by Pat Gray

Created on: September 17, 2008   Last Updated: January 05, 2010

How you deal with your cat or kitten when she uses the laundry basket or the back of the closet rather than the litter box depends on her age, health and history, as well as the number of cats living in your home. It's a frustrating problem, especially since cats are so secretive in their habits, but it is a problem that can be solved.

~ For Cats of All Ages ~

1) Health Problems
Especially if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, or if she is showing any other signs of poor health - poor coat condition, lack of appetite, listlessness, weight loss, straining in the litter box or bloody urine - it's time for a trip to the vet. If your neutered male cat shows these symptoms, especially if he is acting clumsy or weak, get him to the vet NOW - males are more prone to blockages of the urethra, which is a potentially fatal condition.

While it's less likely a kitten will have kidney or bladder problems, if all else has failed in your attempts to litter train your kitten, a trip to the vet is your next step.

Most medical problems can be overcome with diet, medication or in extreme cases, surgery, and once your cat is feeling better, you'll be back to emptying the litter box again.

2) Keep things clean
Cats, even young kittens, prefer to be clean, and using a dirty litter box may just encourage your cat to look elsewhere. A hint of a smell will let her know what the box is for, but too much mess may send your kitty to the laundry pile.

In addition to keeping the litter box clean, if your cat has an accident elsewhere or has been marking, be sure to clean it up completely, and eliminate the odor with vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals, especially bleach or pine cleaners, as they can be harmful to your pet and potentially to you.

3) Keep it safe
If you have other cats or dogs, make sure your kitty feels safe getting too and using their litter box. If they're chased by the dog every time they try to get to their box, they may start using all that safe, unused space under your bed instead.

4) Positive reinforcement
Finally, the days of rubbing noses in messes is over - it only teaches your pet to be afraid of you. It is YOUR responsibility to help your cat or kitten to use the litter box rather than the laundry or the linen closet, so if there is an accident, it isn't your kitty's fault. Scolding, squirting a cat in the face with water or throwing things are all useless tactics too.

Cats DO respond to praise, so managing the problem and rewarding them when they do well is the right

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