What Your Cat Wishes You Knew

By Cat Behaviorist Rita Reimers

Featuring Guest Writer Simon Says

Meow, it’s Simon Says Reimers here, and I own human Rita Reimers, the Cat Behaviorist. Now, around here we can’t get away with much, try as we might, as my mom is an expert when it comes to cat behavior.

Well, we know a few ways to get around the rules, but that’s a story for another time.

Today I am taking over her column, because I have something that I need to tell you. I need o tell you what cats hate about their litter boxes so your cats don’t have to pee elsewhere.

I listen in on Mom’s phone calls, and I watch when she and Auntie Linda are talking to people about their cats. One of the things I hear them talk about over and over again is the litter box and why some cats don’t use it. I want to tell you what cats hate about litter boxes the most.

Simon’s Litter Box Pet Peeves

You’re still wondering what is it cats hate about litter boxes that makes cats avoid at all cost. Of course, I would never even think about going anyplace else but in my litter box, but I can tell you what we felines are thinking as we approach the box and what might be a turnoff when it comes to using it. Here are my top litter box pet peeves.

Only One Litter Box 

Cats don’t really like to share anything. So, if your cats are sharing only one box, you’re going to have some upset kitties who will find their own places to do their thing. I know humans don’t like that, although I don’t really see the big deal since we do it in secret places and try to bury it well.

We cats should each have our own box, plus one extra, just in case. My prissy sister, Sweetie Pie, doesn’t like to go inside a box after we boy cats have used it. Yeah, I don’t get it either…

Location, Location, Location

<—– (I told you she was prissy!)

Where is my litter box, anyway? It was here just yesterday. Sometimes humans like to move the litter box and maybe even hide it when company comes over, meaning we have to hunt for it while the urge to go is upon us. Some kitties need to rush upstairs to get to their boxes, and older cats just can’t do that without having an accident.

Some people even hide the litter box inside planters and furniture so we can’t even tell it’s a potty place. Please put your cat’s boxes in places with easy access so they can use it in a hurry.

And don’t disguise it, or we may end up peeing on ALL the furniture!

Lidded Boxes? I don’t THINK so!

Most cats hate lidded boxes! Some of us cats won’t even enter an enclosed litter box, and others won’t stay in there long enough to do both Number 1 and Number 2.

Another problem with lidded boxes is that they can make it easier for a cat bully to corner a sibling. When a cat decides to pick on another cat, the litter box can become the perfect ambush spot. With only one way in and one way out, there’s no easy escape route.

No lid means a quick entry and exit, which can help nervous cats feel safer using the litter box.

Litter Boxes That Are Too Small

OK, I know I’m not the sleek tomcat I once was. I’m a bit chunky, so I need more room. But even those slim little cats need enough space to comfortably turn around without their rear ends hanging over the edge of the box.

Think of litter boxes like the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Some are too small, some are awkwardly oversized, but the best litter box is one that’s just right for the cat using it.

If your cat can’t comfortably get into the box, turn around, dig, and cover their waste, chances are you may find an unintended present on your floor instead. The bigger the box, the happier most of us cats tend to be!

Please Stop Perfuming My Bathroom

I get it. Humans don’t like the smell of the litter box, and neither do we, really. But some of those litters you humans give us smell like the perfume counter at a department store. Some of us don’t like perfumes and fancy scents and would much rather have plain, old, unscented litter.

Besides, after using the litter box, we have to clean our paws. Trust me, nobody wants to lick perfume off their toes.

Not Scooping Enough

Approaching a box and having the smell smack me in the whiskers is NOT acceptable. When was the last time you scooped your cat’s litter box? At a minimum, boxes should be scooped at least once or twice a day, but more often is even better. The last thing we want to do is stand in a stinky box full of other cats’ messes.

Trust me, if the box is dirty enough, some cats will decide they’d rather find a cleaner place to do their business.

Chunky Litter HURTS!

And yes, our paws are very sensitive. How else do you think we catch all those mice? Be kind and give us a litter that feels like you’re walking on the beach in Saint-Tropez. Ah yes, that feels good on my little beanie toes!

Some litters are rough, chunky, or uncomfortable to walk on. If your cat suddenly decides the bathmat, your laundry basket, or your bed feels better than the litter box, the texture of the litter could be part of the problem.

Too Much Litter – I Sink Like Quicksand!

Mom used to tell me the story about one of her clients who filled the litter box almost to the top! I bet those cats felt like they were stepping into quicksand as they sank deeper and deeper while trying to use the box.

It’s also not good to put too little litter in the box. We cats like to bury our leavings so we don’t attract predators. Just a few inches of litter is usually all we need to be happy and dedicated litter box users.

When it comes to litter depth, think Goldilocks: not too much, not too little, just right.

A Word About the V-E-T

Of course, there is one other thing I need to bring up: the dreaded V word. Yep, veterinarian.

Even though we might caterwaul and complain, we need to see the vet for a checkup if avoiding the litter box is a new behavior. If your cat is sick or in pain, it’s not really their fault if they start making messes outside the box.

Many medical conditions can affect litter box habits, which is why a veterinary exam should always be your first step when litter box problems suddenly appear.

So, get that vet check, follow my simple rules, and I bet your kitties will be members of the I Use My Litter Box Club.

Wait, that’s not a thing? Well, it should be!

Learn More About What Cats Hate About Litter Boxes

If your cat is avoiding the litter box, these articles may help you understand more fully just why cats might dislike their litter box and what you can do about it:

• Why Cats Avoid the Litter Box
• My Cat Peed on My Bed!
• Litter Box Placement
• Solving Litter Box Problems
• Cat Litter Comparison Chart