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Cat Litter Box Problem: Four Physical Causes

By: Kurt Schmitt.. 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.

Cats are creatures of habit and will normally use the box once trained. If, however, your cat learns to associate a bad experience with the box, she may stop using it. The problem, contrary to popular belief, may be a physical one that she just can't control.

Here are four good reasons your cat won't use the box.

1. Urination Pain - if your cat has a physical problem causing her pain when she urinates, she'll learn to hate the box. When she absolutely can't hold it anymore, she'll go on your bedroom carpet. Remember that cats often return to the same spot again and again until you remove the odor!

2. Painful Bowel Movements - obviously a similar situation applies. For example, if your cat is constipated and it causes her pain to have a bowel movement, she will associate pain with the litter box. When she finally does work things out, so to speak, it may be on the living room floor instead of the box.

3. Painful Joints and Muscles - if your cat can't get in and out of the litter box without experiencing pain, she won't want to use it. If there is anything causing her pain while squatting, or getting in and out of the box, it could mean trouble. Injuries, arthritis, or some other painful joint condition could create a cat litter box problem.

4. Limited Mobility - in addition to the above, it's possible that your cat may have difficulty getting around well enough to climb into the litter box. If your cat is older, or has an injury or disease, she may be limited in her movement. She simply can't get into the box to use it.

Many readers believe that litter box problems are always behavioral. I hope this article has shed some light on other possibilities. If your cat is having a physical problem that you are unaware of, your vet can help sort that out.

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.

After a physical cause of your cat's litter box problem is determined, you can then work with your vet to help your cat recover. Any issues that cause your cat a bad litter box experience should be dealt with as soon as possible. The earlier you catch these problems, the easier it is to deal with.