Tell me how to retrain my cat to use a litter box. He used to now he refuseses too he uses the paper, and the?

Question

carpet.

Answer 1

Is he old? If so , it seems to be what older cats do. My 11 year old started doing this and I tried everything...Nothing worked. He is now an outside cat. I tried bringing him back in after 6 months thinking he would use cat box again but no way. He has adjusted well to the outside and doesn't want to come in anymore so I guess it worked out for me.

Answer 2

Cat's don't need to be trained to use the box - they will do so instinctively. The problem is that the box may be so undesirable to him right now, that he just doesn't want to use it.

Any changes in the house can cause upset and stress to him. A new baby, new animal, you've been gone too long or too much, a move to a new home, etc. If that's the case, you need to give him time to adjust.

If the box is not being cleaned frequently enough, than he'll stop using it. Feces and urine should be scooped out at least daily. The entire box should be dumped, washed out, and refilled with clean litter at least weekly.

If you have placed the box in an undesirable location, he might be less likely to use it. Make sure it's located in a good location for both people AND the cat. He needs some amount of privacy, but you need to make sure it's in a location that you'll remember to clean it often. Also, some cats don't like the hoods on their boxes. It can trap odor, thus making it seem like the box is stinkier than it might actually be.

Have you changed the litter type recently? Some cats really prefer a certain kind, so if you change it, they won't use it. Kinda like how people tend to prefer certain types of toilet paper. Of course, we don't stop going to the bathroom because the toilet paper is scratchy, but you get the idea.

Lastly, he could have a medical problem. If there have been no changes and everything else I've said doesn't apply, than take him to the vet. He could have a urinary tract infection, or something worse.

Answer 3

You didn't mention wether the cat was declawed. That is one way a cat will stop using the little box. Their claw's hurt when scratching if declawed. Also change the litter try different litter's. They are smell sensitive and may not like the smell of the little you are using. Many people wash their cat's boxes to, they don't like the smell of detergent's so I just use water. If your using a detergent try buying a new box and see if that help's. Don't be aggressive with them as they don't handle rejection well you need to keep calmly pointing out where she/he is bad and keep taking him to the box if you see they need to do their business. Hopefully you have the time for that one. LOL ! Other then them suggestion's I would say have you moved the box or is it in a spot they don't like. My cat wont use her box upstaire's she likes' her box behind the door where it is private. And some cat's are shy do you have a top on the box so it is private maybe he became shy. Or on the other hand was it covered and something scared him and he doesn't want to be confined anylonger. Try some of these and see if anything will help him. Can't think of anything else I would say go to the library and look up anyohter suggestion in a cat book. It's like a trial and error, Good luck to you and your pet. Hope this help's

Answer 4

Most people are inclined to place the litter box in an out-of-the-way spot to minimize odor and prevent cat litter from being tracked throughout the house. But if the litter box ends up in the basement—next to an appliance or on a cold cement floor—your cat may be less than pleased, for a number of reasons.
So you may have to compromise. The litter box should be kept in a spot that affords your cat some privacy yet is also conveniently located. If you place the litter box in a closet or a bathroom, be sure the door is wedged open from both sides to prevent her from being trapped inside or locked out. Depending on the location, you might consider cutting a hole in a closet door and adding a pet door.
Pick of the Litter

Research has shown that most cats prefer fine-grained litters, presumably because they have a softer feel. The new scoopable (clumping) litters usually have finer grains than the typical clay litter and are very popular. But high-quality, dust-free, clay litters are relatively small-grained and may be perfectly acceptable to your cat.

If you suspect your cat has spent part of his life outdoors and is likely to eliminate in your houseplants, try mixing some potting soil with your regular litter; pellet-type litters or those made from citrus peels are not recommended. Once you find a litter your cat likes, stick with it. Buying the least expensive litter or the brand that's on sale any given week could result in your cat not using the litter box.

Many cats are put off by the odor of scented or deodorant litters. For the same reason, it's not a good idea to place a room deodorizer or air freshener near the litter box. A thin layer of baking soda placed on the bottom of the box will help absorb odors without repelling your cat, and odors shouldn't really be a problem if you keep the litter box clean. If you find the litter box odor offensive, your cat probably finds it even more offensive and won't want to eliminate there.

What's the Magic Number?

You should have at least as many litter boxes as you have cats. That way, none of them will ever be prevented from eliminating in the litter box because it's already occupied. You might also consider placing litter boxes in several locations around the house, so that no one cat can prevent the other cats from getting access. We also recommend that you place at least one litter box on each level of your house.

It's not possible to designate a personal litter box for each cat in your household, as cats may use any litter box that's available, and that means a cat may occasionally refuse to use a litter box after another cat has used it. In this case, all of the litter boxes will need to be kept extremely clean and additional boxes may be needed.

Answer 5

Get him to a vet asap, he may have an infection or crystals. This can cause blockage to male cats and they can die. The first symptom is that they stop using the litterbox, because they associate it with some discomfort they feel when urinating. Check that he pees properly and give him urinary formula, canned food with extra added water if possible. But if it is an infection he will also need antibiotics. It is best to have a urine analysis done to find out exactly what is wrong. And keep the litter very clean.

Answer 6

Can you give more information? How old is he? How long has been doing it? Is he neutered? Have their been any changes in his environment, like a new kitten, baby, dog, a move, etc? Has he seen a vet to rule out a UTI? Often times when a cat refuses to use the litter box, it's a health issue.

Answer 7

Did you change his box, like as in the actual box? Some cats like certain types of boxes. For example, I bought my cat a hooded littler box, and he refused to use it. i took the hood off, and now there's no problem. Also, do you change the littler often? Cats don't like to use an overly dirty litter box. If none of these apply, try placing the box in the area he tends to use the most. If you ever catch him relieving himself anywhere but, give him a slight tap on the nose and place him in the litter box. Remember, you have to catch him. After about 5 seconds, he won't know why he's being punished. Good Luck!

Answer 8

What has changed in his life? neutered? new cat? declawed? change in brand of litter? Locating of litter box? frequency of scooping? change in type of litter? I call it Spite Peeing they do it because they are unhappy something has changed. If nothing has changed then try the vet it could be a Urinary track infection or kidney problems that are leading to the litter box avoidance.

Answer 9

Please get him checked out by a vet. Urinating outside the litter box is a common symptom of a urinary tract infection.

Answer 10

I see you have all the answer already.
So I just wish you good Luck!!!