When Making Changes to Cats' Litter Boxes...

Cats can be very particular with their litter box habits. Changing the type of litter or location of the litter box can sometimes trigger episodes of inappropriate urination or defecation --- translation: urinating or defecating outside the litter box.

Some cats will take to changes with no problems. Most, though, will not appreciate changes to their litter box, even if it means a better, prettier, easier-to-clean, litter box. A gradual change over is critical to avoid elimination issues.

Adding some of the current litter in with the new litter will help with the transition. For example, if changing from regular non-clumping clay litter to a plant fiber clumping litter (such as Arm & Hammer Essentials), place about 2 inches of the new litter in the box then add the current clay litter to the top 1/2 to 1 inch. Clean / Scoop the box at least once daily and add more of the new litter as needed. In a week, the box will contain mostly new clumping litter. Try to leave the litter box in the same location until the change is complete.

If you are changing the litter pan/box itself, such as switching over to an automatic litter box or upgrading to a larger box, place the new box next to the current one. Use the current type of litter in both litter boxes, if possible.

Stop cleaning the current (old) litter box. It will look unsightly but this is an important step in the transition. Just clean and maintain the new box. You can also remove some clean litter from the old box daily to make the box less inviting (most cats prefer a deep substrate to dig around). Your cat will start using the new box when the old one gets shallow and dirty. Remember to monitor to make sure he is urinating and defecating somewhere (hopefully in the new box). If your cat refuses to use the new box and stays away from the dirty old box, you may need to start over with a slower transition. Also look around to see if you can locate where he was eliminating in the house. If you know he is not urinating in either litter boxes and cannot tell if he is urinating somewhere in the house, contact your family veterinarian for advice. He is probably fine and is urinating somewhere, but best if you consult your veterinarian in case of problems.

A review of the different types of litter is in the works. After a brief initial research into the current "cat litter technology," I have to confess that it may take me a while to sift through the limited research and unlimited anectodes on the pros-and-cons of the available litter types for our feline companions. Nevertheless, silica gel litter, or crystals, intrigue me and will be first to be reviewed. I just introduced my cats to Fresh Step Crystals this week and will report back in a couple weeks.