Cats are pretty tidy creatures. They clean themselves, keep their fur
relatively knot-free, and they don’t need to be potty trained. From a
young age, domestic cats know to use a litter box, unlike puppies that
use your floor for the first couple of weeks before being trained to go
outside. But haven’t you always wondered how they are born knowing how
to use a little box?
How do cats know how to use a little box without being trained?
It
all comes down to animal instincts. “Cats have an inherent desire to
bury their waste in order to cover their scent from other animals,” says
Jordan Cassidy, DVM, PetSmart resident veterinarian. “Given the texture
and consistency of most commercially available cat litters, it makes it
easier for cats to cover their droppings, which is what naturally draws
them towards a litter box.” So, right from the start, they are drawn to
the litter box when they need to go to the bathroom. Make sure to avoid
these dangerous mistakes that cat owners make.
Are there some cats that never learn how to use a litter box?
Dr.
Cassidy says that this can happen, but it is very rare. “A cat’s
natural instinct (even a stray one) is to bury their droppings and cover
their scent. If your cat stops using their litter box it is important
to speak with your cat’s veterinarian to determine if there are health
or behavioral concerns that need to be addressed.”
Is there a reason some cats don’t use their little box on occasion?
If your cat typically uses their litter box but every so often
eliminates outside of it, it’s not because they forgot how to use it.
There are actually underlying reasons.
“The litter box may be too
small, in a busy area of your home or difficult to access,” says Dr.
Cassidy. “The litter box may also be too dirty; cats are clean animals
and will typically avoid the litter box if it isn’t emptied regularly.”
He says that there are other behavioral and health concerns that may be
causing your cat to avoid their litter box. If you've cleaned the litter
box, tried a different sized one, and moved it to a different spot in
your house and your cat still isn't using it, he recommends seeing your
veterinarian. Not using their litter box is just one way cats
communicate with humans through changes in their behavior, these are
some other things your cat is trying to tell you.
