Curing Cat Housesoiling

Many cat housesoiling problems can be solved by correcting two conditions. First, keep the litterbox clean. Daily cleaning is required. Second, spay or neuter your cat. Other litterbox problems may be caused by physical ailments, so consulting a veterinarian is a good idea. Most other litterbox issues are about not liking the litterbox, its contents or its location. These tips will help encourage the cat to use the litterbox:

• Never punish the cat for soiling outside the litterbox. Causing more anxiety for the cat may make matters worse. Cats do not housesoil to spite their guardians.
• Get rid of the anxiety sources by watching for where and when the soiling happens. If the cat relieves herself in the living room after a tom cat outside the living room window teases her, you can shut the blinds. If she relieves herself near a piece of new furniture, she may feel threatened by it and may be marking her territory.
• Have one litterbox per cat in the household, plus one extra box. The extra is for cats who don’t like mixing their solids and liquids.
• Use a large box with no liner or hood and fill it with sand-like, unscented litter. Add baking soda to control odor.
• Keep the litterbox in a quiet, private place away from the cat’s food and water.
• A large house should have one box per floor.
• When the cat is a kitten, confine her to one room until she has used the box several times.
• Purchase a deep litterbox, if your cat squirts over the side of the litterbox or digs so enthusiastically that the litter flies out of the box.
• Clean soiled areas thoroughly with an enzymatic product designed to neutralize cat urine. Then, place deterrents in those areas such as a vinyl carpet runner upside down so the spikes stick up or a solid citrus air freshener. These deterrents should stay in place for about a month.

If you need help identifying the soiled areas, you can use an ultraviolet light to assist you. The ultraviolet light also can help identify which of the cats is doing the soiling, if you give one cat some flourescein, available from your veterinarian. The flourescein is harmless and gives the urine a green glow.

Sometimes it is necessary to confine the cat to a room while the soiled areas are being cleaned, deterrents are being placed or litterbox changes are underway. The confinement room should have a litterbox, fresh food, clean water, a bed and toys. Remember to keep the litterbox away from the food and water. Visit the cat, but don’t let her out until everything is ready. When the cat is let out, remember to praise appropriate behavior.