Evanger's Health Watch: Cat Litter Box Issues

Let’s be honest, feline urine is one of the most potent odors pet parents will come across when sharing a home with cats. When cats eliminate outside the box, the stench can permanently damage furniture, carpeting, wooden floors and even dry wall.

Studies show that at least 10% of all felines develop some type of elimination problem. Some stop using the box completely while others will use their box for either defecation or urination – but not both. It becomes especially concerning when cats refuse to use the litter even when the litter box is clean and well maintained.

Photo: Carol Shimp

Several behavioral factors may be contributing to the problem. It may be caused by a conflict between multiple cats in a home, a dislike of the litter box style or type of litter in it, or even the box location. Pinpointing the issue may feel like a “needle in a haystack”, but experimentation with these factors can be very beneficial.

Because litter box issues can stem from medical issues, it is important to check with your veterinarian to eliminate any complex and potentially life threatening health concerns that could be causing inappropriate elimination. These may include:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – If your feline enters its litter box frequently and seems to produce only minimal amounts of urine, he may have a urinary tract infection.

Feline Interstitial Cystitis – This neurological disease impacting a cat’s bladder finds your feline attempting to urinate frequently – often with a strained look and little success. Your furry friends may lick themselves where they urinate, and you may actually spot blood in the urine.

Kidney Stones or Blockages – If your cat has either, she may enter the litter box frequently. Since she could also be experiencing pain, you may hear her meow or cry when trying to eliminate. Her abdomen may also be tender to the touch.

Bladder and urinary tract health is strongly linked to nutrition. By nature, felines should eat meat, since it helps to promote overall good health. A cat’s diet directly affects urine pH, which may become too high if not fed a proper amount of meat-based protein. To keep urine pH low, feed a diet low in carbohydrates, grain free, and species appropriate. Increasing the amount of high quality, fresh meat in your cat’s diet can acidify the urine, and increase hydration, helping to prevent infections, crystals and stones.

Evanger's nutrient dense and meat-rich cat foods offer bio-available nutrients, moisture, and proper protein ratios to help support healthy organ function in cats. Want to add protein to your cat’s existing diet? Try replacing some of your cat’s food with Evanger’s Grain Free Game Meats. Among the delicious flavors are Wild Salmon, Rabbit, Chicken, Duck, Buffalo, Pork and Beef.

Both grain and gluten free, these products are excellent complements to Evanger’s Super Premium and Grain Free dry foods like Meat Lover’s Medley with Rabbit or Pheasant & Whitefish. They can also be mixed with Evanger's canned Vegetarian Dinner to make a complete, balanced and highly nutritious diet.

While your feline savors delicious flavors, you’ll know you’re taking an extra step to boost urinary tract health, helping to avoid painful and dangerous infections, stones or blockages.