Debunking the Litter Box: How Does Your Cat Know Where to Go?
It’s well known that one of the most daunting tasks of adopting any new pet is the messiest and smelliest task of all — potty training. A new puppy requires months of patience and training, trial and error. So why is it that most cats know exactly where to go? We’re sharing why litter boxes are instinctual for cats to use, and how to troubleshoot for cats who might be a little confused.
When some new pet owners bring home their first kitten, they’re shocked by the tiny, furry creature’s ability to use the litter box almost instantly and without any potty training required. It all boils down to a cat’s natural instincts. All cats have the urge to bury bodily waste in anything they can dig in, whether it be dirt, sand or — in an indoor cat’s case — their litter. This comes from the natural instinct to cover the smell of their waste from natural predators in the wild. While most cats will know where to go based on the smell of the litter after use, keep an eye out if you have any indoor potted plants with soft soil — your cat may see this as an opportunity to bury something unpleasant in your greenery.
If you’re finding that your cat is having trouble locating the litter box or knowing where to go, try and keep an eye on the telltale signs of them having to use the bathroom. If you notice them sniffing around and trying to find a spot, gently place them in the litter box so they know that’s where to land. If your cat is still having house soiling issues, there could be a number of reasons why. First, make sure the litter box is always clean and clump-free — you don’t like using a dirty toilet, and neither do your cats. Other reasons can include a new environment, or even the addition of other cats to their home. Make sure you have enough litter boxes per number of cats so they can all go comfortably and privately — the proper amount is one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
If you’re becoming hopeless when it comes to your cat’s house soiling, don’t give up just yet. With natural herbs meant to draw your cat to the litter box, Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract is a great solution to all of your litter box woes. We challenge you to take the #CatAttractChallenge and put our best-selling litter to the test when it comes to your cat’s house soiling.
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