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Why does my cat refuse to use his litter box?

Sent to Cat Experts September 6 2006 at 10:02 AM
   

I have two 5 month old male cats and one of them only uses the litter box to urinate and uses the paper next to the box to defecate.....I also noticed that he meows a lot and scratches at the paper when he tries to go and gets fecies everywhere...what is the problem? His brother doesn't seem to have the same dilemma...

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
September 6 2006 at 10:10 AM (8 minutes and 4 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Kittens and adult cats have certain litter preferences. They prefer clumping litter that is at least 3" deep in a large litter pan. They like to eliminate in a place where they can see everything going on when they are in their most vulnerable position. So making some changes may help. Also, placing the kitten in the litter pan when he starts to poop will help him get the idea.

Respond if you need more information or if my answer didn't exactly answer your question. If I have been helpful, please ACCEPT the answer and please LEAVE FEEDBACK!!

Dr. Louis Gotthelf
Animal Hospital of Montgomery
Pet Skin and Ear Clinic
dr4pets -- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine -- 98% Positive Feedback on 179 Cat Accepts
30 years owning a dog and cat veterinary practice in Alabama. President, Animal Emergency Clinic
Reply
September 6 2006 at 11:41 AM (1 hour and 31 minutes and 34 seconds later)
         
Reply to dr4pets's Post: so you don't recommend a covered litter box? What about light...does it matter if the box is in a darker area? I have tried changing the litter and putting the cat in the box when he starts to poop but that doesn't seem to be helping...What else can I do? And what about all the racket he makes when he's trying to go? And why does he go on the paper right beside the litter box?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 6 2006 at 1:33 PM (1 hour and 51 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
No, I don't recommend a covered box. You may need to change litters to see which one he prefers. Keep putting him in the litter box and train him that way. Is he constipated? That might explain the vocalization during elimination. He may need some mineral oil in his food to help lubricate things.

Sometimes, adding another litter pan may help.

Dr. Lou

Edited by dr4pets on September 6 2006 at 5:47 PM

Respond if you need more information or if my answer didn't exactly answer your question. If I have been helpful, please ACCEPT the answer and please LEAVE FEEDBACK!!

Dr. Louis Gotthelf
Animal Hospital of Montgomery
Pet Skin and Ear Clinic
dr4pets -- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine -- 98% Positive Feedback on 179 Cat Accepts
30 years owning a dog and cat veterinary practice in Alabama. President, Animal Emergency Clinic
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