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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / December 2006Litter Issues
Hey all, I am fairly new here, so this is my first question: My cat will not cover her "business" in the litter box and worse will kick poo out of the box from time to time. Any hints on how to get her to keep her poo in the box and covered??? Thanks for anything you can provide...and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Michelle > Hey all, I am fairly new here, so this is my first question: > > My cat will not cover her "business" in the litter box and worse will > kick poo out of the box from time to time. Any hints on how to get her > to keep her poo in the box and covered??? Thanks for anything you can > provide...and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ----------- Get a covered/hooded litter box. It's more expensive than an open box but well worth the money (IMHO). The cat still won't cover her "business", but the litter will stay in the box, and you won't have to see her "business" except when you're cleaning the box. Best regards, ---Cindy S. on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:37:53 GMT, "cindys" <cstein1@rochester.rr.com> wrote: > Get a covered/hooded litter box. It's more expensive than an open box > but well worth the money (IMHO). The cat still won't cover her > "business", but the litter will stay in the box, and you won't have to > see her "business" except when you're cleaning the box. I have to disagree with this advice. Covered cat boxes can create problems. Some cats will not use them, and for good reason: the REEK under those hoods. The litter pan needs air circulation to remain tolerable to a cat, no matter how dilligent you are about scooping. My suggestion is to get a box with higher sides, and when you find poop that isn't covered, simply scoop it out.  SignatureLynne http://picasaweb.google.com/what.the.hell.is.it/ > on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:37:53 GMT, "cindys" <cstein1@rochester.rr.com> > wrote: [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > a > cat, no matter how dilligent you are about scooping. ------- What can I say? I have a total of five cats and six litterboxes, three are covered, three are open. My cats use all of them just the same. Best regards, ---Cindy S. > My suggestion is to get a box with higher sides, and when you find poop > that isn't covered, simply scoop it out. >> on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:37:53 GMT, "cindys" <cstein1@rochester.rr.com> >> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Best regards, > ---Cindy S. So why would you say that the covered box is a solution for cats that don't cover their mess? >>> on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:37:53 GMT, "cindys" <cstein1@rochester.rr.com> >>> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > So why would you say that the covered box is a solution for cats that > don't cover their mess? -------- I was saying it was a solution for the litter being kicked out of the box. If the cat is not inclined to cover her mess, I don't think the hood will change that. Best regards, ---Cindy S. > I was saying it was a solution for the litter being kicked out of the box. > If the cat is not inclined to cover her mess, I don't think the hood will > change that. Gotcha. :) I still think a deeper box is better. >> on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:37:53 GMT, "cindys" <cstein1@rochester.rr.com> >> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Best regards, > ---Cindy S. ------------ But in all fairness, since I started using the litter with absorbant crystals, it's made a huge difference. I would estimate it's cut down on the litterbox odor by 90% (and I obviously scoop frequently). Best regards, ---Cindy S. on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:51:54 GMT, "cindys" <cstein1@rochester.rr.com> wrote: > What can I say? I have a total of five cats and six litterboxes, three > are covered, three are open. My cats use all of them just the same. > Best regards, > ---Cindy S. Your cats may use them, but I dare you to stick your whole head under the hood of one of those covered boxes and leave it in there for 2-3 minutes. My Rudy will go in a sh.t filled box that my mother forgot to clean when I was out of town for a week becuase she forgot I have multiple boxes. Does that mean it's pleasant for him? SignatureLynne http://picasaweb.google.com/what.the.hell.is.it/ > > I have a total of five cats and six litterboxes, three > > are covered, three are open. My cats use all of them > > just the same. > > > Your cats may use them, [..] And that's all that matters... The cats are using them. The Ranger on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:44:56 GMT, "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote: > And that's all that matters... The cats are using them. Many cats will also eat crappy cat food that