- Joined
- Dec 13, 2013
- Messages
- 1,437
- Purraise
- 179
More encouraging news I'd say, but it sounds definitely possible that there may be some conflict/competition between Striker and Sassy over the litter boxes. It definitely would be a great idea to provide Sassy with her own box, for two reasons. One, she will have the exclusive use of it which may make her feel more comfortable and secure, and two, you will be able to separate her output from Strikers and know that what you are seeing at any given time, is hers.
Awake at 3am this morning.
Basement check revealed a urine/marking with a dab of diarrhea against the inside back of the open-air tub. NOTHING additional.
However, as of 10 min. ago (7:05a), she dropped a small, soft stool on the floor outside the covered box; thankfully no urine product. Striker had urinated in the open-top tub, then left a covered stool in the covered box.
Is it even conceivable to have a "private, girls-only" box for Sassy, considering if we would add a 3rd box?
Striker goes indiscriminately, and I don't think that's a bad thing. I'm starting to think, though, he is using both boxes as an assertion mechanism. When we tried to move the one box into a different room and only show it to Sassy, Striker still found it out and used it. Sassy never did, so we moved it back to the original room.
I should know this, but what is the best practice to introduce a cat to a new box? I was always under the impression if you simply place them in it for a few seconds, let them move their paws, that was sufficient.
Thanks to any who still have the patience to read this post/journal and offer insights and ideas.
As far as introducing a new litter box, it is basically as you have suggested. Place the new box in the desired location but perhaps place Sassy in front of the box rather than right in it to allow her to get accustomed to it at her own speed. Wait a moment or two and she may step right into it out of curiosity. If not, place her in the box and then back away. She may just sniff around and give the litter a stir, or step right out of it, which is fine. You will want to try again in a hour or so, so she gets the idea that this is her box to use. Its obviously really important that Striker not have access to this box, and that the new location is quiet and away from the fray such as a laundry room, or downstairs bathroom. Keep in mind that Sassy may still try and use the older litter boxes from time to time.
One more thing .. I think someone asked about whether you use Feliway diffusers, which are plug-ins of a liquid product that contains feline pheromones. If there is an outlet in the new litter box location, this might be a good thing to introduce to help make things more inviting for Sassy.
Best of luck with this and let us know how things go.
Last edited: