By Sarah Hoggan, from the February 2000 Newsletter

Inappropriate bathroom habits are the number one reason cats are surrendered to animal shelters. This is also the top question veterinarians field about cat behavior and is officially called "inappropriate elimination." This is different than "marking territory" or spraying. Spraying is depositing a small amount of urine onto a vertical surface, such as a wall. Elimination is squatting and releasing a significant volume of urine. Besides urine, some cats ignore their litter box altogether and instead leave a "deposit" next to it. This behavior seems to say, "You're close to what I want, but not quite." So what does a cat really want for kitty litter?

The kitty litter market is akin to the cold cereal market: all the boxes are brightly colored and cute, you read all the labels and don't understand half the information, and in the end you base your decision on which has the best toy offer on the back of the box.

Dr. Catherine Ulibarri, Ph.D. and veterinary behaviorist at WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, says, "First you must rule out a medical cause for your cat's inappropriate elimination, then you can consider behavioral problems."

After medical problems have been ruled out Dr. Ulibarri states, "The litter box should be in a quiet, secluded area that's easily accessible. For litter, most cats prefer a clumping clay litter so the wastes can be removed." She also suggests scooping the litter daily and making sure there's an adequate number of cat boxes available. These two simple measures can decrease inappropriate bathroom behaviors.

The Moscow Food Co-op offers three varieties of kitty litter. Heartland Wheat Litter is the only litter of the three that clumps when soiled. It's odor-free and the packaging says it's safe to flush the clumps down the toilet.

Feline Pine and Cedar Lite are the other two litter options. Feline Pine has a strong, pleasant aroma like a Christmas tree. Its packaging states that the litter can be scooped and flushed or used as mulch. Cedar Lite also has a very strong, pleasant scent and its label states it's adequate for birdcages as well as cat boxes. These strong scents may help mask the cat box odor, in the event it was recently used or it hasn't been cleaned within the last day.

If you're unsure which product your cat would prefer, Dr. Ulibarri advises setting up several boxes with different litter types. This "litter box smorgasbord" lets the cat choose so you can oblige them in the future.

Finding the correct kitty litter for your cat will make both your lives easier. The cat will like its litter box and use that instead of your carpets or walls. Cats are wonderful pets, but not highly endorsed as decorators.

Another article on Kitty Litter.

Copyright: Copyright on articles and recipes are jointly held by the Moscow Food Co-op and the respective authors, except were otherwise noted.

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