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multiple boxes in different areas of the home to be sure they can get to it in time. Fancy boxes that have tunnels into them, automatic boxes, or other modern designs meant to be a convenience to the owner may be a real problem for kittens, elderly cats, or otherwise physically challenged cats.

6 - Marking

A cat that hasn't been neutered will mark his or her territory. This is far more common in male cats, but females can and do spray. Marking is not the same as inappropriate elimination because, while inconvenient to us, it is perfectly natural to the cat.

7 - No initial training

Cats that were previously outdoor cats, hand-reared cats, or cats that were abandoned too young may never have learned to use a box with standard litter in it. For cats that are used to going outdoors (e.g. barn cats, feral rescues), an initial introduction to a litterbox that has actual soil from outside can be a huge help. For indoor kittens and cats that simply never learned what a box was for will need behavior modification techniques and training. Cats rescued from hoarders or mills are among this crowd.

As you can see, house soiling is a complex issue with many possible causes. A vet visit may solve the issue, or you may need to get out the Sherlock Holmes cap and do some discovery to see why your cat has decided to boycott the box.

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