If you are a cat owner experiencing litter box problems there are a number of factors that could be contributing to your problems. Your Ragdoll cat is a very clean critter; cats like using a dirty bathroom about as much as you do. There are also a number of health problems that can result from not keeping the box clean. First and foremost, if your cat is going outside of the box, make sure you are keeping the litter box clean on a daily basis.

If a clean box is not the solution to your problem consult your veterinarian for a checkup. There could be a medical condition contributing to your litter box problem. Once your vet has ruled out medical reasons here is a checklist to help find the culprit to your problem.

1. A dirty litter box is the most common reason for disuse, keep your box clean at all times.

2. The location of your litter box could be the culprit. If the box is located in a busy part of your house it may dissuade you cat from using it. Cats like their privacy just as much as humans due when it comes to the bathroom. Moving the box to a quiet, private area may fix the problem.

3. The litter box is too small.

4. Has your cat been de-clawed? Cats that have been de-clawed frequently stop using the box because of the sand on their paws. De-clawing is a horrible thing to do to a cat; pet owners that inflict this on their cats really deserve any litter box troubles they receive.

4. Have you changed the cat litter recently? Your cat may not like the new litter, especially if it heavily perfumed. What smells good to you can be repulsive to your cat.

5. Is your litter box close to the food and water bowl? Cats do not like to go to the bathroom where they eat. If your box and food are proximal to each other, moving them to different rooms could rectify your problem.

6. Are multiple cats using the same box? Some cats want exclusive use of their own litter box. Adding a second box to your home could rectify the problem. Some cats don’t like doing all their business in the same box. Having two boxes solves this problem as well.

You can learn more about solving your Ragdoll Cat’s litter box problmes with Ben Harper’s book Ragdoll Cat Secrets.Related Articles Other People Have Read:

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Catnip is a herbal stimulant that can send your Ragdoll into a fit of kitten like playfulness. Nepata Cataria by its proper name is part of the mint family of herb. It is perennial and can reach a height of three feet. Catnip has heart shaped leaves that secret aromatic oil; the oil seems to protect the plant from insects. It is this oil that has a near drug like affect on your Ragdoll cat.

The behavior your cat will exhibit while under the influence of catnip includes sniffing, licking, and chewing the catnip, a heavy dose of face rubbing, followed by a somersault and an all over catnip rub.

Catnip is commonly found in stuffed toys; however, you can purchase dried catnip leaves. Dried catnip can be applied to toys and scratching posts you would like to encourage your Ragdoll cat to use.

Some pet owners feel strongly against the use of catnip. It is simply a herbal stimulant with no harmful side-effects. Not all cats respond to catnip and young kittens seem to be immune to the effects until they reach the age of six months.
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All Ragdoll cats are descendants of Josephine, who is thought to have originally belonged to one of Ann Baker’s neighbors in California…

Josephine was struck by an automobile some time before she had her first litter of kittens, which Ann Baker noticed were larger and friendlier than other kittens.

Ann Baker was known to tell tall tales regarding the Ragdoll cat’s origin, thought that the car accident had something to do with it.

Out of Josephine’s first litter, Ann Baker chose Buckwheat and registered her with the National Cat Fanciers Association (NCFA) in 1963. Daddy Warbucks, now considered the father of the Ragdoll breed, came from mating between Buckwheat and a pointed Birman male.
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Healthy cats have bright eyes, a shiny coat, a healthy appetite, maintain a good weight, and are playful.

Cats are also very good at hiding when they are sick. It is up to you to know when your Ragdoll cat is not feeling well. There are a number of warning signs you need to be on the lookout for. These behaviors are clues that tell you when your Ragdoll cat is sick. If you think your Ragdoll is ill contact your veterinarian immediately.

Watch for Lack of Appetite

If your cat stops eating suddenly this is a probable sign that your Ragdoll is sick. Keep an eye on your cat’s food; if you feed dry food throughout the day it can be difficult to gauge how much your cat is eating.

It is a good idea to feed your cat canned food at night in addition to the dry food available throughout the day. If you observe sudden weight loss in your Ragdoll cat, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your Ragdoll cat seems bonier or you can feel the ribs where you could not before, this is a sign of weight loss.

Periods of Inactivity, Weak or Lethargic Behavior, Excessive Sleeping Cats are less active when they aren’t feeling well. If your cat is suddenly less active, is not interested in playing, and seems lethargic, consult your veterinarian.

If your Ragdoll cat suddenly starts drinking excessive amounts of water this could indicate a kidney problem or feline diabetes. If you observe this behavior, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your Ragdoll cat suddenly develops foul breath, this could indicate dental or even metabolic problems.

Litter Box Problems

Going outside the box is often a sign that something is wrong. This could be a behavioral problem; however, it is best to have your veterinarian rule out a medical condition first when addressing the cause of litter box problems.

Drooling or Vomiting

Excessive drooling could be an indication of dental problems. Vomiting or gagging more frequently than the occasional hairball could indicate a problem. If your cat vomits frequently enough to lose weight this is a reason to see your veterinarian.Related Articles Other People Have Read:

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