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Just wanted to throw this out there because I found a really simple solution to a problem I thought I was never going to solve.
I have two male tabbies-Renly and Patrick, for those of you who remember. I have enclosed litter boxes with a swinging flap (like a doggie-door) in and out. I have to have enclosed because Renly kicks litter EVERYWHERE. For MONTHS, I would find urine on the mats outside the boxes, and caught Patrick peeing on things like bath mats, the rugs, etc. I tried everything - special sprays, putting objects over the rugs, and literally had to put my bath mat over the shower when I wasn’t using it. I kept the boxes meticulously clean but still had the same issue, over and over again.
The other day, I noticed Renly peeing in the litter box. He was inside the litter box, but it was running over the side and onto to the mat because his butt was pointed towards the entrance. So I had a brilliant idea to lift the flap going in and out so it was just open.
My life changed at that moment. I realized that Renly thought the flap was a solid wall, and didn’t realize his pee was going over the flap. When I lifted up the flap it was just open space, so he adjusted himself so that it would go [edited: would not go]in the mat. He stopped peeing on the mat.
I realized later that Patrick wasn’t using the litter boxes because Renly had urinated all over the mats in the entrances, which is why he was peeing elsewhere. He didn’t want to walk over the urine, nor would I. Once Renly stopped peeing over the sides of the boxes, Patrick started using the litter boxes again.
Since then, I’ve been able to leave my bath mat on the floor and have had no accidents on the carpet.
These sorts of simple adjustments can really make a profound difference sometimes.
Last edited by Bluefox; 07-05-2018 at 09:59 PM..
Reason: See above
As a follow up, I’m actually considering going towards completely open boxes. I think if I have the litter deep enough, it might keep the scattering to a minimum. I think the cats naturally prefer an open litter box. And I would clean up scattered litter all day compared to cleaning up cat pee.
I know mine prefer open box....they don't like to step in onto used litter. The height of the pan makes a difference. Mine also have litter guards around the top to prevent that kicking of litter across the room!
If your cats are the least bit big (as in over 7-8 lbs) usually the litter boxes from the pet places are too small to keep the litter in when used by a "kicker." I went to the local restaurant supply place and picked up some dish pans, the kind the busboys use when they pick up from the tables, and the litter all over the floor is now contained. The sides are higher and they're a lot bigger so the cat has room to do his thing. The pans were only about $6 apiece.
I still have a couple covered boxes, but they're rarely used. I have 7 cats (all rescues) and I think they fear being trapped in the covered box by another cat while they're using it.
As a follow up, I’m actually considering going towards completely open boxes. I think if I have the litter deep enough, it might keep the scattering to a minimum. I think the cats naturally prefer an open litter box. And I would clean up scattered litter all day compared to cleaning up cat pee.
We have 6 cats. To satisfy ALL of them, and ourselves, this is the combo that we have found to work. We have tried mannnny different boxes, litters, etc. over the course of almost 20 years!
Litter with little to no dust. Clumps EXTREMELY well too! The litter is larger pieces, not sand-y. It isn't tracked much at all. Plus, no white paw powder looking paw prints all over the house. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Elseys-Pre...0892678&sr=8-1
Closed litter boxes or electric powered litter boxes are sold to satisfy human needs, not the needs of cats.
This is not always the case. I have an large (17" tall) covered litter box that I have to line with puppy pads because I have a litter box side pee-er.
Not only does he pee on the sides of the litter box, sometimes he makes it to the lid. If I didn't have the lid to keep everything contained, it would end up on the wall.
I do have the litter on the floor problem, I never found a litter "rug" they didn't just jump right over. I've also given up on bathroom rugs, because my cat with kidney disease loves peeing on them. She will pee on her pee pads unless I put down a bathroom rug, which is apparently a more luxurious toilet. She will poop in the box, but for reasons I don't pretend to understand, she prefers peeing on the floor. Honestly I'm just grateful she'll aim for the pee pads.
I gave up on any kind of covered box a long time ago, they just don't like it.
I like the idea of using big and deep non-traditional boxes as litter boxes. But I'm sure if they're too deep, the kitties will let me know about it.
This is not always the case. I have an large (17" tall) covered litter box that I have to line with puppy pads because I have a litter box side pee-er.
Not only does he pee on the sides of the litter box, sometimes he makes it to the lid. If I didn't have the lid to keep everything contained, it would end up on the wall.
Try a longer box, and don't put it in a closed-in area.
Our side pee-ers now squat and pee in the middle of the Sterilite boxes (that I linked to in my other post), as long as the boxes are kept in an open area.
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