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1. Painful Urination - any medical condition that causes a cat pain while urinating will create a bad association. Since your cat can't hold it forever, she's going to urinate somewhere other than the box at some point. Often, once cats go in a spot, they will return to that spot until you completely remove the odor and/or retrain the cat.
2. Pain During Bowel Movements - if, for example, your cat is painfully constipated she will associate pain with the litter box. When she is finally able to go, it may be on the kitchen floor, instead of in the box.
3. Painful Joints and Muscles - if your cat can't get in and out of the litter box without experiencing pain, she won't want to use it. If there is anything causing her pain while squatting, or getting in and out of the box, it could mean trouble. Injuries, arthritis, or some other painful joint condition could create a cat litter box problem.
4. Problems With Motion - perhaps your cat has difficulty climbing up into the litter box. Older cats, or cats who are diseased or have been injured often have limited movement, and aren't able to use the box.
Many readers believe that litter box problems are always behavioral. I hope this article has shed some light on other possibilities. If your cat is having a physical problem that you are unaware of, your vet can help sort that out.
Once you determine the source of the problem is pain, then your vet can treat the cause. The treatments will vary for For painful urination, bowel movements, or joint or muscle pain depending upon the underlying cause. Some retraining will probably be required. You'll also need a lot of patience to help your cat readjust.
If a mobility problem is the culprit, there may be some things you can do. First, make it as easy on your cat as possible. Get a low litter box that your cat doesn't have to step too high into. Also, your cat would probably appreciate a large box to easily move around in. Depending upon your situation, your vet may have a remedy for your cat's mobility problem.
Once the physical cause of a cat litter box problem is identified by your vet, you can work together to help your cat get better. Remember to address any issue that causes your cat to associate an unpleasant experience with the box as soon as possible. Catching these problems early on makes them much easier to deal with.
Article Source: http://www.ApprovedArticles.com
About the author: Kurt Schmitt offers advice on solving cat litter box problems and other cat care issues at Cat Lovers Only
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