This article was written by guest contributor Pamela Hill Owner at ThatCatGirl.com.
Out-of-box elimination is a natural cat behavior. It is common and sometimes the only way that cats have of letting us know something isn’t right. So why do we still prejudge these cats as potentially incompatible with home-life and adoption? For years, we’ve been told that cats use a litterbox instinctively. But not so fast. The devil’s in the details, and when we don’t get those right, cats can lose their homes and be fast-tracked to euthanasia. Here are a few tips to help you prevent this fate for cats in your community.
Tip #1
No prejudging! Know that out-of-box elimination is a natural feline response to discomfort, such as that associated with underlying medical issues, problems with the litterbox or bathroom area, and other types of anxiety. The stressor itself is often difficult for people to recognize and understand, let alone fix. Most cat owners will tell you they have tried everything, and the problem won’t resolve. Do not assume this information reliably communicates an intransigent characteristic of the cat.
When you can, use common sense to walk owners through a process of investigation so that appropriate solutions can be determined (more on that below). If one of these cats does end up in your care, give them the benefit of the doubt. If the root of their behavior was environmental, the change of scenery alone could resolve the issue.
Tip #2
Begin the cat litterbox behavior investigation with a trip to the vet to rule out underlying disease. Urinary tract infection and kidney-related issues are most often associated with urinating outside of the box, but any medical condition can stop a cat from using the litterbox.
Tip #3
If the vet gives an all-clear, the next step is to check for the presence of litterbox stressors.
First, make sure that the litterbox is in an area that is:
- Well-lit. Cats need light to navigate easily both day and night.
- Close by and easy to access. The path to the litterbox should be straightforward and free of clutter or obstacles. If a cat must navigate a long way or around, through, or over things to get to the litterbox, she might choose another spot.
- Quiet. Unexpected noises, as from an appliance, can disturb a cat and leave them feeling that the litterbox is unsafe.
- Away from the cat’s food, water, beds, toys, and perches. Cats may refuse to eliminate where they eat, play, and rest.
Then, make sure that the litterbox is:
- Large enough. Most litterboxes are too small and prevent cats from engaging in natural elimination behaviors. Avoid this situation by ensuring their box is 1.5x as wide and long as they are from tip of nose to tip of tail. Enclosed boxes pose a risk because they shrink the space, forcing cats to fit to the box and inhibiting normal posturing.
- Clean. The box should be scooped at least once daily to stay clean and clump-free. For more than one cat, more than one litterbox is needed.
- Easy to walk right into and out of. A litterbox that requires cat acrobatics, such as those that require a cat to jump in and out, should not be used.
- Open. Cats prefer boxes that have more than one entrance and exit point. Open boxes provide this while also allowing for more space and flexibility when it comes to natural posturing. Enclosed boxes are dark, dusty, tend to hold smell, and require cats to scrunch – all things that may cause your cat to choose another spot.
- Free of accessories such as liners or additives, which can negatively impact the smell and feel of the litterbox.
Lastly, make sure the litter is:
- Small, light, clumping, and unscented. Look for a clay-based litter with strong and effective odor-control, such as those containing activated carbon.
- At the right depth. Cats generally prefer a litter depth of around 4″, but individual preferences can vary.
Tip #4
Be aware that additional stressors, such as pertain to household dynamics or endemic types of anxiety, can also cause a cat to go outside the box. These can be trickier to identify and address. Don’t be afraid to recommend or call a professional. Working with someone who has expertise in feline behavior is often the fastest way to find an effective solution for you and your adopters.