Cat trouble. Need help!

[CarlZog]

OK, I've got a house cat and an unfinished basement.
One corner of the basement is dirt floor.
The cat has decided it's a litter box.

Due to design issues and other considerations, I can't effectively seal over the dirt floor, and closing off the basement to keep the cat out would be very difficult.

How do I stop the cat from peeing and pooping on the basement floor?


Carl

 

[Nightcloak]

I would put his litter box on the dirt part. Since he already relates to the location, just work with him. Later, as he gets use to using the litter box in the location, slowly move it away a little at a time. Hopefully, he will follow the litter box as he will have become accustomed to it vs. the dirt patch.

 

[Greylock]

I hate to ditto, but...

Ditto Nightcloaks remarks. I was going to say the same thing.

It's very hard to change a cat's behavior, especially when its basic instincts are in full gear. The method Nightcloak suggests is the only way to do it.

Greylock, cat lover, sends...

 

[Tewligan]

Kill it and take its stuff.

 

[trancejeremy]

I don't think you can stop it. Cats don't use a litter box because it's a litter box, but simply because it's full of a dirt like substance. Sand, dirt, ash (like in a fireplace) are where cats like to go.

I would perhaps suggest spraying something that your cat doesn't like the smell of there. Hot sauce, menthol/eucalypstis. Or maybe park an object your cat is afraid of there, like a vaccuum cleaner.

 

[trancejeremy]

Kill it and take its stuff.

Heh, well, the trouble is, he's already getting the only stuff a cat has...

 

[Darth K'Trava]

I don't think you can stop it. Cats don't use a litter box because it's a litter box, but simply because it's full of a dirt like substance. Sand, dirt, ash (like in a fireplace) are where cats like to go.

I would perhaps suggest spraying something that your cat doesn't like the smell of there. Hot sauce, menthol/eucalypstis. Or maybe park an object your cat is afraid of there, like a vaccuum cleaner.

There's a substance that you can get at a pet shop. You'd have to ask them for it as I don't recall the name of it. But it's supposed to get cats to stop using certain areas/ stuff for their enjoyment. I think it's mainly aimed at putting on chairs to keep them from scratching them but might can be used in this situation.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

My cat has trouble taking a dump inside her litter box. What we dois put some newspaper around it and she goes on that instead of on the saltea tile.

 

[Darth K'Trava]

My cat has trouble taking a dump inside her litter box. What we dois put some newspaper around it and she goes on that instead of on the saltea tile.

If your cat's having trouble using the box, especially if she's pained by it, it may be time for a trip to the vet. This could be a sign of urinary tract infection.

 

[Kilmore]

I think it's irritating / funny when the cat is standing in the litter box but the operating end is outside.