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View Full Version : My cats don't know how to use the litter box correctly.


dunno
Jan 9, 2008, 01:00 PM
My cats ARE litterbox trained but they can't figure out how to cover "it" up. Instead of using the litter to cover stuff, they try scratching at the sides of the litter box. We thought that getting a covered box would help because they wouldn't be able to grab the side as easily. But it didn't help at all. So my male cat spends A LOT of time trying to cover his messes but never gets anywhere since obviously he can't cover it with the side of the litter box!

Anyone have any ideas? We have 2 cats that are brother and sister and they both do this.

HSK
Jan 9, 2008, 01:32 PM
Try filling the box up higher with more litter, and if that does not work you could try
Using different types of litter. Over the years, I have had several cats that do this,
But we keep our boxes in the basement which makes it not a big smelly deal for my
House. Also we have many cats, so someone else does the cover up job for later.
If nothing works, you could invest in one of the automatic boxes that scoop for you.

dunno
Jan 9, 2008, 01:46 PM
We've used 3 different kinds of litter so that doesn't seem to help. Our litter box is upstairs in an attic type room so the smell isn't a HUGE issue but we obviously keep the door open so they can get to it. So once in awhile, the smell is pretty bad. And my male cat spends so much time trying to cover it up, that he smells horrible for quite awhile after getting out of the litter box! Lol

Maybe I should just get a 3rd cat and hope that it can do the cover up job. Lol. Yeah right!

HSK
Jan 9, 2008, 02:07 PM
Some cats are just goofy like that. Another cat or the automatic box looks like your only solution! :) Good Luck

I have a kitten who like to dig forever and play in the litter... he stinks to high heaven... I pray he grows out of that very very soon.

dunno
Jan 9, 2008, 02:10 PM
Some cats are just goofy like that. Another cat or the automatic box looks like your only solution! :) Good Luck

I have a kitten who like to dig forever and play in the litter...he stinks to high heaven...I pray he grows out of that very very soon.

Looks like I'll be saving my money for a new litter box! Lol

Sounds like we have the same cat. I watched mine play in the litter box this morning. He was in there forever! He's about 5 months old now... I was hoping he would grow out of this... maybe he still will! HA!

HSK
Jan 9, 2008, 02:19 PM
Brother and Sister that are 5 months... how cute. They will certainly grow out of that stage
With the litter box, so just be patient. My guy is 7 months, and he is getting better with his length of time playing in the box. All my cats have done this to some extent, but not as long as our new guy. Somewhere in the 8 months to a year they grow out of the kitten stage.

dunno
Jan 9, 2008, 02:56 PM
You wouldn't think my male cat is 5-6 months old. He's HUGE! I can't imagine how big he's going to be when he's full grown.

I certainly hope he figures out how to use the litterbox. He puts his paws on the edge of the litter box and scratches at it. THe litter box is taking a beating! Lol