My cat is terrified of the litter box. Why won't she use it?

You are correct that moving the litter box is the likely cause of them not using it any longer. I am wondering if anyone has taken them down to the basement to show them where the litter box is now placed. If they haven't been shown where it is, they would go on the carpet. I would take them down to the litter box in the basement, and show them where the litter box has been moved. You will have to clean the carpet with an enzyme cleaner to get the smell of their urine and feces out of it. You can also consider moving the litter box back upstairs in another room, such as the bathroom.

That does seem odd. It is important to encourage her to use the litter box as holding the urine can increase the risk for a bladder infection. Cats are sensitive to the type of litter, size of the box and location of the box. If you have more cats, you need 1 litter box per cat + 1 additional box. You should also have a litter box on every floor of the house. This article discusses different types of litter and litter boxes: https://www.petcoach.co/article/cat-litter-finding-the-right-fit-for-your-cat/ In general though, cats prefer large, uncovered litter boxes, clay-based clumping litter that is scoped every day and a private, quiet location. If you have other cats or dogs, if they can access the litter box, it may cause your kitty to be afraid that she could be trapped in the box. Cats are a prey species in the wild and they still retain those instincts. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Use a Feliway diffuser, set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play and/or switch the food to Royal Canin Calm. Most cats response best to combination therapy. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi, most issues with the litter tray are related to having a litter that it is too small or not cleaned as frequently enough. Apart from getting a bigger tray you could try adding some leaves and dirt to make it look more natural, also make sure that it is a place where she feels safe when going and can’t be disturbed when “performing” :-) hope this helps !

I love that you have already switched to the unscented litter as that can be a big problem for many cats. Putting the litter box in the shower is a great idea. I would also make sure to clean up the spots he went outside the litterbox using an enzymatic pet stain cleaner to ensure he does not keep smelling urine/feces there and think that it is akin to a litterbox. Other things, like cleaning the litter box often, having multiple litterboxes which are different types of boxes, and trying different types of litter (such as fine-grain litter) may also help you figure out what type of litter Mittens likes. While it certainly sounds like Mittens is having trouble getting used to his new litterbox, it is important to remember that internal diseases (like organ, hormonal, or orthopedic diseases, among other possible causes) can cause Mittens to have a hard time making it into the litterbox so it is important to take Mittens to your vet for evaluation to make sure we are not missing something else that is making it hard for Mittens to make it to the litterbox. I have attached a link to an article with more great suggestions below. Good luck! https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-train-your-cat-to-use-a-litter-box/

Hi and thanks for posting. A lot of cats do not take to the covered litter boxes as well as open non covered boxes. I would take the cover off of it if possible and see if she uses the littler box with the top off. I'd try that first. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I am sorry to hear about your frustrations with your kitties! It could definitely be the change in litterboxes. Many cats are finicky about their bathroom behavior and changes may upset them. I would consider taking the top off the new box temporarily until they become used to it, and once they are using it regularly you can add the top. Some cats may never be comfortable with a covered litterbox, but hopefully with time they will become used to it. Also be sure you haven't changed the litter type at the same time as changes in litter type can also upset them. You can also try taking some soiled litter from a used litterbox to provide some scent that may encourage them to use the new box.

Be patient with Artemis. If she is anxious it may take her a while to get used to the new box. You can try putting a pheromone diffuser in the room as this may help to calm her down. Another option for a litter box if she does not like one with a cover is to get a Rubbermaid container and cut a hole in it low enough that she can walk through. This will be tall enough that she cannot urinate over the top. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions!