I have a I have a troublemaker named misfit do you think you could help me out she really never goes to the bathroom in the litter box so do you think you can help me with tips and stuff??
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Litter box problems
- Thread starter rosethewerecat
- Start Date
Here's a good web site to read about litter box problems: http://catinfo.org/?link=litterbox
The first thing that is usually suggested is a trip to the vet to rule out any possible medical condition or behavioral issues.
What kind of litter box do you have and what kind of litter? How often do you scoop the box? Where is the litter box located? How long has the cat been not using the litter box properly?
The first thing that is usually suggested is a trip to the vet to rule out any possible medical condition or behavioral issues.
What kind of litter box do you have and what kind of litter? How often do you scoop the box? Where is the litter box located? How long has the cat been not using the litter box properly?
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3
she has no medical issues besides the fact that she's the runt of her letter and she has a low immune system .do you think its maybe because I have three other cats??
Have you actually had her checked over, as this is often the cause of these problems.
Also, consider how many litter boxes you have. Some cats won't touch a dirty litterbox, others won't wee where they poo and vice versa.
TCS has a number of articles about litter box location, maintenance, problems, etc., which should be of help to you. You'll find them by clicking on this link
How many litter boxes do you have? Ideally you should have one litter box for each cat plus one extra. Three cats sharing one box is a bit too many even with frequent scooping. One cat may bully the other cats from using the litter box.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #7
Litter boxes don't have to be expensive. I went and bought a big, clear plastic tote and took the lid off and put 3 inches of litter into it so they can jump in from the top. If your cats have any issues that prevent them from jumping that height regularly, you can easily cut a hole into the side of the plastic yourself. It cost me $7 at a home hardware store (like a Rubbermaid kind of tote, but knockoff name) and it's twice as big as a typical commercial litter box at 21 gallons. Some commercial litter boxes can be $20 for half the size if you're shopping at a department store or pet store.
An outside house? This doesn't make sense to me. An outside house is FAR more expensive than a new litterbox or two, and is more of an adjustment for your cats who are being put at risk of being attacked, preyed on, terrorized, or killed outdoors, as you mentioned one of them had followed your car down the street recently. It's more logical and safer to just get new litter boxes and to have your cats seen by a vet while keeping them indoors. Outside, they can contract things from other cats and get into fights and any problems they may have now would only be exacerbated. Make sure you're using the same litter they're used to, and clean the areas where they have eliminated very well, ideally with an enzymatic cleaner.
Initial visits now when issues are starting will be less expensive than visits in the future in case of emergency if heaven forbid, something does happen to them while they're roaming outdoors, especially if they are still carrying around medical problems. We can't diagnose speculatively. It's best to have a medical professional see them as soon as you have the funds. Try contacting local rescues regarding funds or referrals to low cost clinics they trust and have taken their cats to, or reach out to local communities (Reddit has often come through for people in dire situations; maybe post to r/texas and ask for vet recommendations near or in Borger).
Additionally, if Misfit has been become clingy since being put outside, it makes sense to me that she wants to be with you and near you again. Especially if she's not used to being outside, she'll want to find you and go back home. The steps that have been taken so far seem counter productive and not conducive to a long-term solution or a happy life, particularly for Misfit, who may be in discomfort or in pain and may be very scared. Many cats aren't as aloof as is stereotypically believed.
An outside house? This doesn't make sense to me. An outside house is FAR more expensive than a new litterbox or two, and is more of an adjustment for your cats who are being put at risk of being attacked, preyed on, terrorized, or killed outdoors, as you mentioned one of them had followed your car down the street recently. It's more logical and safer to just get new litter boxes and to have your cats seen by a vet while keeping them indoors. Outside, they can contract things from other cats and get into fights and any problems they may have now would only be exacerbated. Make sure you're using the same litter they're used to, and clean the areas where they have eliminated very well, ideally with an enzymatic cleaner.
Initial visits now when issues are starting will be less expensive than visits in the future in case of emergency if heaven forbid, something does happen to them while they're roaming outdoors, especially if they are still carrying around medical problems. We can't diagnose speculatively. It's best to have a medical professional see them as soon as you have the funds. Try contacting local rescues regarding funds or referrals to low cost clinics they trust and have taken their cats to, or reach out to local communities (Reddit has often come through for people in dire situations; maybe post to r/texas and ask for vet recommendations near or in Borger).
Additionally, if Misfit has been become clingy since being put outside, it makes sense to me that she wants to be with you and near you again. Especially if she's not used to being outside, she'll want to find you and go back home. The steps that have been taken so far seem counter productive and not conducive to a long-term solution or a happy life, particularly for Misfit, who may be in discomfort or in pain and may be very scared. Many cats aren't as aloof as is stereotypically believed.
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