Ragdoll Cat Forums

I have had my Raggy Chica since last November, she is perfect and loving and I can't imagine life without her. However, she has a problem which is probably why I was able to adopt her from a freecycle family. No matter what I do, she will not make poo in her box, we have tried everything we could think of. A separate cat box, moving the box, depositing the poo in her box, hoping she would get the idea, scolding her, (never hitting), she poos once a day and most of the time it can be swept up in the dust pan, but there are those times.... The problem is that my husband and I cannot physically continue to clean up her messes. I love my darling, but if I can't find a way to convince her she needs to use the box I will have to find her a home. I would sure appreciate any advice or help you can think of, Her vet says she is in perfect health, She weighs about 20 lbs right now.

Thanks
Theresa, Larry and Chica

Hi Theresa,

I'm sorry you're having problems with Chica using the litter box. I'm not an expert in this area, but I'm sure others can weigh in.

I definitely wouldn't scold her though. She's not doing it to be naughty, but rather is trying to tell you something. Some questions come to mind though:

- is she an only cat? Some cats will poo outside the litterbox to show dominance (it's called middening)
- what kind of litter do you use? Have you tried different types of litter? Some cats find the wood pellets too uncomfortable on their feet and prefer soft grainy sand.
- what kind of litter box do you use? Have you tried covered vs. not covered? Since she's a big girl, is the litter box big enough for her to turn around in? Some owners use a large plastic storage bin, cutting out an opening at one end and finding it a better alternative.
- is she pooing in the same place? If so, what are you using to clean up after her? Most experts recommend using an enzymatic cleaner so they can't smell it any longer, followed by rubbing alcohol or alcohol spirit (to help cats stay away from the spot).
- have you tried putting down tin foil in areas she poos in? Again, some people find their cats will stay far away from tin foil and break the habit.
- you mention that Chica is 20 lbs. Is she just a big Raggie, or is she overweight? Does she need a bit of exercise and interaction with you and your husband?
- have you consulted a cat behaviorist? Many vets will work with behaviorists, especially when there's nothing medical going on.

If you're interested, there's a cat behaviorist from the UK named Vicky Halls. She's written a number of books and has a web site: http://www.vickyhalls.net/. There's also a web site called FAB Cats, and they have some good advice. This page covers both spraying and soiling: http://www.fabcats.org/behaviour/spraying/info.html

I'm sure others will have advice too. Hopefully you can get it sorted out soon!

Coral

The first suspect is a medical problem, which can be hard to identify. For that reason, a long course of Flagyl may be the place to start. The other issue may be not liking the box. The first issue is to have at least two boxes if she is the only cat. Box avoidanced can be because of a medical issue, the box itself - style, placement, privacy or too private, the litter, the depth of litter, the cleanliness (and sometimes and automatic box like a LitterMaid works). Also do not forget the possibility of an empty box or a box with flat newspaper or paper towels. Or a box on a table our counter. You may be able to get clues from the places she uses. If it is stress, then the med of choice for that in cats would be Prozac.

For the best links with things to try, use tallyville. Be sure not to try too many things to fast, since you have to give each thing a chance to work. http://tallyville.com/litterboxhelp.html

Coral Wrote:Hi Theresa,

I'm sorry you're having problems with Chica using the litter box. I'm not an expert in this area, but I'm sure others can weigh in.

I definitely wouldn't scold her though. She's not doing it to be naughty, but rather is trying to tell you something. Some questions come to mind though:

- is she an only cat? Some cats will poo outside the litterbox to show dominance (it's called middening)
- what kind of litter do you use? Have you tried different types of litter? Some cats find the wood pellets too uncomfortable on their feet and prefer soft grainy sand.
- what kind of litter box do you use? Have you tried covered vs. not covered? Since she's a big girl, is the litter box big enough for her to turn around in? Some owners use a large plastic storage bin, cutting out an opening at one end and finding it a better alternative.
- is she pooing in the same place? If so, what are you using to clean up after her? Most experts recommend using an enzymatic cleaner so they can't smell it any longer, followed by rubbing alcohol or alcohol spirit (to help cats stay away from the spot).
- have you tried putting down tin foil in areas she poos in? Again, some people find their cats will stay far away from tin foil and break the habit.
- you mention that Chica is 20 lbs. Is she just a big Raggie, or is she overweight? Does she need a bit of exercise and interaction with you and your husband?
- have you consulted a cat behaviorist? Many vets will work with behaviorists, especially when there's nothing medical going on.

If you're interested, there's a cat behaviorist from the UK named Vicky Halls. She's written a number of books and has a web site: http://www.vickyhalls.net/. There's also a web site called FAB Cats, and they have some good advice. This page covers both spraying and soiling: http://www.fabcats.org/behaviour/spraying/info.html

I'm sure others will have advice too. Hopefully you can get it sorted out soon!

Coral

Thank you for all the great suggestions, I am definitely going to try some of them, I love my baby very much. Some I have tried. She is just a big raggy, not overweight her dr says. Thanks.

I'm very sorry your ragdoll, Chica is having problems with her litter box.

I would recommend using Cat Attract Litter. It makes my ragdoll WANT to go in the litter box. My breeder recommended it and I have been using it since my ragdoll was a kitten. We have never had a problem

You can buy it at any Petsmart or Petco. It's a little bit more expensive, but, if it works, it works

I really hope this helps you should totally try this.

-Maddy

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js...Id=2751734