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Home > Cat Newsletters > Cat Newsletter 2
Cat Newsletter 2
1.What every cat owner should know about the
cat litter box = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = The litter box problems are number one reason for owners to give up their cats, because the cats are usually fastidious in their toilet habits. It is essential to take into consideration the cat's natural instincts when providing a toileting area for kitty. Cats tend to have surface and location preferences for where, and on what, they like to eliminate. Studies show that the vast majority of cats prefer the sand-like texture of the clumping litters - but it is not recommended for kittens under the age of 4 months. Cats have a highly developed sense of touch in the pads of their feet. They are quite sensitive to the texture of cat litter. They also have an excellent sense of smell, and therefore they may reject litter that is not kept scrupulously clean or is perfumed. What should you know about the cat litter box 1.It’s common for cats to begin eliminating outside of their litter box when they have a medical problem. For example, a urinary tract infection or crystals in the urine can make urination very painful. Cats often associate this pain with the litter box and begin to avoid it. If your cat has a house-soiling problem, check with your veterinarian first to rule out any medical problems for the behavior. 2.Cats prefer to urinate and defecate in different areas. Consequently, you should have one litter box per cat in the household, plus one. Others will not use a box that has already, been used by another cat. Different areas for the litter boxes can prevent location-avoidance problems. 3.Place litter boxes in quiet, private places that are easily accessible to the cat and where it will not be disturbed by children or ambushed by other pets. Noisy areas near washing machines, furnaces, or under stairs, may frighten the cat away from the box. A house with several stories should have a litter box on each floor. 4.Once you have set up a litter box that your cats are using, don't change anything: not the litter, not the location, and not the box. Cats are creatures of habit and dislike change. 5.The most common reason a cat stop using its litter box is because the litter box is dirty - from the cat's viewpoint, not yours. Keep the litter box extremely clean. Scoop at least once a day and change the litter completely every four to five days. If you use scoopable litter, you may not need to change the litter as frequently. This will vary according to how many cats are in the household, how many litter boxes you have, and how large the cats are that are using the box or boxes. A good guideline is that if you can smell the box, then you can be sure it’s offensive to your cat as well. 6.After washing your cat's litter box, dry it in the sun if you can. The direct sunlight actually kills many germs, and the fresh air gives the box a cleaner scent without adding perfumes -- which most cats hate. 7.When introducing a new cat into the home, confine the cat to one room with its litter box, bed, food and water, until the cat has used the litter box several times and shows an interest in exploring the rest of the house. Once you have decided on the placement for the litter boxes in your house -- Don't move them! 8.If you have just moved or added new animals or humans to your household, your cat will experience stress. He may start urinating or defecating outside the litter box to mark his territory. One cat may guard the litter box. 9.If your cat is not satisfied with its litter box, be careful or it may well choose another location in your house more to its liking! Choose a litter that appeals to the cat. Most cats prefer the texture of the sand-like scooping litters. Be sure to select a brand that clumps into a firm ball, making scooping easier and cleaner. As a health precaution for kittens that might be prone to ingest the litter, use a non-clumping litter until the kitten is four months old. 10.Eliminate new or frightening noise near litter box. 11.If you catch your cat in the act of eliminating in the house, do something to interrupt her like making a startling noise, but be careful not to scare her. Immediately take her to where the litter box is located and set her on the floor. 12.Never punish the cat for eliminating outside of its litter box. House soiling occurs when the litter box, its contents, or its location is offensive to the cat or when the cat is stressed by the environment. Punishment only increases the cat's stress. Cats don’t stop using their litter boxes because they’re mad or upset and are trying to get revenge for something that "offended" or "angered" them. Animals don’t understand punishment after the fact, even if it’s only seconds later. Punishment will do more harm than good. 13.Illness, such as diarrhea or urinary tract disease, can make cats go outside the box. Both intestinal and urinary tract diseases can make cats feel a frequent urgency to go. They may not be able to make it to the litter box. 14.Cats often react to any type of stress by suddenly urinating or defecating outside the litter box. The stress may be caused by a new cat in the neighborhood; children home on vacation; too many cats in the house; your going away on vacation or a new piece of furniture. Urinary tract problems also cause cats to urinate in places other than the litter box. Any sudden change in elimination habits should be discussed with your veterinarian. 15.Don't put the litter box near food. Don't keep it so far away from the cat's favorite areas that it will refuse to go to the box. Be sure the cat has her own quiet area. 16.NEVER use scented litter. Perfumed, chemical scents repel cats. When you wash the litter box, use hot water and a mild dishwashing liquid. Do not use harsh chemicals that will leave a lingering odor. 17.Do not use litter box liners--they can be irritating to some cats. Also covered, or hooded litter boxes can be offensive to cats as they do not satisfy the cat's need for escape potential when eliminating. They also trap the odor inside, creating an "outhouse effect". The litter box should be uncovered and at least 22" x 16" for an adult cat. Help your cats feel comfortable in their home territory. Play games with them, give them a massage, talk to them frequently. Give them positive and affectionate attention. A confident, secure, contented and relaxed cat does not need to relieve anxiety and stress by such extreme measures as urine or fecal marking. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Pregnant women and people with a depressed immune system should not touch the cat litter box. Other than that, there is no reason that these people have to avoid cats. People who are allergic to cats are actually allergic to cat saliva or to cat dander. If the resident cat is bathed regularly the allergic people tolerate it better. If you have a cat and want to have another cat, it will be easiest to introduce a female kitten. An elderly cat that is alone, however, should not be bothered with another cat. Let it rest in peace. Bringing a new cat into a household is always very stressful for all the cats concerned. If your cat is in the habit of rolling over and exposing his stomach, you can be sure he feels perfectly safe with you. It's also a way of demonstrating his pleasure in your company. Never pet a cat on her tummy near the back legs. Cats have a kicking reflex that will cause them to kick out and scratch you. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the kitchen counter or any place you don't want your cat to go. Cats hate walking on foil, and your cat will soon learn what places are off limits. If your cat likes to nibble your houseplants, try growing a pot of kitty grass instead. Seed mixtures just for cats are available at many pet supply stores. Your cat might also appreciate a little snack of chopped lettuce. A cat in a car needs to be in a carrier. Letting your cat wander free in your car be dangerous for her and for you. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Why
the cats scratch What
every cat owner should know about the cat litter box
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