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Litter box use problems in cats can be diverse and complex. Behavioral treatments are often effective, but the treatments must be tailored to the cat’s specific problem. Be certain to read the entire article to help you identify your particular cat’s problem and to familiarize yourself with the different resolution approaches to ensure success with your cat.
Inappropriate elimination in cats is a very common and frustrating problem, and can be caused by many different factors. Most cats require little training to use their litter box, because cats have a natual desire to dig and bury their waste. But once a cat has developed undesirable toilet habits the problem can be very difficult to resolve. Follow these suggestions to prevent and solve litter box problems.
I receive more questions about solving common litter box problems than any other cat behavior complaint. Young kittens won’t automatically know where to “go” and you’ll need to teach them potty etiquette. Adult cats understand the basics, but can get their tails in a twist over a variety of issues. Health challenges prompt cats to find alternatives to the legal toilet, and even after veterinary diagnosis and treatment, owners need to address the behavioral aspect to solve litter box problems.
Training a kitten to use a litterbox is typically easier than training a puppy to go potty outside. Most kittens who are at least 8 weeks old will already know how to use the litterbox, but some kittens, especially younger ones, may still require some help from you. Here's how to train a kitten to do his business in the litterbox.