Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Cat Infrequency

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 12/9/2008


Question
My girlfriend recently adopted a cat who knew how to use the little box.  However, the cat seems to choose when she wants to use it, or go on the carpet.  Some days she'll use the box, and others she will not.  The litter box is kept very clean and shes the only cat in the apartment.  The box is also located in a secluded area where she wont be bothered and theres no loud noises or anything like that and she always has access to it.  Any idea why she only sometimes uses the litter box?  And how can we correctly teach her to not go on the carpet and to always use her litter box?

Answer
Brad,

The most common reason for behavior like that is a urinary tract infection or urinary crystals. It is painful when they pee and they associate that pain with the litterbox and go elsewhere. I would consider having her checked by a vet so she can get medication for it if that is the problem.

I would also try moving the litterbox closer to where she is peeing on the carpet. She may not be able to hold it too well and can't make it to the litterbox, especially if she has an infection.

Is she spayed? Cats in heat exhibit that behavior also.

I am including some  links to good articles about improper elimination that you may find helpful:
(copy and paste or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://cats.about.com/cs/behavioralissues/a/outsidebox_two.htm

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/pointe/9352/litterboxhelp.html

http://www.apbc.org.uk/article10.htm

I hope this helps

Tabbi  

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

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Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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