The Scoop On Litter Box Problems (NAPSA)—Few behavior problems strain the relationship between cats and owners more than when the cat refuses to use its litter box. In fact, nonuseof the litter box is the number one behavioral reason millions of cats are given up to shelters each year. Such problems—which are not entirely the fault of the finicky feline—can be resolved, with a little extra effort on the owner’s part. Follow these five simple steps to bring your problem cat back to the box: 1) Replace your currentlitter. If cats could buy their own litter, they’d opt for one with a natural outdoor scent and a “paw friendly” particle size. A new 100 percent guaranteed product called Cat Attract"— developed by feline-only veterinarian Dr. Bruce Elsey to bring problem cats back to the box—is a clumping clay litter that has a natural herbal blend additive and a texture and particle size cats prefer. 2) Freshen up. You don’t like a dirty bathroom, and neither does your cat. Remove clumps daily. If your cat does not respond to a clean litter box, you may have to replace it. Someold boxes are scratched and permeated with a scent your cat may find offensive. 3) Destroy the evidence. Once a cat has soiled an area, it may naturally regard this area as an appropriate place to relieve itself. Do all that you can to eliminate any trace of odor from the “trouble spot.” Clean the area thoroughly with a liquid enzymatic cleaner. Avoid ammoniabased cleaners, which actually contribute to the problem. If your cat still can’t resist the area, try placing its food there; cats are unlikely to “go” where they eat. Bringing a “problem” cat back to the litter box may be easier than youthink. 4) Consider a litter box makeover. Hooded litter boxes are for owners, not cats. Try removing the hood and rethinking the location. Litter boxes should be in quiet, easily accessible areas, away from bright lights, loud noises and vibrations such as high traffic family areas, washing machines or furnaces. 5) Treat your cat to some R&R.Stress is a leading cause of litter box problems. In multiple cat households, make sure each cat has a separate “zone” with its own food, water, litter box and safe elevated perch, large enough for just one cat. Carpeted “cat condos” make excellent retreats. Play with your cat for at least 15 minutes every day and make sure your cat has plenty of toys to stalk and chase. Cat Attract is available at PETsMARTas well as selected PETCO, grocery and independent pet stores. Every bag contains a copy of Dr. Elsey’s Litter Box Solutions booklet. This informative booklet is also available online at www.preciouscat.com or you can request a free copy by calling 1-877-311-2287.