will likely cause long term problems, but because they are eating it, does that make it okay to feed it to them? SignatureLynne http://picasaweb.google.com/what.the.hell.is.it/ > on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:44:56 GMT, "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote: > > And that's all that matters... The cats are using them. > > > Many cats will also eat crappy cat food that will likely > cause long term problems, but because they are eating > it, does that make it okay to feed it to them? Non sequitor. Or do you always lead with such hysterics? The Ranger on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:51:04 GMT, "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote: > Non sequitor. Or do you always lead with such hysterics? and just where are the hysterics? Projection much? I think the analogy is valid. SignatureLynne http://picasaweb.google.com/what.the.hell.is.it/ > on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:51:04 GMT, "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote: > > Non sequitor. Or do you always lead with such hysterics? > > > and just where are the hysterics? Projection much? > > I think the analogy is valid. It's not a valid analogy. An enclosed litter box does not lead to long-term health issues unless (caveat) there are other issues at work, in which case it's not the enclosed box that's the problem. The Ranger on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 19:21:30 GMT, "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote: > It's not a valid analogy. An enclosed litter box does not lead to > long-term health issues unless (caveat) there are other issues at > work, in which case it's not the enclosed box that's the problem. I didn't intend to imply that a covered litter box causes long term health issues, but I can see why you might think so. My analogy was example of convenience for the human = something which is not good for the kitty. So (cheap dry food or covered litter box) can lead to problems for kitty (health risks from the food, or off the top of my head: 1 - a covered pan holding in odors may force your cat to hold his breath while he potties 2 - if you can't watch him use the box, you won't see him strain to pee or find bloody poop 3 - cat's have an instinctual need for escape potential while doing their duty, which is eliminated with a hooded box--the escape potential, not the need for it) 1 and 3 above can lead to the cat deciding NOT to use a covered litter box. Even if a cat continues using a covered litter pan, I think it's shitty (literally) for a person to make them. SignatureLynne http://picasaweb.google.com/what.the.hell.is.it/ > on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 19:21:30 GMT, "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote: > > It's not a valid analogy. An enclosed litter box does not lead to > > long-term health issues unless (caveat) there are other issues at [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > was example of convenience for the human = something which > is not good for the kitty. Convenience (a covered litter box) for the human does equal something good (solid benefits) for the cat (privacy, clean turf to mark) > So (cheap dry food or covered litter box) can lead to > problems for kitty Non sequitor. Equating cheap food to a covered litter box is the cliched apple-n-orange comparison; there is no similarities nor forcing your byzantine logic to fit the situation won't make it any more true. > (health risks from the food, or off the top of my head: > 1 - a covered pan holding in odors may force your cat > to hold his breath while he potties You've witnessed a cat holding his breath while he takes a break? Even when one of Da Boyz was constipated, he wasn't holding his breath to let go a log. > 2 - if you can't watch him use the box, you won't see > him strain to pee or find bloody poop You don't need to "see" him to know those issues are occuring. Those are the "other issues" I mentioned prior, the most significant being neglect. > 3 - cat's have an instinctual need for escape potential > while doing their duty, which is eliminated with a hooded > box--the escape potential, not the need for it) The things one learns on Usenet... Even if you're standing in front of the hatch, the cat has figured out a way of getting past you. It's not an issue. > 1 and 3 above can lead to the cat deciding NOT to > use a covered litter box. And proper training will help it make a better choice. A cat is as dedicated to routine as any mammel; moreso than many humans. > Even if a cat continues using a covered litter pan, I > think it's shitty (literally) for a person to make them. It's better than any alternatives. The Ranger on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 20:50:57 GMT, "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote: > Convenience (a covered litter box) for the human does equal > something good (solid benefits) for the cat (privacy, clean turf to > mark) I can only assume you haven't read much about cat behavior. I didn't make any of this stuff up. <shrug> I will allow that there are some shy cats who prefer having a covered box, however, those who use covered litter boxes should clean them far more often than they probably are. How much do you like using porta potties? Same difference. SignatureLynne http://picasaweb.google.com/what.the.hell.is.it/ > So (cheap dry food or covered litter box) can lead to problems for kitty > (health risks from the food, or off the top of my head: [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > box. Even if a cat continues using a covered litter pan, I think it's > shitty (literally) for a person to make them. Our cat preffered a covrd pan. She dont like being wached. It had a charcole filtr in the hood an it dint stink. we scoopped every day somtimes twice. > > on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:51:04 GMT, "The Ranger" > <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > long-term health issues unless (caveat) there are other issues at > work, If the cat has a partial or complete urinary tract obstruction and strains to pee you won't see it with a cover litter box-- until you find the cat dead in the litter box from oliguric acute renal failure. That's not hysterics, my friend- that's reality. > "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:12oger47enbct4f@corp.supernews.com... > > Lynne <unmonitored.email@gmail.com> wrote in message news:Y9CdnXgTja-qqBXYnZ2dnUVZ_tadnZ2d@insightbb.com... > > > on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:51:04 GMT, "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote: > > > > Non sequitor. Or do you always lead with such hysterics? > > > > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > That's not hysterics, my friend- that's reality. As I've said in other posts, that's an extreme with "other issues" -- neglect being the main component. It is a pet-owner's directly stated responsibility to be able to pick up on issues (and the owner does not have to have a vet's background to see there are 'problems') that will affect his/her pet's well-being. A pet owner, from child to adult, does not need to physically _view_ their pet straining. i.e.: The pet will no longer being using the litter box, for one. The pet will no longer wish to be held/petted. The pet will "hide" and be lethargic. Taking the tone-and-pitch that the extreme should be viewed as the norm is hysterics and not reality. The Ranger > > "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:12oger47enbct4f@corp.supernews.com... [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > As I've said in other posts, that's an extreme with "other > issues" -- neglect being the main component. That's not an extreme. It happens all the time. Neglect has nothing to do with it. A well cared for cat can develop a urinary tract obstruction suddenly. The only warning, before the situation becomes critical, is straining to urinate. You can't see your cat strain through a covered litter box. Observing your cat's litter box behavior is an essential part of your cat's general health care. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either ignorant or too stupid to be entrusted with a cat's life. > Observing your cat's litter box behavior is an essential part of your > cat's general health care. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either > ignorant or too stupid to be entrusted with a cat's life. Amen. Additionally, problems with stool may not be evident when it's not very fresh. Blood will dry to a brown color and can go unnoticed. Parasites will dry and shrivel up and be less visible. Taking a look at your kitty's fresh poo as well as watching him urinate and deficate are important for their proper care. Not every time, but certainly on a very regular basis. The same is true for dogs. SignatureLynne http://picasaweb.google.com/what.the.hell.is.it/ > > Observing your cat's litter box behavior is an essential part of your > > cat's general health care. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > important for their proper care. Not every time, but certainly on a very > regular basis. Absotively. People with male cats should *see* their cats urinate at least once a day. > Absotively. People with male cats should *see* their cats urinate at > least once a day. it's a ritual with my little Levi. He follows me everywhere when I'm home (currently he's asleep on my shoulder). When I go into the bathroom, he goes, too, and uses the box right next to the toilet. Rudy doesn't like for me to watch him go, but I peek unobtrusively to make sure all is well. I used to use covered litter boxes, but I have a very sensitive nose and found that no matter how often I scooped and cleaned them (and that has always been *very* often), the smell under the hood is intolerable to me. I can only imagine how it must be for cats. SignatureLynne http://picasaweb.google.com/what.the.hell.is.it/ >> > Observing your cat's litter box behavior is an essential part of your >> > cat's general health care. