Having a cat that goes outside of the litter box can be a very frustrating experience. There are a number of reasons your Ragdoll chooses to go outside of the box, eliminating common causes could help you get to the root of your particular problem. Solving your litter box is process of hit and miss to determine why your cat chooses to go outside the box. Here are several tips to help you drill down the cause of your problem.
The first thing you need to eliminate when diagnosing problems of this nature are medical reasons. If your cat suffers from a bladder or urinary infection, this could be the reason they are not using the litter box. A trip to the veterinarian and a clean bill of health will allow you to move on to other common causes of this problem.
The most important aspect of maintaining a litter box is to keep the box clean at all times. Many cats simply refuse to use a litter box that is not clean. Clean your box with mild liquid soap and water every week. Change the litter frequently and use a dash of baking soda to help reduce odor.
Cats like their privacy: keep your litter box in a quiet area of your home that provides your Ragdoll with some privacy. Make sure your cat’s food bowl and water are not in the same room as the litter box. Having food and water near the box is a turn off for many cats.
Have you changed cat litter recently? Some Ragdolls have a preference when it comes to cat litter. Changing brands or using a different variety can discourage use of the box. Avoid heavily perfumed cat litter; what smells good to you could be repulsive to your cat.
If you have multiple cats consider running more than one litter box in your home. Cats can be territorial and may not appreciate another cat using their litter box. If you are using a litter box with a enclosure try using an open box. If you are using a smaller litter box try using a larger one.
When your Ragdoll has an accident it is important to clean the area thoroughly using an enzyme based cleaner to remove all traces of smell. If your cat smells the area of a previous accident it may repeat the offense in the same are. Don’t give up! This is a very frustrating problem for any cat owner. With a little persistence and the help of your veterinarian you can resolve this problem.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello,
Thank you for sending your information– it is appreciated.
I have a problem that has started with my two 1/2 old male Ragdoll. He has recently started urinating on throw rugs and any clothing on the floor. Took him to the vet and everything there is ok. His littvterbox is cleaned out daily. He was neutered at five months old. Would appreciate any helpful advice.
Thank you,
DJ
@ DJ – I had a problem with my cat doing the same thing. I ended up throwing away all of my throw rugs and starting fresh. I replaced the old rugs with rugs that did not include the usual latex backing. For some reason this material will actually attract cats to pee on them. I spent more money on my new rugs but so far it has solved my problem. Hope this helps and good luck.
I have a similar problem. My 3 year old male neutered ragdoll is urinating in the house, several times a day and in different places. He has even urinated on my husband’s trouser leg twice. I don’t want him to be outside always but until I can stop this behaviour he is spending most of his time outside.