Many cat owners struggle with their cat not using the litter box properly. Can this be fixed? Most cats, especially those that are neutered, will naturally use the litter box without training, as they learn this behavior from their mother at a young age. However, there are cases where neutered cats still avoid the litter box or relieve themselves in other areas, often due to environmental factors.
The first thing to check is the number of litter boxes in your home compared to the number of cats. A general rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats; for example, if you have three cats, you should have at least four litter boxes. Another key factor is keeping the litter box clean. Cats may refuse to use a dirty box, so scooping out waste daily is essential. In fact, regular cleaning and proper litter box placement can solve this issue 95% of the time. Just like humans prefer clean restrooms in a restaurant, cats also prefer a clean and well-maintained litter box for their needs.