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Absotively. People with male cats should *see* their cats urinate at least > once a day. I guess I should be shot at sunrise then. I never watch my guys go unless I just happen to be there when they are doing their business. The litter boxes are all in the laundry room which isn't somewhere I hang with any regularity. I am aware, however, of how often they make trips in there to use the boxes as they don't tend to go in there for any other reason and do check the size and content of the clumps that get scooped. W > That's not an extreme. It happens all the time. Wow. "All the time" is a pretty big brush there Phil. > Neglect has nothing to do with it. A well cared for cat > can develop a urinary tract obstruction suddenly. And the owner of a well cared for cat will be noticing the differences in both the cat's behaviors and routines. Both will be observable alerting the pet owner of that well-cared-for-cat to something going terribly wrong. > The only warning, before the situation becomes critical, is > straining to urinate. The cat doesn't use the litter box, either, during this time. It doesn't matter how convenien his litter box is, either. The urge to urinate pushes past his need to go to the litter box and any wall, carpet spot, or door will do. Again, it's observable behavior differences. > You can't see your cat strain through a covered > litter box. You do not _need_ to see them in this box. > Observing your cat's litter box behavior is an essential part > of your cat's general health care. Direct observation is not essential for a feline health. >Anyone who tells you otherwise is either ignorant or > too stupid to be entrusted with a cat's life. We will agree to disagree since you are incapable of continued reasoning and are now taking this too personally. The Ranger > > That's not an extreme. It happens all the time. > > Wow. "All the time" is a pretty big brush there Phil. My canvas is just a little bigger than yours. I deal with more than just one cat and more than just one vet. Urinary tract obstructions are more common than you might think. > > Neglect has nothing to do with it. A well cared for cat > > can develop a urinary tract obstruction suddenly. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > observable alerting the pet owner of that well-cared-for-cat to > something going terribly wrong. As I said, the only warning, before the situation becomes critical, is straining to urinate. > > The only warning, before the situation becomes critical, is > > straining to urinate. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > carpet spot, or door will do. Again, it's observable behavior > differences. As I said, the only warning, before the situation becomes critical, is straining to urinate. Have you ever had a cat that developed a urinary tract obstruction? Other changes in behavior usually don't develop until the cat is completely blocked and damage to the bladder and/or urethra has already occurred. > > You can't see your cat strain through a covered > > litter box. > > You do not _need_ to see them in this box. Maybe you don't, but people who'd rather catch early warning signs of problems do. > > Observing your cat's litter box behavior is an essential part > > of your cat's general health care. > > Direct observation is not essential for a feline health. You have a lot to learn about cats. I hope you don't learn too late. > >Anyone who tells you otherwise is either ignorant or > > too stupid to be entrusted with a cat's life. > > We will agree to disagree since you are incapable of continued > reasoning and are now taking this too personally. Yeah, I generally take bad advice that could be potentially dangerous to cats very personally. [snip] > > > The only warning, before the situation becomes critical, is > > > straining to urinate. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > critical, is straining to urinate. Have you ever had a cat > that developed a urinary tract obstruction? Yes; twice. _Both_ times the one broke his routines and his urge to urinate was predominent. It was a stressful time but he managed to overcome the problems. > Other changes in behavior usually don't develop until the > cat is completely blocked and damage to the bladder > and/or urethra has already occurred. I must either be very observant or have cats ahead of the learning curve. You are right that my experiences are limited, thankfully, to non-hard luck cases. > > We will agree to disagree since you are incapable of continued > > reasoning and are now taking this too personally. > > > Yeah, I generally take bad advice that could be potentially > dangerous to cats very personally. Right. Wildly shooting from your hip like that, Wyatt, you might actually hit the target next time. Using your feral