BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Cats Cat isn't using litter box....

When we adopted Lula a couple of months ago, we were thrilled to discover that she was more than happy to use her litterbox at all times, no spraying or pooping anywhere in the house. In fact, the only "naughty" thing she did was claw on our new mattress set. A scratching post placed by the bed (which I seem to fall over nightly) solved that problem.

However, for the last week or so, there has been no litterbox activity whatsoever. She hasn't done her business anywhere else in the house, we're positive, it seems that she's just doing it outside. She's also not exhibiting any signs of illness... she's the same spazzy little goofball she was when we got her. Is it just a coincidence that she's been going outside more lately, or did she suddenly develop an aversion to her litter or her box? We're going to the vet for some shots tomorrow, and we can ask him, but it seems that this is more of a behavioral issue. Am I freaking out about nothing?

Megan, I'm sorry it's taken me awhile to reply - I've been down with a terrible cold this week. Is Lula still only going outside? I do think some cats just prefer it, so it might not be anything to worry about. My cats are strickly inside cats, so their only option is the litterbox. Did you change brands of litter? That can sometimes make a difference to some cats. What did your vet say?

I wouldn't worry about it Megan. I had two cats and one would wait by the door to go outside to do his thing. He was 14 and did this since he was a kitten (Buster has past away just last year) My other cat would only use the littter box, she would even wait to come inside and go right to the litter box. Sara is 15 this month.

Yep; she prefers the great out of doors. She may decide differently when it rains. sleets and snows but you'll find that out when the time comes. How lucky are you?

I wish mine would enjoy the outdoors!!

We always have our cats go outside like dogs instead of using a litter box. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> It's more convenient for me and they're fine with it. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

it would be so nice not to have to clean litter boxes, but my dog, Chuck, has been helping me with the poop box lately! Gross!

THAT IS GREAT. Our cats only go outside. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I hate litter boxes.

I WISH my cat would only go out in the yard. He comes IN to use the litter box. We now have a litterbox outside on the back porch, but it still has to be cleaned. He's the first cat I've ever seen who prefers the litter box. He's also more into digging than any other cat I've ever been around; I suspect it's related.

Julie

We have a cat that loves the great outdoors. He lets you know when it's time, too. Very loudly. lol