Sometimes we run into cats that have issues with eliminating in areas outside the box. As much as we are all told to think outside the box, this is not an area we want to encourage those thoughts. Usually when this happens it is because humans have not read the cats signals and given them what they needed. Cats are taught by litter mates and mom to use a litterbox as early as 3 weeks.

Whether you have never owned a cat or you have ten cats this article will set you and kitty up for immediate success. The general elements include the litter box, the litter, the placement of the litterbox and maintenance.

The litterbox:
The foundation of everything is choosing g the litterbox. From covered, to automated, to high end furniture you need to let your cat decide what works for him. Older cats and kittens may not be able to jump into a deep box, so one with a lower side is a better option.

If you have many cats in your home you should have at least one box for each cat plus one extra box. Try all sizes, shapes and types so that the variety will be appealing.

If you have a single cat you should have two boxes. If you have male (neutered or unneutered) a box with a higher back area will catch any urine as they stand and go. This way you avoid drips on the floor.

The litter:
Again, we choose litter by our preference of smell or odor control. Cats do not like their litter to have an odor. In fact, litter with perfumes or deodorizers can encourage kitty to find another place to eliminate that may be less than appropriate.

Scoopable litter is the way to go. It is easy for you and cats like it fine. The litter can be made of corn, clay or wheat. Using the litter that your cat was trained with will be the best way to ensure he uses the box. However, if you are determined to switch do so slowly and mix litters until kitty gets used to the new one.

Location, Location, Location:
When it comes to a location there are specific things you want to avoid:
Noisy areas
High traffic areas
Areas near food and water

Finding a secluded area of the house is the best bet for success. If you are introducing a new cat into the home create a litterbox area in a completely separate area of the home. Many new cats will not go near the resident cats box as they feel it is their territory.

Maintenance:
Clean, clean, scoop, scoop. Do this as many times per day as your cat uses the litterbox. Cats deplore dirty litterboxes and a clean one encourages kitty to use it.

Whatever happens do not be frustrated. You must put yourself in your cats mind and “listen” for kitty to tell what she likes. Observation of your cat is the way to success!

Learn more about finding the rightlitter box. Stop by Dawn Kavanaugh’s site where you can find out all about litter boxes and what they can do for your cat.

Expert: Laura Fitzgerald
Bio: Laura Fitzgerald has worked for a Vet that specialized in exotic and small animals for 6 years. She opened her own Exotic animal business which she currently still operates.
Filmmaker: Kenneth Jackson

Duration : 0:2:59

[youtube a6xKFGeHX4A]

Expert: Daniel Keeper
Bio: Daniel Keeper is the owner of Zoo Keeper Exotics, located at 183 & Burnet Road in Austin, Texas, 512-453-8800. He has been breeding, and selling a large variety of exotic animals for over 15 years.
Filmmaker: Dana Glover

Duration : 0:1:27

[youtube bXB_X4A4Lfk]

Expert: Daniel Keeper
Bio: Daniel Keeper is the owner of Zoo Keeper Exotics, located at 183 & Burnet Road in Austin, Texas, 512-453-8800. He has been breeding, and selling a large variety of exotic animals for over 15 years.
Filmmaker: Dana Glover

Duration : 0:1:34

[youtube ODOxhvizlpc]

Expert: Daniel Keeper
Bio: Daniel Keeper is the owner of Zoo Keeper Exotics, located at 183 & Burnet Road in Austin, Texas, 512-453-8800. He has been breeding, and selling a large variety of exotic animals for over 15 years.
Filmmaker: Dana Glover

Duration : 0:2:15

[youtube cX0wUaNIblk]

Expert: Daniel Keeper
Bio: Daniel Keeper is the owner of Zoo Keeper Exotics, located at 183 & Burnet Road in Austin, Texas, 512-453-8800. He has been breeding, and selling a large variety of exotic animals for over 15 years.
Filmmaker: Dana Glover

Duration : 0:1:21

[youtube k6xolgc_exo]

Expert: Sarah Tingle
Contact: www.extracareanimalhospital.net
Bio: Sarah is a resident exotic animal health technician and has been working as a technician for seven years.
Filmmaker: Hiu Yau

Duration : 0:1:29

[youtube sHKJt8IiKlM]

Expert: Daniel Keeper
Bio: Daniel Keeper is the owner of Zoo Keeper Exotics, located at 183 & Burnet Road in Austin, Texas, 512-453-8800. He has been breeding, and selling a large variety of exotic animals for over 15 years.
Filmmaker: Dana Glover

Duration : 0:1:16

[youtube OdZTy3AZwBQ]

Expert: Laura Fitzgerald
Bio: Laura Fitzgerald has worked for a Vet that specialized in exotic and small animals for 6 years. She opened her own Exotic animal business which she currently still operates.
Filmmaker: Kenneth Jackson

Duration : 0:1:14

[youtube fbIEDymZaBo]

Expert: Daniel Keeper
Bio: Daniel Keeper is the owner of Zoo Keeper Exotics, located at 183 & Burnet Road in Austin, Texas, 512-453-8800. He has been breeding, and selling a large variety of exotic animals for over 15 years.
Filmmaker: Dana Glover

Duration : 0:2:1

[youtube xWbriOauZiw]