Page 16 - Martin Downs Bulletin - January '22

Page 16, Martin Downs

tip of tHe tail

Litterbox Woes undesirable about the litterbox. If your cat is experiencing odors in. You guessed it, most cats do not like hoods

discomfort in the litterbox, it may start to go outside the because it traps odors in. And the most important tip is
box because it associates the box with pain. Arthritis to keep the litterbox sparkling clean! The litterbox should
making it difficult to step into the box, constipation, and be scooped at least once a day. Does daily sound like a
bladder problems such as infection, stones, and feline lot? How often do you flush your toilet? Giving your cat
idiopathic cystitis can all cause pain leading to litterbox the litterbox they want increases the likelihood they will
avoidance. A visit to your veterinarian is the best way use it.
to rule out medical problems. Behavioral problems can And now for the cleanup step. It is important to clean
also lead to soiling outside the box. When cats are unsure any areas that your cat has soiled thoroughly. If it smells
or uncertain of their surroundings, the stress can cause like urine or stool, in a cat’s brain it is an appropriate place
them to mark the home with urine or stool. Something as to void. You think bleach, vinegar, or coconut water is
simple as new furniture, house guests, or an unwelcome up to the job? Think again! A cat’s nose is 9 to 16 times
neighborhood cat lurking around outside a window more sensitive than a human’s. Head to the pet store and
can trigger marking behavior. Whether the problem is pick up an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to
determined to be medical or behavioral, you can work break down the odors of urine and stool. If the soiled item
Cats urinating and defecating outside the litterbox is with your veterinarian to find a solution. is easily replaceable like a floor mat or a pillow, it may
a common and frustrating problem. As much as you may The next consideration is to make the litterbox as be easier just to throw it out. Also, think about creative
love your furry feline family member, finding pee on desirable as possible for your cat. Would you rather use ways to block access to problem areas where your cat
your pillow is hard to live with. If not addressed, it can the bathroom in a spacious, sparkling clean hotel with tends to go outside the box. Close doors to rooms, pick
lead to damage to your home, rehoming of your pet, or fancy soap, or a dirty port-o-let at a music festival? When up rugs they tend to urinate on, and put an inch of water
even euthanasia. Time is of the essence, the longer your presented with a port-o-let you might decide to head for in sinks or tubs that they void in. Cleaning up previously
cat voids outside the box the less likely the problem can the woods. The same goes for your cat. So what makes soiled surfaces and deterring your cat away from problem
be solved. Here are some tips to keep your cat happily an ideal bathroom for your cat? First, you need enough areas can help prevent future problems. Also a feline
using the litterbox. bathrooms. We don’t like sharing bathrooms and neither pheromone diffuser called Feliway can soothe stresses
First, it is important to determine if your cat is does your cat. Ideally, you should have one litterbox in your kitty’s life if it is a behavioral problem.
going outside of the box due to a medical problem, a per cat, plus an extra. For example, if you have three All cat owners have been there … sniffing around the
behavioral problem, or if there is something your cat finds cats, you should have four litterboxes. Next, evaluate room trying to figure out where your cat has urinated
where in the house your litterboxes are. They should be or coming home to a soiled rug. While frustrating, it a
in quiet areas that are easily accessible, where they will problem that can be solved if addressed quickly and if
be undisturbed by sniffing dogs and loud dryer buzzers. you see to your cat’s medical, behavioral, and litterbox
Placing litterboxes in multiple locations is also a good needs. Hopefully the tips in this article will keep your
idea, that way if your cat does not like one area they cat using the litterbox, so you and your cat can have a
have the option of another. Also, just like us, cats prefer happily ever after.
plenty of space. Your average sized litterbox does not Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
allow your cat the normal behaviors of circling, sniffing, Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
and scratching in the litter. Trade in your litterbox for for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
an oversized under the bed Tupperware to give your cat surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
lots of room. Next, as any cat owner can tell you, cats medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
are finicky creatures when it comes to food, their choice Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
of humans, and their litter. Do not buy whatever litter is medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
on sale; get your cat the litter that they are used to and owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
Monday, January 17th happy with. Another good tip is to take the hood off of www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
your box. We like hoods on litterboxes because it traps Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.