Can fleas make my cat stop using the litter box

Nailia Schwarz Shutterstock. Sleeping in the litter box can indicate that your cat is uncomfortable.

You can quickly build a DIY cat litter box with high sides that will stop most messes before they happen.

Can fleas make my cat stop using the litter box. Refrain from using flea sprays and other chemicals in the litter box as they can bother your cat and stop her from using the box. To prevent future outbreaks sprinkle some diatomaceous earth over the litter. It is harmless to your cats but to fleas it can be deadly.

Next you can focus on cleaning up your pets and the rest of your house. Because your cat spends at least a few minutes in her litter box every day the fleas making camp on her back may end up in the smelly box too. Adult fleas are not hoping to settle down amongst the litter however.

Even well-trained cats may occasionally stop using the litter box and develop a house-soiling problem. If this problem should occur in your cat it is important to first determine the underlying cause and then change the unwanted behavior. If you need help call us at 8007864751-The Revival Education Team.

Feral cats dont seek out dark often smelly caves that they can barely fit into do their business but that is often what we ask of our domestic feline friends. When cats stop using their litter boxes it is usually for one of two broad reasons. In multiple cat households some cats claim a box as their own and may even intimidate another cat about using it.

The basic rule of thumb for litter boxes is one per cat plus one extra Yes its a little extra work to maintain multiple boxes but each one stays clean longer than if you only have one. When your cat stops using the litter box its frustrating and stressful for both cat and cat parent. Its also sadly one of the most common reasons that a cat may get a one-way ticket to the nearest shelter.

There are many reasons why a cat may avoid the litter box and its important to figure out the true cause in order to get everything back on track. For example a urinary tract infection or kidney problems. Its very common for cats who have medical issues to associate the pain of using the litter box with the box itself.

So they will stop using the box in order to avoid the discomfort. Sometimes a cat may be having trouble getting in and out of the litter box or simply isnt making it to the box in time. Always have a cat.

A Medical Problem. If it hurts to urinate andor defecate cats can understandably be reluctant to use the litter box says Dr. Urinary tract infection feline interstitial cystitis bladder or kidney stones and constipation can all be a.

Some Common Reasons Why Cats Stop Using the Litter Box. Seven Things That Make Sense to Your Cat But Not to You. Based on your reading.

Pam Johnson-Bennett is the best-selling author of 8 books on cat behavior. Spilling or spreading litter outside of the litter box is a common problem that cats can have. Your cat may be spilling litter for a number of reasons.

The size of its litter box the litter itself or maybe even the style of litter box. Thankfully there are some steps you can take to help keep your cats litter in the litter box. At least 10 of all cats develop elimination problems.

Some stop using the box altogether. Some only use their boxes for urination or defecation but not for both. Still others eliminate both in and out of their boxes.

Elimination problems can develop as a result of conflict between multiple cats in a home as a result of a. Sleeping in the litter box can indicate that your cat is uncomfortable. One of the most common reasons why cats sleep in their litter box is because of medical issues.

Cats with kidney disease urinary tract infections constipation or other digestive problems may sleep in their litter box when theyre not feeling well. Using a vacuum that has a bag attached to it is ideal so that you can dispose of the waste without making contact with the contents meaning the fleas. Use a steam cleaner Use a steam cleaner when cleaning your carpets and other upholstery including any pet beds that you cannot otherwise wash.

Using a combination of materials such as cardboard and old kitchen linens. You can quickly build a DIY cat litter box with high sides that will stop most messes before they happen. If you have cats that stand while urinating or a kitten who cant quite aim this DIY cat litter box with high sides will help.

Litter box aggression is when one cat attacks another cat while it is using the litter box. This is usually as a power play or intended to intimidate the other cat into not using the litter box. It can often be fixed by making some small adjustments in your home like adding another litter box or creating more spaces for your cats to be active in.

Every cat is different but many cats will refuse to use the litter box if its too soiled. Scoop the box once per day and deep-clean it regularly to avoid these problems. Cats can also be particular about where their litter box is placed.

If you normally keep it in one room but move it to a new place suddenly your. Steps we take to help our cat start using the box again. We go to the local hardware or department store and purchase a 30 gal storage bin.

The majority of litter boxes you purchase at pet stores are not size appropriate. Experts say a litter box should be a length and a half the size of your kitty not counting the tail. Most cats learn how to use a litter box very quickly even when theyre still little kittens.

Since cats enjoy cleanliness in their lives they prefer to use their litter box instead of having potty accidents around the home. However there are some instances when cats may poop outside the litter box. Its considered abnormal behavior if your cat.

Fleas can thrive in the litter box because it provides a perfect environment for fly eggs to incubate and hatch. Even after the larvae emerge those tiny maggots theyll remain and hide in the litter box and continue to feed on the waste excrement from your cat until they pupate. Separate the cats for a while to let the tensions fade and then try gradually reintroducing them.

One cat may also be guarding the litter box. Make sure you have several litter boxes spaced out throughout the house so one cat cant prevent access to all the boxes at the same time. Nailia Schwarz Shutterstock.