Hello! I am new to this site and just needed some advice for my f3 savannah cat. Nala is 7 months old and has not been a fan of the litter box on since she was little. She had recently just been better about using it when switching to clay litter, but about 2 weeks ago she began to pee and sometimes even poop at the bottom of our staircase (When she was younger we had a problem with her peeing on beds, she doesn't anymore). She is spayed, and we do have another 1 year old tabby cat and they are inseparable and are always cuddling. Any suggestions on how to get her to use the litter box?
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Hates the litter box
- Thread starter laurenlee646
- Start date
The challenge is finding out what makes her not like the box. Some common reasons:
-- doesn't like the size, location, type of box,
-- doesn't like where the box is located,
-- perhaps the other cat bothers her when she's trying to use the box,
-- doesn't like the litter,
-- there aren't enough boxes. For 2 cats, should have 3 boxes in different locations,
-- some cats have sensitive feet that may be sensitive to hard litter or large types of litter,
-- some cats don't like the texture of any type of litter.
-- most cats prefer an uncovered box rather than one with a lid.
Did you ever ask the breeder if she was litter box trained? Has she been checked at the vet to see if there is a physical reason for this such as can she tell when she has to go or could there be nerve issues?
When all else fails, finding an animal behaviorist to consult with might uncover a reason or reasons why she does this. If there isn't one in your area. Marilyn Krieger does phone consults http://www.thecatcoach.com/
-- doesn't like the size, location, type of box,
-- doesn't like where the box is located,
-- perhaps the other cat bothers her when she's trying to use the box,
-- doesn't like the litter,
-- there aren't enough boxes. For 2 cats, should have 3 boxes in different locations,
-- some cats have sensitive feet that may be sensitive to hard litter or large types of litter,
-- some cats don't like the texture of any type of litter.
-- most cats prefer an uncovered box rather than one with a lid.
Did you ever ask the breeder if she was litter box trained? Has she been checked at the vet to see if there is a physical reason for this such as can she tell when she has to go or could there be nerve issues?
When all else fails, finding an animal behaviorist to consult with might uncover a reason or reasons why she does this. If there isn't one in your area. Marilyn Krieger does phone consults http://www.thecatcoach.com/
First off, be sure to thoroughly clean the area where Nala is going at the bottom of the stairs with a good enzyme cleaner such as Anti-Icky-Poo or Unique Distributors. The cleaners that you can purchase at your local pet store just aren't strong enough to do the job right. If your stairs are carpeted you can put the solution in a rug cleaner, or even inject it into the carpeting with a syringe type injector.
What other litters have you tried? Some cats don't like any type of litter, have you tried just putting newspaper (unshredded) on the bottom of the box?
As Witchy mentioned, you should have at least three boxes for two cats located at different areas of the house. If possible, try to locate one near where she is going by the stairs. Also, make sure that the boxes are of adequate size, if they are too small then she may not feel comfortable going in them. If they are covered try taking the lids off, if they are open, try one or more with a lid on. If you use the plastic storage tubs with high sides use ones that are clear so that she can see if anyone/thing is approaching.
If you haven't already tried it, I would recommend you add Cat Attract litter - either as a stand-alone litter or added to the top of the litter you are already using. You can also purchase it as an additive.
What other litters have you tried? Some cats don't like any type of litter, have you tried just putting newspaper (unshredded) on the bottom of the box?
As Witchy mentioned, you should have at least three boxes for two cats located at different areas of the house. If possible, try to locate one near where she is going by the stairs. Also, make sure that the boxes are of adequate size, if they are too small then she may not feel comfortable going in them. If they are covered try taking the lids off, if they are open, try one or more with a lid on. If you use the plastic storage tubs with high sides use ones that are clear so that she can see if anyone/thing is approaching.
If you haven't already tried it, I would recommend you add Cat Attract litter - either as a stand-alone litter or added to the top of the litter you are already using. You can also purchase it as an additive.
The advice above is great, I just wanted to add that putting a box at the base of the stairs where Patti suggested, doesn't have to be a permanent move... just the aim right now should be to get her to use the box faithfully then you can work on the box locations!