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

When I started working from home I was a little worried about not hearing someone come in the back door while I was in the office upstairs (my husband and son are in and out all day so we leave it unlocked). I am a morris dancer so I made good use of my bells (a shin pad with about 16 brass bells attached) and hung them from the doorknob. Now when the door opens, I hear it. Our cats thought this was a good idea too and started ringing the bells with their paws when they want to go outside. One did it and then they all caught on. Clever things! They do generally prefer the outdoors to the litter box in the summer, but winter makes them think again.
My problem is getting them to use the litter box consistently in this indoor season. We keep the box in a separate room in the basement and maintain it. However, one pees in the tub directly over the drain, another poops occasionally in a corner on the landing. It's almost like they're too lazy to go all the way to the basement if they are on the 2nd floor of the house. I can't stand a kitty litter box in the living areas of the house though, so I am not sure how to remedy this. Ideas?

Have you considered putting there food where there cat box is, just a thought. Also have you tried an electric cat box, as it keeps the oder way down in the winter time. My cats go outside for the most part in the warmer months as well, when we bought the electric cat box it was the funniest thing...all three of them gathered around it and waited for it to move--it was so funny. But those are just some suggestions--good luck!

I agree, I've found the food idea to work. I love the idea of the electric box.
Chel