We have a year old male neutered cat who refuses to go in the litter box when it is upstairs next to the other ones. We have three cats, a litter box for each (one uncovered, two covered). The other cats have no problem, but he will not use the litter box. My mom took to locking him in the downstairs bathroom with the litter box and he has no problem going in there, but as soon as we let him go, he goes back on the upstairs floor. Do you think he would benefit from having a litter box downstairs? Should we get a fourth litter box and put it downstairs? My mom wants to find a home for him, but I can't bear to let him go... he's my cat... my favorite cat and it breaks my heart to even think about it. Please help....
2007-09-27 09:46:38 · 6 answers · asked by singerissilent 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, move the litterbox downstairs for him. Sounds like he wants his own private potty (some cats do). Also, clean the area where he was peeing with some sort of enzyme cleaner instead of regular carpet cleaner. Regular carpet cleaner doesn't get rid of the smell.
2007-09-27 09:52:09 · answer #1 · answered by pixy_stix 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, definately move the litterbox. He needs his "own" private box and if its working, definately go for it.
Now, if he is using the bathroom on the carpet, its very important you remove the urine. I would suggest Nature's Miracle, the orange with oxy. EXCELLENT! Blot the area first with a paper towel, add some oxy, let it sit for a few minutes then blot it up again. You can also use it in a carpet cleaning machine.
Also, you can put some "attract" litter in the box. I suggest Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter. It has enzymes in it that "attracts" your cat to the box. You can buy it at Petsmart (the nature's miracle too). If it doesnt work, you can always return it! :)
Good luck!
2007-09-27 17:03:23 · answer #2 · answered by ferrickhead28 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Change the 'environment' of the litter box. Get yourself a rummage sale cookie sheet with 1/2" tall sides and put 3 cups of litter in the center, and newspaper under the sheet. Sometimes the novelty will draw them to use the box and this could be enough to get him back on track. You can also change the texture by using outdoor sand box sand, instead of litter. Cats can't resist that.
2007-09-27 19:12:39 · answer #3 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats by nature are very territorial. If he feels like he is on someone else's turf, he won't be comfortable to allow himself to become completely vulnerable by relieving himself there.
I am pretty lucky. I have two cats and two litter boxes. They are both pretty good about going in either one. I have them both in the store room in the basement about twenty feet away from each other. They pretty much use their own, but every so often I'll catch one of them in the other's.
Find another place for his litter box. If he is comfortable going in the basement, maybe put it there :)
Good luck!
2007-09-27 17:14:18 · answer #4 · answered by Jon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just put the litter boxs wherre he like it or try to put him in the box u already have but give him treats as he does hid biseness or just when he is there to show him that its good.
2007-09-27 16:55:18 · answer #5 · answered by Olga 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would absolutely get another litterbox and keep it downstairs .. make sure he knows that it is just for him !! Also, make sure it is in a nice decreet place and that it is kept clean.
2007-09-27 16:52:07 · answer #6 · answered by Jenn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