Get the Scoop on Your Cat’s Health …. By Checking the Litter Box
Because cats are both prey and predator, they do their best to disguise any weakness, including in their health to keep themselves safe. They are naturally skilled hunters who do their best to avoid being hunted even by perceived threats.
That’s why in my Pet First Aid 4U classes, I educate my students about the need to be a cat detective. Yes, a cat detective.
One of the prime places to sniff out any health issue clues is your cat’s litter box. I agree. It is not a fun gig, but one that may end up keeping your cat health and even extending his life.
Changes in your cat’s bathroom habits, such as bypassing the litter box or the presence of unusually pungent poop or large clumps of urine should not be ignored. Your cat is silently asking for help.
There are many litter box clues to detect and report to your veterinarian for guidance and help.
10 key reasons cats skip using the litter box:
Medical conditions arise, such as urinary tract infection, kidney disease or stones in the urethra that block urine flow.
Physical discomfort in entering and exiting the litter box due to arthritis in the legs or having to use a new litter box with deep sides.
Dirty litter box that has not been scooped daily
Too few litter boxes for the number of cats in your home. Veterinarians and cat behaviorists recommend you have one litter box per cat plus one in your home and that the litter boxes should not be all lined up in one room.
A switch to a new brand of litter that your cat does not like the smell or the texture on his paws.
Relocating to a new home with new and strange smells.
Switching out open litter boxes with ones that have hoods that contain the urine odor and make cats feel vulnerable to being ambushed while going to the bathroom by other pets in the home.
Deciding to clean litter boxes with bleach or other strong-smelling cleaners that cats detest.
Placing deodorizing products emitting citrus or perfume smells near the litter box. You may welcome these smells, but your cat will not and seek another place in the house to use the bathroom.
Introducing a new cat, dog or person to the household. Some cats may show their protest by skipping the litter box.
Bring Your Cat to the Veterinary Clinic - Pronto
It is always better for your veterinarian to tell you, “Everything is fine with your cat” then have to ask you, “Why did you wait so long?” Delays in getting medical attention for your cat can lead to serious health issues, even death. atever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t delay in scheduling a veterinary visit if you notice:
Your cat has diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
You detect foul-smelling or sweet-smelling urine from the litter box.
You see blood in the urine or in the poop in the litter box
Your cat has not pooped in more than 2 days.
You notice your cat is urinating much more or much less.
You hear your cat cry out when using the litter box.
That’s my scoop on litter box issues.
Final Tip:
Show your dog and your cat how much you care for them by enrolling in one of our Pet First Aid 4U classes. We offer three options for you to earn veterinarian-approved two-year certificates in our pet first aid/CPR programs:
In-person classes primarily aimed at pet professionals and first responders.
Interactive via ZOOM classes offered monthly and on demand
Self-paced online classes for those wishing to learn anytime, anywhere.
Pick the best option for you and sign up today!
About the Author:
Arden Moore, founder of Pet First Aid 4 U, is a Master Pet First Aid/CPR Instructor who teaches veterinarian-approved, hands-on safety courses alongside her teaching team of Kona (dog), Nova (dog) and Casey (cat). Known as “The Pet First Aid & Safety Coach,” Arden is also a nationally recognized behavior consultant, bestselling author of over 25 pet books , and the award-winning host of the “Oh Behave!” podcast, A Fear Free Certified Professional, she brings decades of pet expertise to all her endeavors — with a mission to help pets live safer, longer and healthier lives.
