Many times cat owners are at a loss as to why their cat is having litter box issues. Here are some great tips that can help you solve the problem. A trip to the vet should be the first thing done. Does your cat have a urinary tract infection? Is your cat fixed? Now look at the litter box: * Can your cat easily get to it? Are you making them have to go to another floor of the house to use the bathroom? Do you have easy access for them to go to the bathroom? * Is it in a quiet, private area of the house? * Are there as many boxes as there are cats? Many cats do not like to share with other cats. * Are the boxes separate from each other? (In other words different parts of the house) * Does the cat have to travel through another cats “territory” to get to the boxes? * Is another cat preventing the cat from getting to the box or bothering them when they use it? * Is a human child bothering the cat when in the box? * Is the box large enough for them? (We use large storage tubs, it keeps them from kicking litter all the floor too) * Are they able to get into and out of the box? (Older, arthritic cats may have a harder time getting into deep boxes.) * Does it have a top to it? Many cats do not like covered boxes before it smells inside there (You don’t like to go to the bathroom in a porta-potty do you?) Also they have no easy escape from another cat when there is a top on the box. * Is the box clean? Is it being scooped at least daily? Does the box need the plastic scrubbed? * Is a new litter being used or does it have too heavy a scent (clumping and unscented is best). Many cats will not use wood chips if you try * Has the depth of the litter in the box changed? Some cats like their litter deep, others shallow. * Is your cat declawed? If so, the litter may be causing them considerable pain on their amputated toes. Get a soft litter. Do not put food and water near the litter box. Cats like these two areas kept separate (don’t you?) If your cat has picked out a particular room to soil try closing the door to that room if you can or cover the target area with furniture. Put a bowl of food over the target area as cats like to keep their eating area away from their “bathroom”. Have you recently moved? A cat might smell an area where the previous owner’s cat urinated. Is it possible that some where outside your home there are unfixed stray cats spraying? A cat’s sense of smell is very strong, they can smell unfixed cats from some distance and may be marking to say to other cats that is their home. Was there a recent addition or loss to the family? A new baby, spouse? This is usually temporary until the cat adjusts to the change in their environment. A change in your schedule can throw off your cat's schedule as well and cause problems. Try and phase in major lifestyle changes gradually. Look at what you are feeding your cat. Food that is higher quality if better for the cat and may also affect their litter box usage. NEVER EVER punish the cat by kicking, hitting, chasing, screaming or rubbing their nose in their urine (remember the smell doesn’t bother them). Cats cannot make the cause and effect connection like we can so punishment after the fact is useless and will only make matters worse. Cats are naturally very clean animals and they know where they are going. It is important to remember this and try and help your cat overcome any stress or anxiety they might be having in a caring and loving manner. If it is a new cat in your home it could take from three to eight weeks to get adjusted to the new environment. Be patient! You could try using Feliway diffusers in your home to help calm them. Calming collars may help. Some people will use Hemp Oil to help with the cat’s anxiety. Kitten Attract litter is pricey but has a 100% usage guarantee. (You may also get it at Petsmart or Petco)