Litter Box

Here is some good information about why your cat may not like the litter box, and what you can do to improve it.

I will go to Ikea and buy some big bins for sure I think it is a great Idea


http://www.catinfo.org/?link=litterbox#Top_reasons_for_a_cat_to_stop_using_his_litter_box

Top reasons for a cat to stop using the litter box:

• Dirty litter box(es)
• Poor choice of litter form (using pellets/crystals/non-clumping litter which are uncomfortable to walk on and do not allow for complete urine removal)
• Poor location of litter box(es)
• Blocked from the box by a dominant feline housemate
• Unable to relax and get to the box, or use it, due to fear of a strange human, dog, active child, loud noise, etc., in the house environment
• Box size is too small
• Too few boxes
• Medical problem(s) - This should always be a serious consideration.

Types of Litter Boxes, Size, Number, and Location

Size:

The size of the litter box is very important.  It is very common for people to pick out a litter box that is too small which can result in the cat stepping in his own waste.  This can result in a litter box aversion causing the cat to urinate and defecate elsewhere.

The bigger the box, the more inviting it will be to your cat.  The more inviting the litter box is to the cat, the more apt he will be to use it instead of soiling your home. 

Keep in mind that conventional litter boxes are not your only options.  Storage containers often make much better choices since they are larger and often less expensive.

Number of Boxes and Location:

The number and location of the litter boxes are very important issues.  Many cats will not use a litter box if it has been used by another cat.  In addition, some cats prefer to urinate in one box and defecate in another.  Also, a common cause of inappropriate elimination stems from a more dominant cat blocking the pathway to the litter box.  The more passive/timid cat is forced to look elsewhere for a bathroom.  In this situation it is critical to have enough boxes in ‘safe’ areas to minimize the potential for problems. 

Don't put all of the litter boxes in the same spot if you have a bully cat that may be blocking a timid cat from the box.  Place the boxes in quiet, low traffic areas.  The laundry room is often not a suitable place due to the noise from the washer and dryer and has led to many litter box aversion cases.  Also, it is best to not place litter boxes near the cat’s eating area.

A very common problem arises when people allow young kittens or frightened adult cats that have recently been adopted to have access to too large of an environment without enough litter boxes close by.  Often the scared cat or kitten is hiding in one part of the house while his litter box is in another part of the house. 

Keep in mind that these animals are not going to suddenly become brave when their bladder gets full and venture out to look for a litter box in a strange environment.