How can I train my cat to use his litter box instead of the throw rug located next to it?

Answer 1

Hi Louie...consider temporarily removing the throw rug until your cat establishes good litter box habits.

If the inappropriate urinating continues consider having him evaluated for a lower urinary tract disorder, which may be contributing to the problem. http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_feline_lower_urinary_tract_dis.html

Answer 2

Cats elimination habits are usually triggered by location or type of surface... not scent. Removing the rug is a good suggestion, but what your cat is really telling you is that, "I don't like the litter or the location of the box". Try and find a private location for the box and you might try the sandy type of litter. I think cats prefer to use this over the regular clay litter. All you need to do is find something the cat prefers over the rug.

Answer 3

Try getting rid of the rug. Also, clean the floor underneath it. Once cat urine is in the rug it is next to impossible to get it out completely. There are some cleaners that will help, but the cat can probably still smell it and will want to continue to go there.

Answer 4

Get rid of the rug.
If it has a rubber backing on it that's the reason the cat is using it instead of the litter box.

My Vet told me that for some reason mats or rugs with rubber backing seem to attract cats...it has something to do with the smell of the backing.

Answer 5

Oh my. Life is too short for that struggle. I would move the rug or the box to a different location.