experiences for the general population do not make accurate reporting of good advice, either. The Ranger > [snip] > > As I said, the only warning, before the situation becomes > > critical, is straining to urinate. Have you ever had a cat [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > urinate was predominent. It was a stressful time but he managed to > overcome the problems. He managed to overcome the problems-- twice?? Amazing cat. Did you morph into a penile catheter to relieve him or did he just pop the plug out all by himself? Most cats with UTOs need to be catheterized, Mighty Morph. Care to revise your story? > > Yeah, I generally take bad advice that could be potentially > > dangerous to cats very personally. > > Right. Wildly shooting from your hip like that, Wyatt, you might > actually hit the target next time. At least I know what I'm aiming at, Mighty Morph. You can't even see the target and shot yourself in the foot. Maybe the target is a tad too high for you. Using your feral experiences for > the general population do not make accurate reporting of good > advice, either. Nothing gets past your lightening-quick perception, does it Lightspeed? Perhaps you should look a little further to see where most of my experience comes from. > "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:12ohec0c6f17832@corp.supernews.com... > > Phil P. <phil@maxshouse.com> wrote in message news:vB0ih.2050$Iy5.1295@trnddc01... > > [snip] > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > He managed to overcome the problems-- twice?? Amazing cat. Yes, he is. His nickname is the $6M Boy. > Did you morph into a penile catheter to relieve him or did he > just pop the plug out all by himself? Most cats with UTOs > need to be catheterized, Mighty Morph. Care to revise your > story? Nope. Both visits were long-term stays at the vet made possible by a generous donation by AMEX - Don't leave home without it. > Perhaps you should look a little further to see where most of > my experience comes from. Hard-luck cases and feral captures? Continue stomping your feet, nashing your teeth, and tearing at your chest; it's enjoyable to see you froth all over the screen. The Ranger == Please don't take this the wrong way, but you really really are a stupid, inane, vapid and petty little piece of excrement. - TeaLady, AFU Ranger, arguing with Phil P is equivalent to being a troll. He DOES know what he is talking about. Give it up. ---MIKE--- >>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire >> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580') > Ranger, arguing with Phil P is equivalent to being a troll. He > DOES now what he is talking about. Give it up. Understood. I actually agree with a majority of what Phil posts and have been enjoying his posts since first stumbling upon rpch+b. I do not think his inflated opinions are accurate regarding covered litter boxes nor his lackwit's stance that anyone using them is an ignorant idiot nor too stupid to be trusted with a cat's life. Since that puts me into "troll" status... Filter my address and be done with it. It's been essentially the same for 14 years. The Ranger > > "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:12ohec0c6f17832@corp.supernews.com... [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Yes, he is. His nickname is the $6M Boy. Wow! $6K to relieve 2 obstructions? LOL! I don't think so-- even with surgical removal and a P.U.-- Your vet must really take you for a fool, too. > > Did you morph into a penile catheter to relieve him or did he > > just pop the plug out all by himself? Most cats with UTOs [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Nope. Both visits were long-term stays at the vet made possible by a > generous donation by AMEX - Don't leave home without it. Both visits? Most reasonably intelligent owners would have stopped using a covered litter box after the first obstruction so they could monitor their cats' litter box behavior much more closely for early signs of straining and/or dribbling. As I said- 3 times- by the time the cat exhibits general behavior changes or appears sick, permenant damage to the urethra or bladder may be already occurring. > > Perhaps you should look a little further to see where most of > > my experience comes from. > > Hard-luck cases and feral captures? If you call working with dumped and surrendered cats with special needs "hard-luck" cases- you're correct, for a change. Most of my work is with shelter cats and cats surrendered to vets by their owners who couldn't/wouldn't treat the cats. I also work with ferals- just a little more intensely this time of year. The more ferals we TNR the fewer kittens we'll have to try to find homes for next kitten season. Continue stomping your feet, > nashing your teeth, and tearing at your chest; it's enjoyable to see > you froth all over the screen. Actually, I always have a good time making low-involvement owners like you squirm trying to explain how