Cat preferences:

• The litter box should be in a location where the cat has some privacy.
  • A litter box with a cover may or may not work well for cat.
• The litter in the box should be deep rather than shallow.
• Most cats prefer clay, clumpable litter, but you may need to experiment.
• The litter should not be heavily scented or perfumed.
• After using a disinfectant to clean, rinse well and allow the litter box to air out a bit. Lysol may be toxic to cats.
• Keep the litter box clean. Scooping litter should become a routine daily chore, even if you cannot smell it, or you are using a covered box.
• Never startle your cat while using the box.
• Do not catch your cat in the box to medicate, or for other unpleasant purposes.

Cat with litter box problems:

• Has your cat been to the veterinarian lately?
  • Rule out any potential health problems that might be caused by a bladder infection, parasites, or other physical cause.
• Try confining the cat to a small area when you are unable to supervise your cat, or at times when you know he/she is likely to use the litter box. A large dog crate may work well for this. You are trying to develop a new habit, so you may have to do this for an extended period of time.
• Experiment with the type of litter you are using.
• Cats stress easily and often respond to stress by eliminating outside the litter box. Ask yourself if there have been any changes in the cat's environment lately.
  • Has a new person joined your household?; a new baby?; recently married?
  • Have you added a new pet to the household?
  • Did you move to a new home recently?
  • Did you rearrange furniture, or remodel?
  • Has your schedule at work changed?
  If there has been a change, can you find a way to minimize the affects of the change?
• Use an odor neutralizer product specific to cleaning up cat feces and urine in the soiled areas of your home. You may want to place something like the cat food bowls, or other barrier over or around the soiled area.
• Consider learning more about quality playtime and clicker training your cat by reading books, finding professional help, or consider attending a Cat 101 Workshop here at the RH SPCA.