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Litterbox Problems? Here's Some Solutions.
The other night Steven gave me an ultimatum regarding Bella - she had until the end of November to become litterbox trained or she was going to have to find a new home. We've had her now for over two and a half months and she's peed in a few places dozens of times.
Since I love my kittles and don't want to get rid of her, I did some scouring around the Net and found some excellent resources. Based on articles that I read, we put a second litterbox upstairs and used citrus smelling carpet deodorizer on places we didn't want her to pee.
As soon as Steven set the second litterbox up and moved it upstairs near my side of the my bed (a place she's particularly fond of peeing on), we took her upstairs. We placed her in the box, praised her, petted on her, and made a fuss about her, giving her a kitty treat to eat. We backed off and Steven went downstairs. I moved to the end of the bed and watched, with amazement, as she climbed back in the box and peed! I called for Steven and we fussed over her and gave her two more little treats to eat.
Later on, Steven went to the bathroom where we keep her during the day to play with her. The articles said to play with her and pet her in there so she doesn't feel like it's a punishment to be put in there. He looked over, and lo and behold!, she'd actually already pooped in the box down here!
Tonight she went upstairs and I waited a little bit and followed her up there to see what she was doing. She was in the box, but me showing up with cat treats was enough to distract her from doing her business. I told her she was a good girl for getting in her box and gave her a treat anyway so that she'll associate getting in the box with positive reinforcement. I went upstairs later and she'd gotten back in and done her business.
Last night and tonight she actually seemed to be happier too, though that might sound funny. She was a lot less skittish than she'd been the past few weeks and wanted to be played with and cuddled with a lot more. All the articles said that the was probably stressed over the fact that she felt like she had to use the floor to pee, so not only are we going to be happier now that she's using the box, she is too. I hate to say after only a few days that we've solved the litterbox problem, but she's three for three on using the box. Steven and I are both crossing our fingers that now she'll continue to use her box.
If you're having the same problem we were, here's some of the links that I found particularly helpful. Also, Cats International welcomes both mail and phone calls to help you with your feline problems, free of charge. They had a wonderful mission statement and I will probably make them one of the charities that I donate to.
.: It's a Cat's World - Litterbox Training
.: Cats International - Prevention of Litterbox Problems
.: Cats International - Litterbox Problem Solutions
.: Perfect Paws - Litter Box Training Your Cat
.: Perfect Paws - Basic Cat Training or How Cats Learn
.: King County Animal Services - Adult Cat and the Litterbox
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Comments
I sure hope this solves the problem...you don't want to get rid of a sweet kittie.
.: sandy said on October 24, 2002 11:01 AM :: link it :.Yay, keep the kitty! Maybe she heard the ultimatum...
.: jana said on October 24, 2002 12:14 PM :: link it :.That's great news! I'll keep my fingers crossed.
.: Lisa said on October 24, 2002 12:58 PM :: link it :.My kitty was having an issue with going in the right place. She was jumping in the bathtub. (Gross, but easier to clean than carpet!) We have had luck with using a green apple candle and spray (from Glade or Wizard) in the bathroom.
I'll be crossing my fingers for all of you!
.: zuly said on October 24, 2002 08:32 PM :: link it :.wow, that is great. i am going to have to try that with nova kitty as she likes to pee and poop right outside the box. literally within inches.
.: kat said on October 24, 2002 11:41 PM :: link it :.You're too early! Come back at October 24, 2002 12:23 AM to see this post.
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