Have you ever ever considered how cats appear to instinctively know where to go when nature calls, while dogs often require dozens of potty-training repetitions? What makes cats such tidy creatures? Are their brains naturally wired for cleanliness?
Despite what many think, cats are usually not born knowing tips on how to use the litter box, but many learn at a really young age. Let’s explore what lies behind this remarkable quality of our feline companions.
How Do Cats Know Learn how to Use Their Litter Box?
Listed below are common reasons provided by veterinarians and feline experts:
- Survival instincts. The more than likely explanation is that cats need to be shielded from predators, which is why they bury their feces to mask the scent. This act of burying waste provides a way of protection, even when it’s largely symbolic for domestic cats.
- Mother cat’s influence. Mother cats play a big role in shaping the natural inclination of their kittens to make use of a litter box. Kittens start observing and mimicking their mother’s behaviors from a really young age, including the act of digging a small hole to bury excrement. Scent may additionally play a job on this phenomenon as cats as elimination is a type of communication. This remark contributes to the kittens’ “innate” ability to make use of a delegated spot for his or her business.
- Perfect litter texture. Cats naturally prefer soft, loose substrates like soil to bury their feces, and cat litter perfectly echoes this texture. If you’ve ever found cat poop buried next to your lettuce in your garden, you’re already aware of this preference!
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Why Do Cats Get Zoomies After Using the Litter Box?
You will have noticed that your cat quickly runs from the litter box and zooms across the house and wondered in the event that they are frightened. Well, this behavior could also be explained by the indisputable fact that passing a big stool can stimulate the vagus nerve resulting in a sense of euphoria or “poo-phoria”.1
Are Cats the Only Pets That Can Use a Litter Box?
No. Ferrets, rabbits, and even hedgehogs can learn to make use of a litter box or at the very least a delegated corner of their cage or enclosure. That said, constant training and an excellent deal of patience are essential!
Why Is My Cat Not Using Their Litter Box?
In case your cat occasionally eliminates outside their litter box, there could also be a number of underlying reasons to think about:
- The litter box could also be too dirty.
- The litter box could also be too small.
- The litter box could also be positioned in a high traffic area of your property.
- The litter box could also be difficult on your cat to access.
Take into account that avoiding the litter box shouldn’t be a “whim” of your cat: They’re probably attempting to inform you that something is improper. You’ll must make adjustments after which take your cat to the vet if nothing appears to be working.
When You Should Take Your Cat to the Vet
Some cats may develop litter box problems as a consequence of health issues. So, in case your cat suddenly stops using the litter box or consistently has accidents, seek the advice of with a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.
Essential: In case your cat can’t defecate or urinate, it might indicate an intestinal blockage, constipation or urinary tract blockage (urethral obstruction). Each urinary and intestinal blockage are considered medical emergencies, so it’s essential to contact your emergency veterinarian immediately if you happen to imagine that your cat has an obstruction.
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Tricks to Help Your Cat Use the Litter Box
Fortunately, cats are creatures of habit. Once they begin using a litter box, they are going to often proceed to achieve this, so long as it’s clean they usually can access it effortlessly.
Still, listed below are basic suggestions to assist your feline friend maintain good pooping and peeing practices:
- Keep the litter box spotless.
- Use one box per cat, plus one extra.
- Separate their litter box from their food.
- Place the box in a quiet area of your property.
- Avoid buying litter with strong scents that may very well be irritating to your cat.
Learn how to Help Your Kitten Use Their Litter Box
Kittens might have help when learning tips on how to use their litter box. You possibly can gently place them within the tray after meals, after they get up, or if you notice signs that they should go. Reward them with treats, but don’t punish them by sticking their nose of their poop in the event that they have occasional accidents. This punishment will only cause more anxiety and litter box aversion.
Mother cats lick their kittens to encourage them to rest room. If the kitten is under 4 weeks of age you have to to rub their bottom with a warm cloth to encourage them to eliminate; this mimics their moms licking.
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Final Thoughts
For many cats, by the point they enter your property they already know tips on how to use a litter box, nonetheless, some cats may not know. They could have been raised outside and never exposed to a litter box. Cats that suddenly stop using the litter box are likely trying to speak that something is improper. By becoming an authority in your cat’s toilet habits, you’ll give you the chance to acknowledge the signs of issues fast and react accordingly.
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