I have 2 cats about 8 1/2 mths old-ever since they got declawed they don't like to cover when they go to the potty. They scratch on the side or top of the plastic litter box like they are scratching the litter to cover. They will cover it sometimes but not often. They were declawed a while ago so it's not like they are sore or anything. And to the people that are gonna cuss me out for doing that to my cats.....I had NO IDEA that was such a painful thing for them to go through and I felt terrible when I brought them home. I never had cats b4.They are my babies and I wouldn't wanna hurt them for the world!
2007-03-04 13:48:09 · 19 answers · asked by same girl/new name :) 5 in Pets ➔ Cats
I have always used Arm&Hammer litter and it's the fine sand kind.
2007-03-04 13:57:27 · update #1
Here's the deal: When you declaw a cat, they are left with open cuticles. If you have ever looked closely at a cats claws, they have a cylindrical opening that holds their claws. When there are no claws they have an open hole where litter could potentially get caught. Odds are, they already had that happen to them and it can cause pain and infections. It would actually be better for them if you got litter with larger grains. That way it may not be as easily caught in their fingers. They could also be expressing anger or depression over the loss of their claws. Either way, you need to just keep trying different options so that you can make them happier and more comfortable, they deserve that :) Good luck and I hope you and your cats can find a good balance.
2007-03-04 14:23:15 · answer #1 · answered by allie0311 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some cats don't want to cover after being declawed, even long after. This is one of the problems of declawing; some declawed cats don't ever use a box anymore, period. They could still be a little sensitive (some remain sensitive all their lives), if that is the case then try using the recycled-paper litter that you also used immediately after the declawing. Even if they are not sore at all switching the litter may help; the soreness that they had immediately after declawing 'taught' them not to cover; many cats will however explore a new type of litter and if they discover that digging around in it no longer hurts, then perhaps they will get used to covering again. If they don't like the new litter, mix some in with the old stuff for a while.
But messing with a cat's box is always a bit risky, as long as they are *using* the box you may also consider just leaving them alone, sometimes any change can cause cats to do it in a completely different place instead :P
Also please spread the word about declawing! I'm European, it's illegal here and I truly can't understand how it is even legal in civilised countries like the US & Canada... many vets don't properly inform their customers as to what is really done to the cat, the very name is misleading, deCLAWing as if only the nail itself is cut. From what you describe, I take it your vet 'forgot' to mention what it really meant too.... :-(
2007-03-05 03:09:10 · answer #2 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm... I have been working with an animal organization since I was ten years old and am now 28 .. I've seen this a few times. Could be that they don't like the litter getting stuck in their paws ... you might try a larger grained litter like a pine litter. I know of one cat that giving him a larger litter box helped ... and one I put a cover on it so she couldn't reach over the sides ... kinda forces them to scratch inside the box. Of course these are only a couple possibilities ... give them a shot .. but in all reality you will never know what they are thinking ... It's also believed now some cats are so domesticated they lose the instinct to cover ... maybe they will learn to use the toilet next?
2007-03-04 14:13:39 · answer #3 · answered by bigtjeeper 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cat is declawed, as well, and sometimes he covers up his pile and sometimes not. If there is some hardness deep within the litter box, I think this discourages the cat(s) from raking their paws in the litter. As for declawing, I'm all for it.
2007-03-04 13:53:31 · answer #4 · answered by HoneyBunny 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My cat is declawed (he was that way when I got him) and he covers but the litter has to be really tiny like sand. I get him Arm & Hammer scoopable litter. He doesn't like the bigger litter. so maybe if you change the type of litter they will start. but also they don't like the feeling of things in their paws like that I know Benny hates anything touching his paws.
2007-03-04 13:53:49 · answer #5 · answered by Kelly M 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
some cats are like that. our cat is about 2 yrs old. she dosent some times cover even though she sounds like she is when she is scrattching the litter box to cover. some cats dont feel the need to cover. because they think it is funny for the owner to suffer the smell. lol.
2007-03-04 14:26:40 · answer #6 · answered by M Cruse 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always declaw my cats and its temporary. They will cover it up again soon. It is painful on then but in the long run you can love them better since you won't be mad at them all the time for ripping up you and your furniture. You will enjoy the cat so much more.. Trust me. My cats are outside cats as well and they have never had a problem defending themselves..
They will be just fine
2007-03-04 13:51:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Because it is the clumping kind of litter.. SO if they by chance got urine on their paws while *covering*.... then the *sandy litter* hangs to them.. guess they got tired of cleaning it off so quit doing what caused it....
Pretty smart kittys.... lol
I can tell you really love them so
Good Luck To You
2007-03-04 14:41:48 · answer #8 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they don't like the litter getting into the spot where the claws were. It could be like when you get sand in your shoe and it might be annoying to them.
2007-03-04 13:51:24 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a friend with a cat who doesnt cover its waste. it doesnt mean its bad or anything they just dont feel like it and chose not too. if you declawed them its because they dont want to get there claws dirty as a sign of respect.
2007-03-04 14:19:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