I recently received the above photo from a colleague, Bo Bergman DVM, that reminds me that there is already a spot of fall in Vermont. The gorgeous colors and reflection in the lake below are a stunning respite from the hectic pace of life. In everyone’s life, there seems to be a moment or place that is memorable. When possible, in my own life it is the Blowing Rock, NC area of the mountains, and I try to get up there whenever my schedule allows space to watch sunset over the Johns River Gorge.
Cats have a way of letting us know they like a spot (kneading, sleeping, or scratching in a special spot) and that it is an acceptable behavior. However, for indoor cats, they can also let owners know their displeasure with their bathroom facilities (litter box) to defecate beside the litter box.
WHAT ARE SOME STEPS A CLIENT CAN USE TO CORRECT INAPPROPRIATE DEFECATION BESIDE A LITTER BOX?
Use fine sand scoop able litter, not pine or scented types. Sand mimics the desert sand of their genetic heritage. Cats do not like perfume in their litter when offered the choice
Avoid plastic liners as it distracts cats and they often try to avoid them as the plastic feels funny to scratch and often cats prefer a different surface. Conversely, plastic is often placed in an area a cat urinates or defecates away from the litterbox to discourage using that spot.
IS IT IMPORTANT TO SCOOP THE LITTER IMMEDIATELY AFTER A CAT VISITS THE LITTER BOX?
Scoop the litter box once a day; however avoid constantly surveying and scoop instantaneously.
EVEN THOUGH I THOROUGHLY CLEANED THE AREA OF THE ACCIDENT, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE SCENT OF MY CAT IS STILL PRESENT. ARE THEIR ANY GOOD WAYS TO GET RID OF THE SCENT SO A CAT IS NOT AS LIKELY TO GO TO THE SAME SPOT?
Use of Zero Odor brand (on line or at stores such as Bed, Bath, and Beyond) TO clean up accidents is one of the best products to eliminate pet odors.
I LIKE TO KEEP A TOWEL AROUND THE LITTER BOX TO ABSORB ACCIDENTS, A PLASTIC LINER UNDER THE LITTER BOX, AND A HOOD ON THE BOX TO CUT ODORS. ARE ANY OF THESE A CONCERN?
Eliminate towels under and around litter boxes as many cats prefer them as a substrate than certain types of litter. Cats are most vulnerable when they are urinating and defecating and prefer to see 360 degrees when “doing their duty”. If a hood is utilized, it should be clear, not solid plastic.
Get rid of plastic liners or sheets under litter boxes as the sound or location could be a turn off.
I HAVE A PUPPY IN THE HOUSE, SO I HAVE EXTRA PUPPY PADS NEAR THE LITTER BOX. RECENTLY, I NOTED MY CAT USED THE PUPPY PAD TO URINATE. WHY?
Do not use puppy pads in the area as the pheromones in the pad may encourage inappropriate urination
HOW MANY LITTER BOXES SHOULD A CLIENT HAVE IN A 3 CAT HOUSEHOLD? HOW BIG SHOULD THE BOXES BE?
Make sure to use the rule of cat boxes as 1 per cat plus 1. Avoid use of A ROW the boxes beside each other as cats have zones in the house. Also if there are 2 floors be sure when possible to have one litter box on each floor of cats explore the whole house. Theoretically, a box should be 1.5 x the length of your cat. I recommend sweater boxes or a concrete mixer tub from Lowes home improvement as it allows an owner to experiment with 3 to 4 types of litter (oatmeal, clump, clay, pelleted, etc.) to find the substrate a cat prefers.
Information is the recommendation of Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Animal Behavior Clinic Director, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
PHOTOS of Mike the cat, courtesy of Dan Pantzer
Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, canine and feline
Hospital Director, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital, PLLC
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