You may have a cat that is driving you crazy as it will not use the litter box. This is a very common problem with cats.

First, the obvious, does it have a medical problem? There are many problems that can cause a cat to not want to use the box. Please don’t try to self diagnose it. Take your cat to the vet and ask for some tests to check for problems that may cause this. A sample of the urine or feces may be required and can be helpful.

These are some of the health problems:

Inflammation of the urinary tract

Kidney, liver, and thyroid diseases

Inflammation of the colon or rectum

Intestinal tract tumors, intestinal parasites, and other gastrointestinal conditions

Age-related diseases such as arthritis, nervous system disorders, or muscular diseases

Diseases or conditions that affect cognitive functions

If you have checked with the vet and your cat has no health issue it may be that he does not like the litter box for one or many reasons including:

The height- If it is an older cat he or she may have trouble stepping into it if it is high. Try a lower sided one and see.

The type of litter- There are so many types of litter. Some cats are picky and they prefer one type over another. Many cats do not like scented litter, and some prefer a finer texture. If your cat is consistently eliminating on a flat shiny surface maybe he wants finer litter. If she is eliminating on cushions and beds and on other soft comfy places then she my want softer litter. The litter that works best fort the owner is not necessarily the one best to cats.

Liners and lids -Some cats don’t like liners, nor do they like littler boxes with lids.

Smell-Believe it or not, while it is there smell, they don’t like the smell, when it is not cleaned daily.

The location of it- they like to feel safe, and if it is in high traffic place that could be a problem.

Proximity to food- Also, if it is near their food they may not like it, as they do not like to mix the smell of their food with their bathroom smell. Would you? Imagine if you had your kitchen and your bathroom in one room.

 

Sharing-Whether he or she has to share it could be an issue. If you have more than one cat they may not like to share a box. Even cats that have lived together for some time can develop a dislike for sharing.

 

By trying different litter, moving the box, getting more than one, you may be able find the reason.

Good luck in your detective work.

 

Here are some good sources of reference, some I have used in preparing this brief article.

I hope it helps you.

 

http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/solving-cat-litter-box-problems

 

http://www.larimerhumane.org/animals/resources/199?task=view

http://www.wikihow.com/Retrain-a-Cat-to-Use-the-Litter-Box