02 02:38:43 · answer #3 · answered by bad kitty 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
At least, it makes an effort not like the ones around here. I go around with a shovel on a regular basis.
2007-01-02 02:37:45 · answer #4 · answered by dot&carryone. 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cover it up with your hands
2007-01-02 03:45:13 · answer #5 · answered by Adam 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