🐾 Litter Box Issues: Understanding and Solutions
🚫 Inappropriate Elimination
🐾 One box per cat, plus one extra—so three cats need four boxes.
🐾 Many cats prefer to pee in one box and poop in another.
🐾 Scoop at least once a day (twice if you’re short on boxes).
🐾 Think of it this way: if you wouldn’t want to use it, neither does your cat.
🐾 Most cats prefer soft, unscented, scoopable litter.
🐾 Alternatives like crystal, newspaper pellets, or corn cob litter may not feel great on their paws.
🐾 Watch your cat dig—if they’re happy, they’ll take their time with it.
🐾 Quiet, low-traffic areas are best.
🐾 Avoid placing boxes next to noisy appliances or food/water bowls.
🐾 If your cat starts peeing outside the box and nothing in your setup has changed, it’s time to call your vet.
🐾 Medical issues like bladder infections, inflammation, or stones can be to blame.
🛠️ Retraining Protocol: Step-by-Step
- Start Small
🐾 Confine your cat to a single room with food, water, toys, and a litter box.
🐾 After 2–3 weeks of consistent use, gradually give them access to more space.2. Clean Like You Mean It
🐾 Use enzymatic cleaners like Equalizer or Elimin-Odor on any soiled areas.
🐾 For wood, try Murphy’s Oil Soap. Repeat until there’s no trace of scent.3. More Boxes, More Options
🐾 Place extra litter boxes around the house, especially on different floors or in quiet corners.4. Scoop Daily, Wash Weekly
🐾 Old, scratched boxes can hold odors—replace them as needed.5. Let Them Choose Their Litter
🐾 Offer a few types in separate boxes: soft clay, shredded paper, sand, potting soil, or sawdust.
🐾 Just skip anything too strong-smelling, like cedar.6. Encourage the Good
🐾 Gently guide your cat to the box and praise them when they use it. - Catch Them in the Act? Interrupt—Don’t Scold
🐾 Try a bell collar to monitor sneaky bathroom trips.
🐾 If you see them about to go outside the box, a quick whistle or spray of water can redirect.
🐾 Never punish—it increases stress and makes things worse.
🧼 Best Products for Cleaning Accidents
🐾 Equalizer, Elimin-Odor or Woolite Oxy Pet – Breaks down urine proteins to truly eliminate odor.
🐾 Murphy’s Oil Soap – Great for wood floors and furniture that have taken a hit.
🐱 Helpful Tips to Remember
🐾 Don’t punish your cat. You’ll only increase stress and delay progress.
🐾 Stress = Mess. New pet? New baby? Renovation? Even minor household changes can stress your cat out.
🐾 When in doubt, call us. We’re here to help if the problem doesn’t resolve.
Having litter box issues and not sure where to start?
We’re here to help—reach out to our feline-focused team at:
📞 610-398-3556