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Why can't a cat go to the toilet? What to do if a cat does not go to the toilet in a big way for several days

Why can't a cat go to the toilet? What to do if a cat does not go to the toilet in a big way for several days

Not every feline owner will find out why the cat does not go to the litter box, but will simply put it out the door. This can be understood - one can put up with a pungent smell and puddles only with a great love for the pet and the desire to re-educate him.

Main reasons

As a rule, a kitten purchased from a breeder is taught to a litter box by its mother.... The skill is fixed and remains unchanged if the animal is in good health, both mental and physiological. The reasons for the sudden deviation from the norm should be sought in these two areas.

First time in a new home

The most difficult thing is with a cat, picked up on the street, since he is, in principle, unfamiliar with a stationary toilet. In this case, it will take a lot of patience and attention to pick up and transfer to the litter in time a kitten showing typical signs of anxiety before urinating / defecating.

Important! The situation is complicated by stress (moving to a new home) and can drag on for a week. If the cat has walked past, orient it by dabbing a tissue in the urine and placing it in the tray.

It is a little easier in this regard with a thoroughbred, already trained cat, but the tray will need to be shown to him too.

Wrong tray

What your cat does not like the toilet, she will decide for herself.

Among the parameters that cause rejection, there may be the following:

  • tray dimensions;
  • its depth;
  • the width of the sides;
  • closeness / openness;
  • the smell of plastic;
  • colour.

Especially do not rush to change the litter box: do not throw out the old one until you are sure that the cat is happy to go to the new one.

Unsuitable filler

Several options are also possible here. Sometimes rejection is caused by the fragrance with which the fillers are impregnated (you may like the fragrance, but not your pet). It is possible that the cat is capricious because of the texture of the granules or their lack of density: the animal will not relieve itself by sticking to its paws.

Sometimes tastes are transformed immediately after a change of home - for example, a cat refuses to go to the usual wood filler, but becomes exemplary when the owner

Inappropriate location for the tray

Perhaps you placed the container poorly, choosing a place that is too open, walk-through or brightly lit for it. Of course, not all cats are shy, but some individuals shy away from prying eyes, preferring solitude and relative darkness.

Important! In country mansions, it is better to put several containers on different floors and around the perimeter, so that the pet has time to bring its excrement to the target.

If the cat knows where his restroom is, but for some reason misses, peeing nearby, try moving the litter box to find the optimal position.

Problems of the genitourinary system

If you suspect a health problem is causing your pet to urinate past the litter box, take him to the clinic.

The animal may well have one of the following deviations:

  • atony - pathological / age-related disorder, accompanied by atrophy of the bladder. The latter turns into a flabby, filled to capacity bag, from where urine comes out only under pressure;
  • - the animal wants, but cannot go to the toilet because of stones / sand that blocked the ureters or provoked inflammation of the kidneys;
  • urinary incontinence - often develops as a complication after sterilization or spinal injuries, as well as in renal pathologies (acute / chronic). Incontinence is found on wet tracks where the pet sleeps and sits;
  • - an animal experiencing pain (as with ICD) wants, but cannot urinate. Urine (often mixed with blood) comes out only when the bladder is full.

In fact, there may be many more reasons for deviant behavior, but the doctor should understand them.

Animal stress

Cats, despite their ostentatious equanimity and fearlessness, have a fine mental organization and are able to get nervous on various, even insignificant (in the opinion of a person) reasons. Stress catalysts are unexpected events, people (acquaintances and strangers), as well as domestic animals. This could be:

  • change of residence (relocation);
  • the appearance of a baby / other animal in the family;
  • repairs with noise and strong odors;
  • going to a cat show or clinic;
  • presence of strangers in the apartment;
  • intraspecific aggression (establishment of a hierarchy when a second cat appears).

This is not a complete list of factors leading to increased anxiety, resentment or revenge on your cat. She is unable to complain, so she resorts to an accessible non-verbal means of expressing her anger - shitting past the tray.

Swearing in this case will only hurt - try to provide mental comfort first by removing (if possible) the source of stress. If this is not possible, try to create the illusion of control over what is happening: for example, equip a cat house / bed on some hill. Being above your heads, the cat will feel like the ruler of the world, and all his fears will dissipate by themselves.