their cats' problem wasn't their fault. lol > "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:12ohec0c6f17832@corp.supernews.com... > > > As I said, the only warning, before the situation becomes > > > critical, is straining to urinate. Have you ever had a cat > > > that developed a urinary tract obstruction? There seems to be some professionals that disagree with you, Phil, on warning signs. From veterinarypartner.com: "Feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD, is the term that describes the following group of clinical signs: * bloody urine * straining to urinate (can easily be mistaken for straining to defecate) * urinating in unusual places * urinary blockage (almost exclusively a male cat problem) * licking the urinary opening (usually due to pain)" From wikipedia: "Symptoms" "Symptoms of the disease include prolonged squatting and straining during attempts to urinate, frequent trips to the litterbox or a reluctance to leave the area, small amounts of urine voided in each attempt, blood in the urine, howling, crying, or other vocalizations. Male cats may suffer complete blockage of the urethra, leading to painful bladder distension as the organ fills with urine. Kidney failure and uremia will follow within hours. A male cat may protrude its penis. The cat may seek seclusion, stop eating and drinking, begin to vomit, and become lethargic and eventually comatose as toxins accumulate in the bloodstream. This is a veterinary emergency which will lead to death if not treated." > > Yes; twice. _Both_ times the one broke his routines and > > his urge to urinate was predominent. It was a stressful time > > but he managed to overcome the problems. > > > He managed to overcome the problems-- twice?? Amazing cat. My Boy yowled and squatted to pee in every place _but_ the box both times we had to treat him for this disease. During the first incident, he hid (in our walkin closet behind boxes) and was more lethargic than I knew was normal. I lifted him from the floor of my closet for the trip to our vet; I knew his stomach area was too hard but didn't know it was a telling sign. When I touched it, his lethargy dissolved into a Hellion's spit and claw; something that had NEVER happened with him prior. It's not a silent killer that comes upon an unaware owner... He was six with the first occurance and had a relapse when he was eight. The Ranger -- "Everyone is subject to the laws of Darwinism whether or not they believe in them, agree with them, or accept them. There is no trial, no jury, no argument, and no appeal." -- Anonymous > > "The Ranger" <cuhulain___98@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:12ohec0c6f17832@corp.supernews.com... [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > There seems to be some professionals that disagree with you, Phil, > on warning signs. I don't see any disagreements-- even though you're using outdated and incorrect terms. From veterinarypartner.com: > "Feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD, is the term that > describes the following group of clinical signs: [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > * urinary blockage (almost exclusively a male cat problem) > * licking the urinary opening (usually due to pain)" FLUTD and FUS are general outdated terms that usually apply to Feline Interstitial Cystits. Urolithiasis, Urinary Tract Obstruction or Urethral Obstruction are the specific terms used to distinguish an UTO from FIC. The clinical signs of "FLUTD/FUS and FIC and UTO are almost identical. > From wikipedia: > "Symptoms" [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > attempt, blood in the urine, howling, crying, or other > vocalizations. These are symptoms of Feline Interstitial Cystits, formerly known as FUS and FLUTD. The symptoms FIC and UTO are almost identical- except for the obstruction. Google my old posts on Feline Interstitial Cystits to learn how FIC produces the same symptoms as a UTO- but without the obstruction. Male cats may suffer complete blockage of the > urethra, leading to painful bladder distension as the organ fills > with urine. Kidney failure and uremia will follow within hours. A > male cat may protrude its penis. The cat may seek seclusion, stop > eating and drinking, begin to vomit, and become lethargic and > eventually comatose as toxins accumulate in the bloodstream. This is > a veterinary emergency which will lead to death if not treated." Yes! Abostively! I agree completely. These are all symptoms that develop *later* in the course of the disease. > > > Yes; twice. _Both_ times the one broke his routines and > > > his urge to urinate was predominent. It was a stressful time [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > It's not a silent killer that comes upon an unaware owner... Zoom! Your completely missing the point. All the symptoms you've mentioned occur *later* in the course of the condition- *after* the obstruction is well established and urine and uremic