Cat Using Bathtub for Litterbox
A client writes that his cats have relocated to another state where they are now in a four-cat household. One of his cats is now going to the bathroom in the bathtub. He wonders what is going on.
Answer:
Whenever there is a house-soiling problem, it is imperative to take the pet to your veterinarian and have him evaluated for any potential medical causes. Even though this case seems to have a lot of behavioral issues, if there is an underlying medical problem, nothing can be improved until the medical problem is addressed.
After you have ruled out any medical factors, you need to play detective and assess why this problem has come about. The best way to play detective is to do an in-home visit and to take a detailed history from the cat's owner to answer the questions of how, where, when, what, etc. The second best way is to do a phone consultation and get the history that way. Since these suggestions will be based on guesses, not having talked to the owner, they will be guesstimates at best.
1. Some cats' don't go in the litterbox because they prefer a different surface to go on. Your cat seems to prefer a slick smooth surface since he goes in the tub. Why don't you try making the litter very shallow, perhaps just an inch. Also you could try newspaper or even an empty box. To deter him from using the tub, fill the tub with a little bit of water or an upside down carpet protector.
2. Some cats' prefer a different location other than the one you're using for the litter box. This is especially true if the litter box is in a high traffic area. Cats like quiet and locations that don't involve other cats using the same location. Don't put the litterbox in rooms with noisy machines like washers, dryers and furnaces, etc. Don't put it in a place where the cat has only one way in and out of the box like in a shower stall. That way he can get trapped by another cat. Cats like to see who is approaching the box while they are using it so they won't be startled. That's why covered boxes can be a problem for many cats. Also don't put it in such an out of the way place such as a garage or unfinished basement. They don't like cold floors and total unlit isolation. Since you have multiple cats, the rule of thumb is one more litter box than the number of cats. That means you should have at least four litter boxes in different locations and five would be even better.
3. Cats' can become aversive to their litter boxes. This can be because another cat or dog ambushed them around it or they were startled or frightened around it. It could be too small for them or too smelly. Litter should be cleaned daily but do not use a deodorant cleaner or perfumed litter. You have a multi-cat household and this could be very stressful for the new cat. He could be threatened by the resident cats and too afraid to use the litter box. Separate the new cat for a few days in an area where he feels comfortable. Let him smell the other cats but don't let them interact for a while. Let him get used to things.
4. Fear and anxiety can be another reason cats don't use the litter box. Here he's in a new environment with new cats he's never seen before. It could take up to a year for him to not be stressed by them. Above all, don't punish him. This will only raise his stress level. He needs to get used to things SLOWLY. Don't rush him.Good luck and have wonderful holidays!
Woofs and Wags,
Carole
Do you have a question for Carole? You can reach her at the email address listed on her resume. Perhaps she will use it in an upcoming article on this Web site.