Why won't my cat use her covered litter box? I have to make her pee!

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.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. With her age, I would check to see that the litter box is not too high for her. Some cats with arthritis will stop using the litter box because it hurts too much to get in. I would also change the litter so that the old litter box has the new litter (if you haven't done so already). Change the old litter box to something similar to this temporary litter box and see if this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you like :-) Yes, that could cause her fear of the box, and may keep her from using it correctly. She may not like the cover on the box. I would set up two more litter boxes in the house without covers on them, show her where they are by placing her in them, and see if that helps with her using the box.

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 !

Hello, sorry to hear about Bunny. some things you could consider is getting a larger litter box. Additionally, you should have the litter box in a place where its private for them so as to make them more comfortable. Finally, you should always an equal number of litter boxes as cats, and then have an extra one. You kitty may not be having enough privacy while going into the box and thus not using it adequately. If this doesn't help, you may need to try a covered litter box or even a different type of litter. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is a bit unusual. I would say that if this becomes consistent, this may be due to her not liking the litter box material or perhaps the litter box itself. You could try changing the litter box and/or the material to see if that resolves the issue. Good luck!