Cat Behavior 101: Lesson 4: Litter Box Etiquette

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Cat Behavior 101 Lesson 4: Litter Box Etiquette From Franny Syufy, your Guide to Cats The most common behavior-related reasons cats are surrendered to animal shelters are those of litter box avoidance. While peeing or pooping outside the box is considered a behavioral problem, the reason can often be traced to medical problems. So the first line of defense should always be a visit to the vet. Litter Box Training Cat Litter Box Training Kitten From Amy Shojai, CABC: "Felines are great imitators and simply "copy-cat" their mother's behavior when they watch and follow her to the litter box. Most kittens will already know what a litter box is for and how to use it by the time you adopt them." "But if you hand-raise an orphan, or adopt a kitten younger than 8 to 10 weeks as often happens in shelter and rescue situations, you'll need to do the job of the mother cat. Transitioning outdoor cats to an indoor lifestyle also may mean re-training bathroom etiquette from "going" among the flowers to aiming for the litter box. Here are the basics." Solving Common Litter Box Problems Amy writes: "I receive more questions about solving common litter box problems than any other cat behavior complaint. Adult cats understand the basics, but can get their tails in a twist over a variety of issues. Health challenges prompt cats to find alternatives to the legal toilet, and even after veterinary diagnosis and treatment, owners need to address the behavioral aspect to solve litter box problems. Learn the solutions to most litter box problems. The Cat Peed WHERE? From Franny: "Inappropriate Elimination" is the term we use to politely discuss the problem of cats peeing everywhere but in their litter boxes. It is the largest single cause of concern among cat owners,right up there alongside clawing furniture and drapes. Indeed, shelters cite the largest reason given by people surrendering cats is "He pees all over the house." Learn more about the causes and solutions of cats' peeing outside the box. Pooping Outside the Box Ask Amy: Cat Poop On Rug "Cooper will urinate in all boxes, but he prefers to poop on my shaggy antique Moroccan rug or a bath mat in the master bath, if left down," says Nadine. The behavior began about nine months ago, prior to the kitten's arrival, but has gotten worse since the kitten came. Amy Shojai as come up with some unique solutions to Cooper's problem. (She's always thinking "outside the box.") Ask Amy: Cat Poops Outside Box David writes, "I have three indoor cats, two female and one male, who my wife and I love very much. One of these cats is 'Maggi' who is a Maine Coon breed at 13 years old. Over a period time and now more frequently she poops near the litter box by the outside door or the tray in front of the litter box in a small closet near the outside door." Amy's expert advice includes a reminder of the "1 + 1 rule," as well as theories that Maggi's breed may have something to do with her problem. Ask Amy: Kittens Tracking Poop Jackie and Shane share their household with two male neutered cats, Elvis and Taz, both adopted from the local shelter on New Year's Eve of 2009. They first noticed the problem at the middle of January. "Every two or three weeks they will step in their own poop or actually poop on their own leg and even their own tail while in the litter box. Curious about Amy's answer? Ask Amy: Why Does my Kitty Potty in the Sink or the Tub? Doris and Dave share care responsibilities for Toby Noel, a neutered and front declawed four-and-a-half year old male cat adopted from a shelter at three months of age. They are befuddled because Toby will intermittently pee or poop in the sink or tub, and their vet is stumped. Amy has written a masterful explanation of the possible causes for Toby's behavior, along with some solutions. This email is written by: Franny Syufy Cats Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Missing a lesson? Click here. About U. is our collection of free online courses designed to help you learn a new skill, solve a problem, get something done, or just learn more about your world. Sign up now, and we will email you lessons on a daily or weekly basis. You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the About.com 'Cat Behavior 101' email. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Advertisement