by Glenore Weal

Created on: July 30, 2009   Last Updated: July 31, 2009

Cat owners will tell you that felines are very clean animals. They can be fussy, picky, and for the most part, they enjoy keeping themselves clean whenever possible. For this reason, it's very easy to teach a kitten to use a litter box. As long as you can keep it in the same place, almost all kittens know how to use it after one or two trips to the box. Unlike dogs who will go anywhere at any time, cats usually like to go in the same place, and like to clean up after they're done.

If a cat eliminates outside of the litter box, there may be several causes. The first and most obvious one is that the box is too dirty. If the box is not cleaned on a regular basis, the cat will avoid it because he will not want to step into his own waste to try to find a clean spot to eliminate. You don't have to dump out the litter every time the cat goes, but scoop it fairly often to keep it as fresh as possible between thorough cleanings.

Have you been using a different kind of litter? Some cats prefer clay, some wood shavings, some paper. Most kittens will get used to whatever you start out with but a grown cat will want to use the same kind of litter he or she has gotten used to. If you get a sudden desire to go green, resist the urge to immediately dump out your commercial clay litter and replace it with the newest earth-friendly, biodegradable litter from the boutique pet store. Fluffy will not appreciate it. If you want to change the litter, mix a little of the new stuff with the old stuff and slowly add more over time so that the cat gets used to the feel of it under his or her paws.

Is the cat ill? Cats that are sick will usually not eat and sometimes either will not eliminate or will not void in their usual place. Watch your cat carefully for signs of illness and take him or her to the vet as soon as possible. A sick pet's illness can go from minor to serious very quickly.

Is the cat stressed? Did you add a new pet to the household or a new baby? Some cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment. They may hide and not want to come out until they think the stranger has left or will not want to be out in the open and possibly vulnerable.

It is rare for a cat to avoid a clean litter box that is kept in the same room or the same place every day. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, and you have checked through the reasons above, the best thing to do would be to consult your veterinarian.

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