toxins begin to accumulate and the bladder becomes overdistended. The *early* warning signs begin with difficulty urinating and passing small amounts of urine-- the *early* symptoms you can't see with a covered litter box. That's my point. *Early* detection and intervention are *crucial* in preventing irreversible destruction of the kidneys, bladder and urethra. > He was six with the first occurance and had a relapse when he was > eight. And you're probably still using a covered litter box... I hope you have at least the sense to feed him a canned diet. If he reblocked, his urethra may have permanent damage- from the obstruction itself or from catherization. So, you should monitor his litter box behavior *very* closely for *early* warning signs and not wait until he develops overt symptoms. > ------- > What can I say? I have a total of five cats and six litterboxes, three are > covered, three are open. My cats use all of them just the same. The most serious problem with covered litter boxes is you can't see if the cat is straining to poop or pee. This can be life-threatening for a male cat with a urinary tract obstruction. http://www.tiny.cc/bodVm I've seen one very similar to this in the store. It has very high sides while still having a low entryway which will accommodate young kittens and older cats who might not be able to handle a higher entry. http://www.tiny.cc/jcJyZ This is the one I use for my own cats. The sides are high enough that if the cat objects to the hood, it can be removed still leaving you with a rather high sided box. We scoop every day around here and have 4 boxes for my three so they never object to the odor in the box because there isn't one. Well, let me restate that. There isn't any stench in the box except after Diego uses it - he doesn't bury reliably. With three other boxes available they can always find a clean one. Mine like the hood on - lets them do their business in peace. Neither will help kitty bury but will contain the scatter. W > on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:37:53 GMT, "cindys" <cstein1@rochester.rr.com> > wrote: [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > My suggestion is to get a box with higher sides, and when you find poop > that isn't covered, simply scoop it out. > on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:37:53 GMT, "cindys" <cstein1@rochester.rr.com> > wrote: [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > -- > Lynne I agree with Lynne. The covered boxes are also a pain to clean and keep clean. You can buy a Rubbermaid or similar brand storage container and cut one of the sides down for an entrance. Or try a larger box in general (I use under-the-bed storage containers as litterboxes. Much larger than regular litterboxes and only cost $5.) Rene >> Hey all, I am fairly new here, so this is my first question: >> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > except when you're cleaning the box. > Best regards, No way. It is way to easy to forget to scoop when the box is covered. When we had a problem with our cat pooping outside the box, uncovering the box cured her. And helped us keep a cleaner box. > Hey all, I am fairly new here, so this is my first question: > > My cat will not cover her "business" in the litter box and worse will > kick poo out of the box from time to time. Any hints on how to get her > to keep her poo in the box and covered??? Thanks for anything you can > provide...and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Go to Petsmart and get a bigger, deeper box, the kind they sell for dogs. I has a lower side for easy entrance. Is your cat declawed? That is often the case when cats won't cover their mess. I trained my cat to cover it by finding her whenever she laid a stinky one, and gently carrying her to the box, puttingg her in and covering it with her paws while praising her. Some say, just scoop it. But give training her a try. > My cat will not cover her "business" in the litter box and > worse will kick poo out of the box from time to time. > Any hints on how to get her to keep her poo in the box > and covered??? Thanks for anything you can provide... We've been using the enclosed litter boxes for Da Boyz since bringing them home in 1992. I disagree with the poster that said enclosed boxes reek. They don't reek anymore than an open bin. If they take on a life of their own, there are other issues involved (more frequent scooping, getting a new box, or investing in better litter.) I will only use Tidy Cat litter for multiple cats now; it's reduced Da Boyz' need to mark outside their litter boxes. The Ranger > Hey all, I am fairly new here, so this is my first question: > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Michelle Try one of these boxes http://maxshouse.com/Environmental_Enrichment/litterbox-rubbermaid-high.jpg http://maxshouse.com/Environmental_Enrichment/second_nature_litterboxes_dogs.jpg (Standard)
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