Sex tags

They appear, which is logical, at the time of puberty: the cat raises its tail, spraying a caustic secret throughout the house and not forgetting about the strategically important area near the entrance. After a couple of days, you will get tired of polishing corners / floors, cleaning furniture and rewashing things. Fragrances are also not an option: most of them mask the aroma of urea for a short time.

A considerable part of the owners decide to corrode the sexual instinct of the wards with the help of heavy artillery (hormonal drugs), not really thinking about their danger to the body. It has long been proven that hormonal injections and pills significantly increase the risk of cancer abnormalities. A radical way to get rid of sex marks is to remove the reproductive organs, which, however, is not shown to all animals.

It is interesting! Breeding or old (after 7 years) cats, as well as those who cannot tolerate general anesthesia or have a bad heart, are exempted from the operation.

Remove odor in marked areas

The list of prohibited odor control agents includes those that contain chlorine (due to its high toxicity) and ammonia. Take on powerful oxidants such as:

  • vinegar (only in aqueous solution);
  • potassium permanganate (often used in urology);
  • hydrogen peroxide;
  • lemon juice;
  • iodine (10-20 drops per 1 liter of water).

Regular antibacterial fluids, including tea leaves, rubbing alcohol, baking soda solution (concentrated), vodka, and mouthwash, can help remove fresh cat urine stains. In addition, uric acid crystals are good at breaking down glycerin, which is included in laundry soap.

Now on sale there are effective flavors (with enzymes), not only neutralizing odor, but also destroying crystals of uric salt.

We especially note the following foreign drugs:

  • Just for cats Stain & Odor Remover (Nature's Miracle);
  • "Urine Off";
  • Odor Kill & Stain Remover (ATX);
  • Pet Stain & Odor Remover (Hartz);
  • Complete Pet Stain & Odor Remover from 8 in1.

All products are of high quality and are recommended even for leather surfaces. The only thing to remember is that the skin cannot be moistened abundantly, which is why it is processed in stages. Among domestic preparations, Bio-G, DezoSan and Zoosan, containing special enzymes, are popular.

It is sometimes necessary to retrain the cat after prolonged treatment, especially if going to the toilet (during illness) was accompanied by tangible pain. The animal has developed a reflex to ignore the tray, so you must do the following:

  • change the container;
  • change the type of filler;
  • help adapt to the new tray.

You will have to act in the same way as with a kitten, condescending and patient. Remember to talk to your cat and reward you for making progress on her new toilet.

Your clawed beauty suddenly began to allow herself something that she had never noticed before? Does the cat not go to its litter box, leaves "fragrant" heaps in the most unexpected places? If this behavior continues for a long time, then the owner of the cat may become desperate. Why did the pussy behave like this?

There may be several reasons.

The first is bowel problems. If the pussy has constipation, then the "piles" under the sofa, bed or even in the middle of the room is a very likely and logical conclusion. With such a nuisance, the behavior of a cat can be as follows: the murka often squats and pushes, sometimes making stifled sounds. The poor fellow does not succeed, she gets up and moves on. After a while, the situation repeats itself. What to do in this case? First, remember how long ago the pussy had a bowel movement. If remembering is difficult, then it’s a long time ago. Better to see a veterinarian. The fact is that feces can collect in a very large and hardened lump, it is risky to do an enema on your own in this case. If defecation took place not so long ago, two or three days ago, you can help the purr on your own (think if you have enough courage and skill, the pussycat will definitely not like this procedure).

The second reason that the pussy does not go to the toilet is stress. Yes, stress. A cat is an animal with a very delicate nervous organization. Cats, especially cats, are very attached to their home, the order that has developed in it. Violation of the "peaceful, calm flow of life" can have a very negative impact on the psyche of a cat. You put the tray in a different place, bought a different litter for the toilet, or the food bowl is now in the wrong place. A person comes into the house, whom the animal does not like, you took another animal, outside the window a brazen stray cat marks the territory ... From the point of view of a person, nothing happened, but the pussy may have a different opinion on this matter. Or maybe you began to pay less attention to your beauty (or handsome man)? There are a lot of reasons. What to do in this case? If possible, eliminate the causes of dissatisfaction, be patient with the pet, encourage the departure of natural needs in the right place with affection and "something tasty." Over time, the situation will improve. If the pussy is very nervous, then the stress is great, it is worth seeking help from "aibolites". The pet may need medication.

