If your cat is refusing to his or her litter box or using the marking other area in your house, he or she may be stressed or showing signs of intimidation. Common situations that might stress or intimidate your cat are:
- Bringing home a new pet
- Bringing home a new baby
- New surroundings (Moving)
- Rearranging the house
- Introducing new furniture
- Changing your kitty litter
What Can I Do
This behavior is typically found in younger male cats. Getting your cat spayed or neutered can reduce the chances of your cat territorial marking.
Start cleaning your cats litter box more often. Some cats will refuse to use a litter box if it is not cleaned on a daily basis. Add another litter box. It is always good to have at least one litter box per cat incase your cat does not like to share. Even if you only have one cat it will help ensure that one of the boxes is clean at all times.
Keep litter box away from your cat’s food. I know that I sure wouldn’t like to eat my dinner right next to the toilet.
You can also try sprinkling lavender powder around the area that your cat has been marking. Some cats do not like the scent of lavender and will not go near the area if it smells bad do them.
Anxiety Issues
Many companies now make calming aids for cats with behavioral, stress and anxiety issues. These products can be found at most pet stores and online so you can avoid going to the Vet and paying for expensive products. Calming sprays are very easy to use but will only work in the area where it is sprayed. You may want to try calming collars, chewable calming treats or calming diffusers. Co mfort Zone makes diffusers that you plug into the wall and they work just like a Glade plug ins.
Cat Urine Smell
Cat urine has a very distinct smell and is not an easy odor to remove from your carpeting or floors. There are a number of different odor removing chemicals but the ones that I have found work best are,Natures Miracle stain and odor removers and Zorb carpet cleaning powder. It also helps to sprinkle baking soda over the soiled area and let it sit overnight, then vacuum or sweep in up the next day.
Contact Your Vet
If your cat continues to go to the bathroom on the floor, consult your veterinarian for more suggestions and to make sure that your cat does not have a urinary tract infection or kidney stones.
Joleena Harris - I am a writer from Racine Wisconsin. I have written dozens of short stories and I am currently working on my first book.
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