Litter Problems

By Lindy Metheringham

The most common behavioural problem encountered by cat owners is urination and defaecation outside the litter tray.

The obvious route is to try to avoid these problems in the first place. So
if an owner is contemplating obtaining a kitten there are a few steps to take that will help.

The common rule for cat litter trays is one tray per cat plus one spare.
Even if an owner wants a cat to use outdoors in future it is always a good idea to keep one indoors in case of illness or an owner going on holiday and wanting the cat(s) to be kept indoors for safety.

Avoid "busy" areas such as kitchens and walkways / doorways, this will give your cat some privacy. Some cats prefer covered trays others feel
intimidated by these and prefer open trays. So it can be an experimental period for both cat and owner, though a kitten introduced to one type of tray will usually settle on the one initially introduced to her.

The best litter (substrate) to use is a fine rakeable material - it isn't
always the most expensive one that is best, some cats prefer sand from builders merchants. Litter that clumps is easier to keep clean by removing the clumps during the day.

If the litter used is changed from one brand to another then do it gradually, a good guide is 75% of the usual substrate and 25% of the new, then a few days later 50% 50%, through to 100% new substrate. If your cat is unhappy with this then revert to the original.

If your cat is happy with one brand then stick to it - do not be drawn by
marketing.

The next step is to ensure your cat has no physical problems.

Consulting a behaviourist is a waste of time if there is an underlying health problem.

Cystitis is often a cause of cats failing to use a litter tray, they may
experience pain when in the litter tray and then associate the tray with the pain. Some cats may be senior citizens and be incontinent. If your cat has been given a clean bill of health then the spotlight can be turned on the behavioural aspect.

It is important for an owner to keep a diary of everything that has happened.

The delivery of a new suite or a simple rewiring work can be enough to
stress out a cat. If an owner knows there is going to be disruption in the
home then it would be a good idea to give a room over for any cat(s) to feel calm.

Never reprimand a cat for soiling in the home, this will only stress the cat even more. Clean up in the absence of the cat. Be careful not to use bleach based products, the ammonia in the cleaning products will stress a cat out more and will only encourage a cat to over mark a spot. Use a warm solution of biological washing powder - the enzymes in the detergent will break down the ammonia and neutralise smells far more effective to a cat's sense of smell. If possible spray surgical spirit when the area is dry (check a small area for colour fastness).

Whether a cat is an indoor or outdoor cat will also have a strong bearing on the course of action to take. If a new cat has moved into the area try and arrange with the other cat owners different times for the cats to go out so there is no conflict. Also, be sure if there is a cat flap, have a magnetic collar device so only the resident cat can enter and exit the home, there is nothing more stressful for a cat than to find an outsider in the home. Cats are very territorial, they do not roam great distances but are very protective of their home range, the stress level of an interloper on the scene is very high.

When a cat targets bedding and clothing is a sure sign of stress. Again try to pinpoint what has triggered this, seek advise on introduction of new pets or children. Let the cat smell all new things. Provide all cats with an escape point - never try to force them into a situation they cannot handle.

A cat will either take flight or will fight. By providing save havens and
exit points you avoid the fighting option. High up places and hiding places are ideal. If a cat wants to exit then let the cat go.

Cats have scent glands at the corner of the mouth, base of the tail and
between the toes, they deposit these pheremones along their territory, if your cat feels insecure then help by rubbing a cloth around the cat's head and rubbing the cloth around furniture etc - especially anything new in the home. Agood substitute is Feliway this is a synthetic pheremone which mimics the natural cat pheremones and gives the cat a sense of well being.