Cats use the litter box after you clean it because they like a clean box where they can hide the smell of their poop or pee. But, ultimately, since the litter box is clean and their scent is gone, they want to mark the territory again to claim proprietorship.
Your cat could be just trying to maintain her scent in the box, even though you're cleaning it. Animals usually go to the bathroom to give us a message. If it's outside the litter box, they could be stressed or in need of a clean place to go.
“Cats will sometimes jump into the litter boxes and often use them while, and right after, their people have scooped them,” says Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behavior consultant. “Cats love clean litter boxes, ones that are freshly scooped and don't smell of excrement.
While some cats follow their owners to the bathroom and don't understand the concept of privacy, many are still wary of who's watching when they go to the toilet themselves. Some cats will do their business solely outside, others might do a bit of both, perhaps preferring a warmer toilet in the winter months.
Experts recommend cleaning the litter box monthly, but maybe more frequently depending on the number of kitties, the type of litter, your cat's output and health, and your preferences.
Cats don't like change and if you want to avoid creating unnecessary stress in your cat's life, it's important to keep that in mind when you're planning on introducing anything unfamiliar. You may think I'm only referring to major changes but for many cats, even a minor change can be upsetting.
Dirty litter boxes can cause your cat health problems! Cats can develop painful kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections if their litter boxes are not kept clean. Leaving a litter box too long before cleaning can also lead to stress in cats, which can exacerbate these issues.
If she's not covering her poop, it could be because of nervousness, competition with other cats, health issues, or other reasons. You can encourage your cat to cover her poop by trying different litter and litter boxes, calming products, and decreasing the stress in her life.
Keeping your cat's litter box in the bedroom isn't ideal so if you can, move it to a more appropriate part of the house. Although the risks are small, you could become ill if you contract Toxoplasmosis, worms or you're exposed to too much ammonia.
Crystalline silica dust, the other ingredient in most clumping litters, is a known carcinogen for both humans and household pets when inhaled. According to OSHA.gov, “Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen.
Start by filling your litter box up with about an inch and a half of your new litter. If you're using a self-cleaning litter box with very specific load limitations, fill your litter box 75% of the way full with the new litter. Then, top it off with about a half-inch (or the remaining 25%) of your old litter.
You'll know your cat doesn't like their litter box if they completely stop using it. Partial use can also be a good indicator that your cat isn't a fan (i.e. trying to use it, but misses or goes near the box but not inside it). It could also be an issue around the cleanliness of the litter.
Your cat could be exhibiting this behavior for various reasons, including stress, litter box aversion, territorial behavior, or medical problems. If your cat continues to poop outside the litter box every day or often, consult a vet who can help you determine the underlying cause of the behavior.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Try playing with your cat near her litter box. Also leave treats and toys for her to find and enjoy in the general area leading to her box. Don't put her food bowl next to the box, though, because cats usually don't like to eliminate close to their food.
Cats won't use a dirty litter box.
By nature, cats are fastidious animals who obsess about keeping their fur and paws clean. So the idea of using a filthy restroom is just as repulsive to them as it is to us.
A variety of studies have found that cats prefer their litter to be soft and fine-grained. A recent study compared three types of unscented litter—wood pellets, silica microgranules, and nonclumping clay granules. Overwhelmingly, the cats chose silica and clay over the pellets.
Cats, because of their extremely keen sense of smell, are often put off by scented litters and perfumed environments.” Your cat's sense of smell is really the key to the decision of whether to use a litter with or without fragrances.
Scoop waste daily. How often you replace the litter depends on the number of cats you have, the number of litter boxes and the type of litter you use. Twice a week is a general guideline for replacing clay litter, but depending on your circumstances, you may need to replace it every other day or only once a week.
Non-clumping litter types (such as crystal) absorb more of the waste and usually require completely changing the litter at least once a week.
Put it in the Trash
Use a litter scoop to sift out urine clumps and stool and place in a small trash bag. Once all the boxes in your house are scooped, tie off the garbage bag in a knot. To prevent odor and bacterial leakage, double bag your scooped litter. Place in an outside trash can with a tight fitting lid.
Among the many health tips for expectant moms: Pregnant women shouldn't clean up the litter box. But why not? A common parasite called Toxoplasma gondii is to blame.
Silica Cat Litter
Environmentally, silica litters will biodegrade and are non-toxic, making them a better choice than clay.
With a clumping litter, the clumps that form after you cat has used their litter are far less likely to scatter. Not only does that mean less cleaning for you, but it also means less worry!