The third reason is a dirty toilet. Pussies are well-known neat and do not feel delighted with the "aroma" of their items. Clean the tray more often, preferably without using strong-smelling products. Remember, the citrus scent we love is usually a nightmare for cats! And it's clear that they don't like chlorine either.

The same can be said if the moor urinates in the wrong place: urinary tract infection, stress, dirty litter box.

The situation when a cat does not go to the toilet for a long time for a long time is quite common. There can be many reasons for such a deviation - from the most harmless to very serious. Owners should be aware that a healthy cat will defecate about once every 1 to 2 days. In old animals, the period between bowel movements can stretch up to three days, while small kittens usually poop several times a day.

The frequency of trips to the toilet largely depends on the characteristics of the pet's diet. However, if 3 or more days or even a whole week have passed since the last visit to the tray, you should be wary. Constipation can indicate a serious health problem. It is imperative to find out the reason for the deviation and help the cat.

Why isn't the little kitten pooping?

Kittens that are still under the "wing" of their mother are completely dependent on her in a delicate matter. Babies under one month old can only poop normally after the cat has rubbed their tummy.

If such a baby does not go to the toilet for a long time, it means that mom is doing her job badly. This often happens with young, inexperienced cats "raising" their first litter. The causes of constipation in older kittens can be:

  • severe stress due to separation from the mother and moving to a new place of residence;
  • a sharp transition to a new type of diet (from milk to solid food);
  • unsuitable feed;
  • congenital bowel pathologies.

If after moving to a new house a lot of time has passed, and the baby has not gone to the toilet, and adjusting the diet does not work, most likely the last of the listed points takes place. The kitten must be shown to the veterinarian. You may need serious treatment - up to and including surgery.

Reasons for the absence of a chair in an adult cat

There are even more reasons for toilet problems in an adult cat. The most common:

  1. An unbalanced diet that is low in fiber and protein. An abundance of overly solid foods (such as bones) or a lack of fluid can also provoke the problem. Do not overfeed the animal with chicken meat. It can cause constipation.
  2. Accumulation of fur in the stomach and intestines. An extremely common reason that cats rarely go to the toilet for a long time. It is especially relevant for long-haired breeds. Hard lumps of fluff in the internal organs of the cat interfere not only with the release of feces, but also with their formation. This is a serious problem that can even be life threatening.
  3. Senile age, when the gastrointestinal tract peristalsis is slowed down. The intestine is not able to expel feces normally, and the cat stops going to the toilet normally.
  4. Sedentary lifestyle. Often common in spayed cats. It causes not only problems with the toilet, but also obesity, as well as other health deviations.
  5. The period of sexual arousal in males and estrus in females. When an animal wants to "walk", all his "thoughts" are only about this. Kitty at this time is not up to sleep and not to eat. Thus, he simply has nothing to shit with.
  6. Postponed operations with anesthesia. After anesthesia, the cat may not go to the toilet for several days. This is due to the stress that the animal's body has suffered. It takes a pet time to recover. As soon as all processes are restored, the toilet is also normalized.
  7. Using a catheter. Sometimes, before surgery, it is used to clean the intestines of the animal. The fact that after catheterization the cat does not go to the toilet longer than usual is quite natural. It's just that feces have not yet accumulated in the intestines, which have been emptied to sterility.
  8. Stress due to relocation, home visits, and other events. Cats are great conservatives, and they perceive any changes very painfully.
  9. The postpartum period in females. The absence of a chair during it is explained by the fact that, preparing for childbirth, the cat went to the toilet more often than usual, and so far she has nothing to poop. Usually, the stool returns to normal a few days after the addition to the family.
  10. Diseases of the digestive tract. Unfortunately, this is also a possible reason. These can be pathologies such as intestinal obstruction, malignant or benign tumors, adhesions, ulcers, gastritis, etc.

It is not always possible to determine the cause of toilet problems yourself. If there is even the slightest suspicion of health deviations, you need to show the animal to the veterinarian. Without professional diagnostics, it will not be possible to identify the disease and cure the pet.

How to help a cat on your own

Fortunately, much more often the cat does not go to the litter box for a long time for reasons not related to illness. What to do in this case? How can you help an animal? It all depends on the situation. Sometimes you just have to wait. For example, if the cat “forgot” about the litter box due to severe stress. As soon as the frightened animal "crawls out from under the sofa" and comes to its senses, the "toilet" problem will be solved by itself.

