Although 29% of Americans own a cat, many find training felines challenging. Health problems and personal preferences are only two of the possible explanations for a cat’s refusal to use a litter box. Here’s some advice for helping your cat avoid accidents. Fortunately, a professional cleaning service can step in to remove odors and stains. Here’s what you need to know about cats and litter boxes.

3 Tips for Getting a Cat to Use a Litter Box

1. Confinement

Cats do well in confined spaces. They have an instinctual need for protection and warmth. If you let your cat roam free, you may need to change your tactics. During training, consider keeping them and their litter box in the bathroom. Bathroom tile won’t absorb their urine. After successfully using the litter box for two weeks, you can let your cat travel unhindered.

2. Look for Patterns

Cats are complicated creatures. Observe your cat like you’re a detective. Even cats who’ve been trained may regress to destructive behaviors that lead to carpet stains.

For example, some cats exhibit preferences for certain surfaces. Try to recreate that surface in their litter box. If they like shiny surfaces, spread a thin layer of litter in their box, keeping one side empty. Maybe your cat associates the placement of their litter box with unpleasantness. Relocating the litter box to a safer space will help. If your cat has a favorite go-to elimination spot, make it as unpleasant as possible with textures they dislike. Putting their food nearby may also encourage them to return to their litter box.

3. Keep a Tidy Home 

A cat’s sense of smell is more sensitive than a human’s. They may continue to soil an area that already smells of their waste. Removing pet odors from your home with ammonia or highly fragrant products may be insufficient. You may need to contact a  professional to remove stubborn odors and stains. Some cleaning services specialize in pet odor removal. Keeping a clean house encourages your cat to do the same.

 

America’s Best Cleaning & Restoration Services understands that accidents happen when training beloved feline friends. For almost 30 years, they’ve cleaned carpets, furniture, upholstery, and air ducts for customers in Wisconsin and Minnesota. They also offer pet odor removal and remediation for water damage and mold. Call (507) 280-8171 for their La Crosse, WI, location or (608) 782-6995 to reach their office in Rochester, MN. For more information about their cleaning services for pet owners, visit their website.