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Question
Hi, I hope you can provide some insight into my problem. I live with my boyfriend and our 2 cats, and they are both about a year old. We've lived in our current location since before we were given the cats. (they were about 7 weeks old) so they are very comfortable here and have never had any problems with their litterbox. however, our female cat just had kittens (which we are very excited about! :)) on june 29, but ever since, she refuses to use her litterbox and instead, waits until we go outside and runs out and uses a sandy spot in the yard! its very bizarre, since she has never done this before, and annoying because we dont want her using our frontyard as a litterbox! we've tried "forcing" her to use it, by being extra careful about keeping her inside, and putting her in the litterbox to encourage her, but she just holds it in and meows at the door for hours! its so weird, and i'm not sure what to do, and i would appreciate any advice you could give! thank you! ~Mattie
Hi Mattie,
She is doing that to try to protect the kittens. If her scent is far away from the kittens then predators won't find them is her way of reasoning. Try moving the litter box to a far point in the house. See if that works. And take some of the sand she has been using and put it in the box. These two things should work. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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