Hi, I am new to this site. I have a 1 year old male cat. We have only had him a little over a month. He was adjusting well, a few litter box problems but thing have gotten worse. A few weeks ago he was neutered (shelter messed up & didn't do this before adopting him out), had some dental work & was declawed. PLEASE don't judge about the declawing & now after doing research I know this can cause litter box problems. I admit I didn't realize this before declawing, but I cannot change that now & need help. He seems to be using his litter box else especially when he poops. It is becoming very frustrating. He has also starting biting. (I have read also that declawing can cause this.) i need help in solving this problem. My hubby is becoming more & more frustrated everyday & wanting to get rid of the cat. I really don't want to do this. He was already given up by his previous owners & is a very loving cat. He is just know having some behavior problems. Any advise you can give would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!
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Litter Box Help & Bitting
- Thread starter cheeseballs mom
- Start Date
Please hang in there for this baby. He has only been with you for a month and during that time had a very painful surgery when he was declawed. It will take him awhile to overcome this, but with love and patience you can do it.
I didn't quite understand what is going on with the litter box - is he refusing to use it? Hopefully an expert in these things will come by and give you some ideas, but one thing that comes to mind is that maybe the litter hurts his tender paws. Maybe you could try another kind, or even shredded newspaper until he gets back in the habit.
As for the biting, the best thing is to distract him with a toy. Da Bird is a great wand toy that most cats love. You could also let him chase a red dot laser. It is ok to say "NO!" when he bites or put him on a time out, but never spank him. He won't understand and will just be afraid of you.
If he likes cuddles and strokes, give him as much as you can.
I think it would be terribly unfair to this little guy to return him after he has been through this experience and had not had enough time to get over it. It will take a little work, but the rewards will be worth it. I hope also you can convince your boyfriend to be patient. As you say, the declawing is done, but it is only right to give this kitten a chance and it sounds like your heart is in the right place.
I didn't quite understand what is going on with the litter box - is he refusing to use it? Hopefully an expert in these things will come by and give you some ideas, but one thing that comes to mind is that maybe the litter hurts his tender paws. Maybe you could try another kind, or even shredded newspaper until he gets back in the habit.
As for the biting, the best thing is to distract him with a toy. Da Bird is a great wand toy that most cats love. You could also let him chase a red dot laser. It is ok to say "NO!" when he bites or put him on a time out, but never spank him. He won't understand and will just be afraid of you.
If he likes cuddles and strokes, give him as much as you can.
I think it would be terribly unfair to this little guy to return him after he has been through this experience and had not had enough time to get over it. It will take a little work, but the rewards will be worth it. I hope also you can convince your boyfriend to be patient. As you say, the declawing is done, but it is only right to give this kitten a chance and it sounds like your heart is in the right place.
I would offer him litter box choices around the house. Sounds silly, but he'll prefer one (or 2), then you can get rid of the rest.
1 box of fine clay/sand
1 box of shredded newspaper
1 box of fine corn
1 box of fine wheat
..you get the idea. It'll be pricey and annoying at first, but he'll pick one (or 2) he likes, then you can hopefully elminate the others.
As for the biting, he has lost his claws so that's his only way of "defense" and play. When cats chase a toy, or hunt a toy, they catch it with their claws. I'm guessing he is now using his teeth. Use toys that allow your hands to be free - stick/wand toys are great for this! If he's doing it while not playing - then clap loudly or say a firm "No" and walk away.
Keep us updated, and don't give up! Something will work
1 box of fine clay/sand
1 box of shredded newspaper
1 box of fine corn
1 box of fine wheat
..you get the idea. It'll be pricey and annoying at first, but he'll pick one (or 2) he likes, then you can hopefully elminate the others.
As for the biting, he has lost his claws so that's his only way of "defense" and play. When cats chase a toy, or hunt a toy, they catch it with their claws. I'm guessing he is now using his teeth. Use toys that allow your hands to be free - stick/wand toys are great for this! If he's doing it while not playing - then clap loudly or say a firm "No" and walk away.
Keep us updated, and don't give up! Something will work
I am sorry to hear this. It is so sad that this little cat's feet hurt & he has no claws for defense so he needs to bite.