The same goes for the postpartum period in cats. Here you can try to speed up recovery by offering liquid dishes to your pet. If the reason for the long absence of bowel movements is sexual arousal, you can also just wait it out, or you can help the animal by giving it libido-reducing pills or by finding a "pair". The last option will work, but not for long. The best solution and guarantee of getting rid of torment is sterilization.

If you suspect a build-up of hair in the digestive tract, cats are given some petroleum jelly. Of course, the animal is unlikely to eat it of its own free will. However, you need to try to pour a small amount of the product into his mouth, holding the latter with your hands so that the pet swallows the oil. Literally a day later, the pet will feel the urge to defecate and visit the tray.

If a cat does not go to the toilet for 5 days, and at the same time no serious health deviations have been identified, then constipation is a situational phenomenon. It can cause serious damage to the body, so you cannot pull. It is allowed to give the cat a laxative like "Duphalac" or make a cleansing enema.

It is advisable to consult a doctor about both the first and the second. The most common cause of constipation is inadequacy in the diet. What and how to feed the cat so that it goes to the toilet normally is described below.

"Anti-consumable" menu

When a cat does not go to the toilet well, its diet is reviewed first. Here you should take into account the recommendations of specialists:

  • You shouldn't feed your pet from your table. Not all human food is suitable for a cat. Lushe to choose a suitable food, and treats in the form of a fish or a piece of meat only occasionally.
  • The cat must be full. To starve her, even for the purpose of education, is by no means impossible. The minimum number of meals per day for an adult animal is two.
  • Eggs, chicken, meat broths, rice are contraindicated for constipation.
  • Boiled vegetables (pumpkin, zucchini, cabbage) should be periodically mixed with the cat's usual food. Fiber improves intestinal motility and shortens toilet breaks.
  • Condensed milk diluted with water in a ratio of one to one helps well from persistent constipation.
  • A cat that has problems with bowel movements should eat less dry food and more liquid food. Kefir, milk, yoghurts with beneficial bacteria are ideal for constipation.
  • A raw liver is largely capable of provoking a trip to the toilet. It can be given to a cat in limited quantities.
  • A bowl of clean water should always be on the cat's “table”.

To avoid constipation, you should always adhere to the principles of proper nutrition. In addition, take other preventive measures. So, long-haired cats need to be combed out regularly so that the fallen villi do not migrate into the stomach when the cat is performing hygiene procedures. It does not hurt to periodically give these beauties a little petroleum jelly.

Particular attention should be paid to castrated pets. After spaying, cats tend to become lazy and inactive. This leads to stagnant processes in the body. In order for a pet to go to the toilet on time, you need to stimulate its physical activity: play with it, make it run, jump, etc.

If the problem has already made itself felt and you cannot cope with it for several days on your own, you need to show the cat to the veterinarian. The sooner this is done, the better. Timely help from a specialist will relieve the animal of unnecessary agony and minimize health risks.

Constipation in a kitten is a fairly common problem. Babies are prone to stress and respond quickly to dietary changes. Let's consider the causes of the problem and the ways to solve it.

How to tell if a kitten has constipation?

Constipation can be expressed not only in the absence of stool. This factor can be overlooked if the pet has access to the street and empties there. What are the signs that a kitten has constipation?

  1. Frequent but unproductive attempts to use the toilet.
  2. The kitten meows when it tries to empty the intestines, walks around the tray for a long time and is afraid of it.
  3. Small, dry, hard stools.
  4. Mucus or blood in the stool.
  5. Lack of appetite.
  6. The kitten is not licked, lethargic, lost weight.
  7. A small amount of liquid stool after the kitten has been pushing for a long time.

Causes of Bowel Problems

A kitten in the house requires attention, especially a small one. At a young age, animals often have digestive problems, in which the kitten does not go to the toilet in a big way. It is very important to make sure that he has a regular bowel movement.

What are the reasons why the kitten does not go to the toilet in a big way?

  1. Newborn kittens need help to defecate.
  2. The second factor that can affect stool is unhealthy diet.
  3. The third common reason for constipation in a kitten is stress associated with a change of residence and separation from the mother.
  4. The fourth reason for poor bowel function is possible disease.

