If you own a cat, you know they can be pretty opinionated. One of the ways that our cats demonstrate this is with their litter box habits. Many cats decide to shun their bathroom at one point or another! Learn why below in this article from a Fort Bragg, NC vet. 

It’s not clean enough.

Your cat doesn’t like doing her business in a dirty bathroom. And who can blame her? Cats have been known to start avoiding their litter box entirely if it’s not cleaned out often enough. We recommend scooping out your cat’s waste every day or every other day, and changing out the litter entirely about once a week or so. This ensures that everything stays completely fresh. 

It’s not placed properly.

Cats are picky about where their bathroom box is located in the home. After all, no one wants to use the restroom in a crowded, noisy area with a lot of other people or pets around! Place your cat’s litter box in a quiet, out-of-the-way spot in the house where your cat can use it without being disturbed. In most homes, a laundry room, basement, or quiet bathroom setting works well. 

It’s not the right litter. 

Certain cats like certain types of litter—it’s just one of those things that some of our feline friends have a particular preference on. There are many types out there: clumping and non-clumping, scented varieties and non-scented versions, litters made with different base materials, and much more. Try experimenting a bit to see what your cat likes best, and ask your vet if they have any recommendations. 

She’s ill or in pain.

If you’ve noticed your cat consistently going to the bathroom outside of her litter box and making a mess on your floors, it’s time to call the vet. It’s possible that a medical issue of some kind could be at play. A cat with a urinary tract infection might not be able to hold her bladder; a senior feline suffering from arthritis might have trouble getting herself up into the box and find it easier to go elsewhere. You’ll want to have your pet examined at the vet’s office to find out if anything is wrong.

Ready to set up your cat’s next office appointment? That’s where we come in. Call your Fort Bragg, NC pet clinic today to speak with the professionals. We’re always here for you!