Do you remember the last time your pet started having problems? I haven't always had an easy time figuring out what was going on with my animal, which is why I started thinking more seriously about taking the right steps to make sure things were going like they should be. I began focusing more seriously on my animal, and before I knew it, I was able to determine when he was and wasn't sick. When he was sick, I always took him in to my veterinarian for service, and I feel like that has saved his life a few times. Check out this blog for more information.
-
Understanding the Importance of Animal Health Services 1 November 2023
-
Keeping Your Pet Healthy: Facts And Tips 23 May 2023
-
Three Uses For Your Animal Hospital's Underwater Treadmill 1 February 2023
-
Why Should Indoor Cats Be Spayed Or Neutered? 20 October 2022
Understanding Veterinary Care
Cat Won't Use Its Litter Box? Here Are 3 Potential Reasons Why
Cameron Torres
Having a cat that won't properly use its litter box isn't fun for anyone - even your cat. Most cats use litter boxes normally, so if your cat is suddenly going outside the box, that might mean there's a problem. Here are three potential conditions your cat's unwillingness to use its litter box might point to.
1. Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is unfortunately rather common in cats. When the kidneys stop functioning at full capacity, a cat's body has to work extra hard to flush toxins out of the blood. This typically causes a cat to drink more fluids, which means they need to use the litter box more often.
In some cases, a cat simply won't make it in time to the litter box. While any potential signs of kidney disease deserve to be taken care of by a vet, simply moving your litter box closer to where your cat rests may cut down on the number of times they go outside of it.
2. Blockage
Cats can experience debilitating blockages of both the urinary tract and the bowels. Depending on the type of blockage, your cat may be experiencing pain while attempting to go.
Some cats don't understand why their body hurts when they're trying to go. As a result, they might think that the litter box is somehow to blame and are avoiding it as a result. If you've noticed that your cat rarely goes in the same place more than once, this is likely your problem.
Both urinary and gastrointestinal blockages can be fatal for cats, so seek medical attention immediately if you think your cat has this problem.
3. Anxiety
Lastly, consider that anxiety could be the culprit. This is particularly a problem in households with more than one pet or a child running around.
Cats don't like to feel exposed and vulnerable while they're using the litter box. If your cat frequently gets ambushed by another pet trying to play while your cat is trying to go, they might avoid the box. Alternatively, some cats feel boxed in and nervous when they have to use a box with a hood. Since they can't keep an eye on their surroundings to watch for potential predators, they might be hesitant to go.
Anxiety using the litter box is one of the easiest problems to manage. Try adjusting your cat's litter box and see if it helps. Move it to another area, remove the lid or add a lid depending on whether you do or don't have one now, and watch to see if your cat gets harassed by others while trying to go. If anxiety is the problem, it should clear up after trying these tips.
Cats usually don't stop using a litter box for no reason. If you can't figure out the cause behind your cat's poor choices, visit an animal hospital like Baywood Animal Hospital to find out if something else is going on with their health.
Share