Help for newborn kittens

Small kittens often have problems with bowel movements. The fact is that babies need outside help. A cat needs to lick its babies not only to clean their fur. A gentle massage stimulates the bowels and promotes blood flow. Licking helps the kitten get rid of the contents of the intestines, because he cannot do this on his own.

In the case when a young and inexperienced mother refuses to care for her offspring, a person must help. Also, help may be required if the taken kitten is a month or less.

In order to massage, you need to take a small piece of soft cloth or cotton wool and moisten it with warm water. Now make short longitudinal movements from the chest to the tail all over the tummy. Movements should be very soft, gentle, not causing discomfort to the kitten. You don't need to press on the tummy, just stroke it.

Stress

One of the common reasons why a kitten doesn't go to the toilet in a big way is stress. First of all, he is caused by the move to a new house, a change in the usual environment, separation from his mother. Fear can be another reason. The kitten can be frightened by another aggressive animal or harassment by a child.

Due to stress, the baby may refuse to use the toilet for up to 5 days. Do not worry if the kitten does not go to the toilet for several days immediately after purchase. Provide the animal with a calm environment, do not disturb and let it settle. It is very important to surround the baby with affection, as he longs for his mother.

If there is a child in the house, then explain to him that you cannot play with the kitten right away. He is easily frightened by sharp sounds, movements. A healthy animal will get used to it very quickly. In just a few hours, the baby will begin to explore a new home, find a bowl and tray, and want to play.

Nutrition

Another cause of intestinal disorders is unhealthy diet. The animal's body needs time to get used to new food. It is especially important not to change the diet during the adaptation of the kitten after moving to a new home. To do this, you need to find out from the previous owners how they feed the kitten, what is his favorite food. It is best to take some food from your old house and feed it to your pet for the first few days. You can buy food of the same brand.

New foods should be introduced gradually. The kitten can be fed dry or wet kitten food or natural food. If dry food is included in the diet, you need to ensure that the animal always has access to clean water. When feeding with natural food, bran should be added to the food to improve bowel function. This will help prevent constipation.

Cats are predators, their natural food is meat. The kitten begins to gradually accustom to animal products from the age of 1.5 months. This should be done gradually. The meat must be cut into small pieces and boiled without salt and spices for 10-15 minutes, cooled. You can grind it to a puree state. It is good to use baby puree in jars as meat feed for kittens.

Constipation can occur due to lack of fluid. Make sure your pet drinks enough, especially if it feeds on dry food.

What if the kitten doesn't go to the toilet in a big way?

So your kitten is used to a new home, is cheerful and active, but still doesn't go to the toilet? Certain measures need to be taken. If the animal does not go to the toilet for more than five days, you need to gently feel its belly. The fact is that constipation is most often accompanied by bloating, as well as pain during bowel movements.

How to notice if the kitten is in pain? In this case, he walks around the tray for a long time, joins in, squeaks plaintively. Sometimes stool can be seen in the anus. In difficult cases, a veterinarian will help. Calling such a specialist at home is not a problem, but you can try to cope with the problem yourself.

Oil

This remedy works well for both an adult animal and a kitten. If he does not go to the toilet for several days, vegetable oil will help alleviate the condition. You do not need to give a lot of oil, half a teaspoon per day is enough. The drug is most conveniently given from a syringe without a needle. The oil should be poured in very slowly so that the kitten does not choke. Now going to the toilet will not bring any discomfort. After consuming the oil, the animal may be thirsty.

Also, a little vegetable oil can simply be mixed into food. Do not overuse this method, as it negatively affects the condition of the liver. A kitten needs to go to the toilet thanks to proper nutrition, not due to the constant addition of vegetable fats.

Soap

You can relieve a kitten of constipation with soap. To do this, you need to cut off a small piece of soap, give it a rounded shape. A soap candle is slightly moistened with water, and then inserted into the anus of the animal. The kitten will not like this procedure, so it is better to do it when the baby is sleeping. A soap candle will work in a few hours.

Enema

If constipation has lasted for several days, then you can resort to using an enema. The procedure must be performed very carefully. To do this, take lukewarm boiled water, a 10 mg syringe. It is more convenient to do an enema together. One person gently holds the kitten while the other gently and slowly injects the liquid.

You need to enter the syringe so that the liquid does not pour out, deep enough. The tip can be greased with oil or petroleum jelly. The kitten's tummy needs to be felt to understand when the intestines are full. No need to press hard on the stomach, just light touches. If necessary, the procedure can be performed several times.

