We have a cat that absolutely will not use the litterbox. Can you suggest any training methods?

Question

We have a cat approximately 3 years old. She is spending more time indoors now (with the very cold temps here) and she absolutely will not use a litterbox. We have two other cats who are housebroken, but this particular cat will go to the bathroom right outside the box, or wherever she feels the need. She has been spayed and has a very good demeanor and is very loving and calm. Unfortunately she never performs her duties in the sand box. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

For multiple cats you need to have multiple boxes -or at least it is suggested. I had a similar problem and there are a few things we did. First you should speak with your vet - is the cat having issues as in straining when trying to go? That could be a sign of infection - and if a cat is straining - they can attribute the pain of urinating to the cat box itself - causing the cat to go outside the box. Another thing I suggest is putting the cat inside the and taking their paw and scratching it against the litter. cats try and cover up by digging after they go. So by simulating the action before hand - it helps them to understand this is the place. And of course make sure the box is always clean! Good luck!! but be sure to consult with your vet to ensure your cat isn't sick.

Answer 2

This can be disheartening and stressful,especially when you like the cat. It sounds as if she has made some sort of effort to go, but then if she goes wherever she wants, maybe it's pure chance. Has she gone to the vet recently? I have heard sometimes they can have a bladder problem. Do the other cats chase her out of the box when she tries to use it? My cat did this to the new cat and of course it really spooked the new cat, but they eventually got to be communal with the box. LOL!!! You may just have to really watch her and if she crouches or squats like she is fixing to let loose, take her to the box and do the little digging motions with her paws. Sometimes this alone will work, but I am assuming you have done this. Another thing to try--- make sure you clean everything up with a ph cat urine/poo cleaning soap so they won't try and use that same spot again-- and if you find some of HER waste, let her sniff it and make sure she sees you put it in the box. Put her in the box with it and let her sniff it again. That way she'll know 'hey, I've gone in here beforre!" Gross sounding, but it has worked for me.Maybe also try another litterbox (2 boxes) Good luck, it's nice you are so tolerant.

Answer 3

You could get extra litter boxes. Get one with the hoods and keep all of the litter boxes extra clean. I have never meet a cat who wouldn't use a clean litter box.Could it be that the other cats have already used it and you haven't gotten around to scooping it out yet? All of my cats( I am a 58 year old woman who has owned cats all of my life) My cats have all sat and watched me clean out the litter box the hop right in and go potty. Be sure to use a multiple cat formula hard clumping cat litter. This cuts down on the smell, there is no smell! And it also cuts down on wet litter as the hard clumping turns urine into hard clumps that can be scooped out.I must repeat cats like clean litter!It is worth the extra money to use the hard multiple cat clumping litter.I only have one cat but this is what I use.........Tidy Cats Scoop Multiple Cats with odor control. Cats don't like stinky litter either.Please give this a try and good luck.

Answer 4

I've never heard of training a cat. I've raised lots of cats and they start using the box as soon as they are introduced to it as kittens. Your cat seems to be confused. He is used to doing his thing outside. I do not believe that cats should be let outside (neither does the ASPCA) but regardless of that, are you having them share one box? Many cats will not use a box used by others.

Answer 5

First make sure you have one litter box for each cat in the house. It doesn't matter if they all use one but it will help greatly if they want to choose to go in another box. Secondly get Cat Attract litter. I have seen even the most stubborn cats that were about to be put to sleep go in this litter.
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441779416&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025596&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023690&bmUID=1168700284607&itemNo=0&Ntt=Cat+Attract&In=All&previousText=Cat+Attract&N=2
Good luck

Answer 6

wow - that is a hard one. i would suggest try to lock her in a smaller room, like a bathroom....with the litter box and of course, food and water. this will confine her freedom and avoid the ability to pee/poop where she is sleeping. (we all know how much they hate that.) i would adjust you litter too - they have other litters made out of pine shavings and things that are more natural, as she is used to using ouside. good luck, i am sure it is frustrating!!