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There are two main causes for a cat litter box problem. One is behavioral, and the other is physical. Before assuming it's a behavioral problem, you should always bring your cat to the vet so that you can rule out any physical causes. If your cat learns to link a bad experience with the litter box, she may start to resent the box. If this happens often enough, she may stop using the box altogether. You should be aware that the problem may have a physical cause at the root. Here are four good reasons your cat won't use the box. 1. Painful Urination - any medical condition that causes a cat pain while urinating will create a bad association. Since your cat can't hold it forever, she's going to urinate somewhere other than the box at some point. Often, once cats go in a spot, they will return to that spot until you completely remove the odor and/or retrain the cat. 2. Pain During Bowel Movements - if, for example, your cat is painfully constipated she will associate pain with the litter box. When she is finally able to go, it may be on the kitchen floor, instead of in the box. 3. Pain in Joints and Muscles - your cat has to be able to get in and out of the litter box without experiencing pain, as well as be able to squat. If there's an injury, arthritis, or some other problem with your cat's joints or muscles she may be in pain when using the box. After a few times of this, your cat doesn't use the box anymore. 4. Limited Range of Motion - it's possible that your cat may not be able to climb up into the litter box. If you have an older cat, or injury or disease has limited her movement, she won't be able to use the box. Judging from some of the email I get, many readers think about litter box problems as being behavioral. This is simply not true. Your vet will help you determine if a physical cause is your problem. For painful urination, bowel movements, or joint or muscle pain, proper treatment will have to be sought out in consultation with your vet. Once the pain is gone, some retraining will probably be required and a large amount of patience on your part to help your cat through it. If a mobility problem is the culprit, there may be some things you can do. First, make it as easy on your cat as possible. Get a low litter box that your cat doesn't have to step too high into. Also, your cat would probably appreciate a large box to easily move around in. Depending upon your situation, your vet may have a remedy for your cat's mobility problem. Once the physical cause of a cat litter box problem is identified by your vet, you can work together to help your cat get better. Remember to address any issue that causes your cat to associate an unpleasant experience with the box as soon as possible. Catching these problems early on makes them much easier to deal with.
Article Source: http://www.fubrus.com
Kurt Schmitt, an experienced cat owner, writes all about cat litter box problems and other cat owner problems at Cat Lovers Only Click here to get your own unique version of this article: Uber Articles directory.
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