Kitten enema should be done very carefully, especially if you do not have the necessary experience. It is best to have a veterinarian perform the procedure. It is not difficult to call him to the house. You can visit the veterinary clinic yourself.

Treatment of kittens for constipation with medicines

It is better not to start medication for a kitten without a doctor's prescription. You need to choose the right product and dosage so as not to cause diarrhea and other negative consequences. Petroleum jelly can be used to mildly treat constipation.

Vaseline oil is readily available at a regular drugstore (not to be confused with Vaseline). You need to give it 2-3 times a day in a small amount - 1.5 mg per kilogram of weight. Keep in mind that a kitten's weight can be significantly less than a kilogram. The oil gently envelops the intestinal wall, but is not absorbed.

Castor oil should not be used to treat kittens. The result will not be achieved, and due to the action of the drug, the animals will experience pain.

To treat constipation in kittens, soft preparations based on lactulose are used. For example, "Laktustan", "Lizalak", "Duphalac". These funds have the safest effect. It is not recommended to use a stronger laxative for kittens without consulting a veterinarian.

"Duphalac" is given to the kitten 2 times a day, 0.5 ml per kilogram of body weight. The action of the drug is similar to that of petroleum jelly, so you do not need to use both drugs at the same time.

The idyll between a pet and a person can one day be broken by one extremely delicate, but global problem: the furry creature begins to completely or partially ignore the toilet. Instead, the cat finds another or several other places, which leads the owner first to panic, then to fury. If the cat stops going to the litter box, this fact, with the owner's insensitivity, his unwillingness to understand the problem, can lead one day to a painful parting with the animal, which equally injures all participants in the situation.

Typically, there are two reasons why a cat stops going to the toilet: behavioral (psychological) and medical

Therefore, do not rush to give up the fluffy, because with all the complexity, the problem can be solved if you show maximum sensitivity, observation and understanding, and, most importantly, love for your pet. After all, refusal from the usual toilet for himself is also a serious stress. Felines, with all their cleanliness, conservatism, attachment to territory and "rituals", will never just leave their favorite litter box. This is because something is bothering them. Why did the cat stop going to the litter box? There may be several reasons, which are conventionally divided into 2 categories: behavioral (psychological) and medical.

The former are so diverse that sometimes it is very, very difficult to guess about the source of the “shift”. The latter are more serious, because health problems are always anxiety for a pet, long-term treatment (the outcome of which is unpredictable), costs. But the toilet problem is solvable, and this must be clearly understood. Therefore, let's deal with everything in order.

Medical reasons

There can be only one reason for refusing the tray of a medical nature - problems with the genitourinary system. It can be inflammation, cystitis, stones, the release of sand from the kidneys and many related factors. Despite the stereotype that cats are incredibly tenacious, these creatures (if they never leave the apartment) are extremely sensitive to drafts, temperature changes, and cold. It is enough for a cat in late autumn to lie down in front of an open window, on a cold floor, and even do it, for example, after bathing, for the most severe cystitis to develop. This disease presupposes elementary urinary incontinence (the pet simply may not “reach” the toilet), severe pain when urinating.

If the cat is neutered, the problems can be even worse. Inflammation, poor nutrition lead to the formation of stones. In this case, it is not just painful for the animal to go to the toilet (sand or the smallest pebbles scratching the channels): it simply may not be able to do it one fine day if a stone blocks the passage. Therefore, it is the pain that the pet will associate with the tray, and he will shy away from it, like the devil from incense, while looking for another, in his opinion, "painless" place.

Attention! If the cat or cat after sterilization stopped going to the tray, first of all, exclude health problems, take the pet to the veterinarian, pass all tests, undergo examinations.

If the cat is healthy, and the pot is still ignored by him, start observing his behavior.

Behavioral (psychological) causes

If we compare cats and dogs, the former are distinguished by more complex socialization, behavioral manifestations. You can talk about "cockroaches" in their little heads for hours (the owners won't let you lie). They are incredibly conservative (cats are stronger than cats), stubborn, tied to territory, smells. Even shifted from one place to another thing in the room can cause discomfort for them. Therefore, there are a dozen of behavioral reasons for refusing a litter box. And the individual characteristics of any animal can expand this list indefinitely. Let's list the most likely possible behavioral reasons why your cat stopped going to the litter box in a small way. This can happen because:

  • the tray or the place where it stands is dirty;
  • don't like the tray itself;
  • the filler is incorrectly selected;
  • there are foreign odors;
  • there is no seclusion of the latrine;
  • the animal has experienced (or is experiencing) stress;
  • aggression within the feline group (there is more than one animal in the apartment);
  • features of the psyche.

