by Andrea D. Hutchinson

Created on: July 16, 2009   Last Updated: July 18, 2009

Where does your cat sleep? Veteran cat owners will respond with a matter of fact answer. "Where ever he wants!". Because they know that cats, especially their own, are quirky little beasts with minds and attitudes, all their own. On top of that a human who is owned by a cat, or a den of cats, knows that these little kings of the felines are not conducive to training or following house rules.

Cats have some quirky behaviors. However, sleeping in the litter-box is one behavior that even perplexes some veterinarians.

Seriously, cats sleep just about anywhere they want. Being tight, little compact balls of fur when sleeping and wiry Houdinis' when finding a comfy spot, they actually fit just about anywhere.

For the most part, where a cat sleeps speaks to their sense of security and safety, in a particular environment. Having extensive experience as a cat owner, and with skittish rescue cats, cat's who are insecure will likely sleep in a tight and hard to get at place. Or in their litter box.

Going with that experience, cats who sleep in a litter-box are either old and not well, or insecure. Assess the cat's environment to see where the problem may be.

Is there anything new in kitty's life? Have you moved? Have you adopted another cat? These things, in particular, could have your cat seeking the simple security of home. The one thing that is theirs personally, and feels "normal" or like home, to him.

Many cats will not use a litter-box with other cats. Inconvenient as this may be, your favorite fuzzball may be guarding her territory from the new interloper. You may have to add personal boxes for your kitties.

It goes without saying that indoor cats equate their litter-box with security. Check out how the kids are handling the cat. Is there a small addition to the family who just became aware of the cat? Toddlers can be very hard on the family pet. Lets face it, all they see is a great interactive play toy, no harm intended. Yet, if your tail, fur and ears were harshly pulled at, while the miniature version of your owner giggled with glee, you'd hide in the bathroom too.

Again, the litter-box creates a small, tight place of security for your cat. Especially, the enclosed boxes that are on the market now, and in most homes. If there is a child or even adult in the house who is too rough with the house cat, he may be fearful of the environment and sleeping in the box. Simply monitoring and teaching the kids appropriate contact with the cat will have your cat

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