Each of the above points needs to be explained separately. The tray and its location must always be perfectly clean. This means fresh filler, washed pot, rubbed linoleum (laminate, tiles, etc.). Cats are extremely susceptible to foreign odors, so the pot itself, the scoop does not need to be washed with chemicals, or choose something with no odor. The cat may not like the very shape, size, configuration of the pot. The fact that you like it, suits the interior - it doesn't mean anything yet. If the cat stops going to the litter box, the reason for this may be changing the old one to a new one. Therefore, do not throw out the old tray until the tailed friend takes a fancy to the new thing.

Attention! Very often, a cat starts to ignore the toilet because he doesn't like the litter.

This often happens when changing from one species to another. Sometimes the filler can run out abruptly in stores, and the owner has to quickly look for a replacement. A real lottery awaits you here. You bring home a new filler, the cat doesn't like it, you go for a new one. And so on until the cat person approves of your purchase with a joyful puddle or a bunch. Choose a filler that is free of foreign odors. Of course, I would very much like the toilet, especially a wet one, to exude the scent of roses, but the cat will never agree to this. Decide what you like best: the dubious smell of roses or an obedient cat who will honestly bring his goodness to the tray without spilling a drop on the side.

If several individuals live in the apartment, "showdown" between them can also cause the cat to stop walking in the litter box. It is important to remember here: there should always be one more pot in the apartment. That is, if there are two cats, put three pots and so on. Be sure to nip all conflicts at the root so that they do not plunge the apartment into chaos. This can also include periods of sexual desire / reproduction, accompanied by marking the territory. Either find a mate for the animal here, or castrate it immediately.

If the cat stops walking into the litter box in a big or small way, this may be due to the stress experienced or experienced. Moving, new family members, renovations, the appearance of small children, the arrival of aliens - any, even a minor event that runs counter to the usual way of life, can cause the refusal of the official toilet and the appearance of puddles / heaps in the corners. Either be patient, wait, showing maximum affection, care, or do everything to neutralize the source of stress. Another reason is the lack of privacy. It is unlikely that any of the people will like to send their needs in public.

Cats are very similar to humans in this. That is, the pots standing in the middle of the living room, kitchen, other passable, brightly lit place are not suitable. They need privacy, a minimum of light, silence. Although there are exhibitionist cats, loving ones will definitely relieve themselves in the presence of any of the family members.

Important! Never use physical punishment if the cat stops going to the litter box.

Beating, screaming, the desire to throw the animal out into the street, to abandon it are simply unacceptable! Understand one thing: a cat never does anything for no reason. Therefore, show maximum love, understanding, care, get to the bottom of the truth. And suddenly the cat is seriously ill, suddenly he feels bad, scared, sad. Help your pet. And he compensates you for the trouble more than a thousandfold!

Exits from the situation

Partially the ways out of the situation logically follow from the above reasons. Let's go over them in more detail again. So, the cat has stopped going to the litter box, what to do in practice? If it’s not a disease, the fluffy is healthy, then you need to “activate” the mode of total observation of him, analyze the received “data”. We keep the tray in perfect order, the area around it. We select empirically the filler that the pussy will like, we provide her with maximum privacy. We neutralize any stressful situations. If this is a move, a new family member, the appearance of another animal, we surround the pet with maximum affection, attention, understanding, patiently wait until he gets used to the changes.

We encourage trips to the "right" pot, express our "phi" about visiting the "wrong" place (no physical abuse!). And it is better to completely block access to it: put the furniture, cover it with rustling paper, sprinkle with a sharp-smelling chemical. If the cat has stopped going to the litter box, you can also use special drugs (soothing, corrective): Cat Bayun, Stop-Stress. Or Royal Canin Colm, which completely neutralizes anxiety.

The cat stopped going to the litter box: reasons and solutions to toilet problems was last modified: September 6th, 2016 by Ekaterina Efimova