6 TIPS TO GET YOUR CATS TO COVER THEIR POOP
What can you do if your cats to cover her poop? If you discover uncovered poop in your litter box, it can be frustrating and even smelly. Remember, your cat isn’t being mean by doing this. It could be nervousness, competition, health issues or any other reason your cat isn’t covering her poop. Try different litter and litter boxes to encourage your cat.
Teach your cat to bury
Your cat might not have learned how to properly dispose of her poop from her mother. You can give her treats if she covers it. Clicker training can be used to “capture” her movements and gradually encourage her.
You can add litter boxes to different locations
It could be that your cat isn’t using the litter box in the right place. You might not have enough litter boxes. As a rule of thumb, you should provide at least one litterbox per cat.
Place the litter boxes in various locations. You should make sure they are not near loud noises such as washing machines and heavy foot traffic. Cats who are distracted by noise may forget to cover their poop.
Reduce Stress
Sometimes cats may leave their poop unattended when they are stressed. Cats may cover their poop in order to conceal their scent from predators. A cat that doesn’t cover his poop could be competing with another cat or trying to assert dominance. Other stress triggers like cats roaming around outside your house might make your cat feel insecure. Your cat might feel stressed even if you have visitors or move to a different house.
A stress-relieving product can make your cat feel more confident when she covers her poop. A calming diffuser is a good option. They release an odorless, drug-free vapor that mimics the cat’s pheromones to signal safety. A calming collar could also be an option, which will release the same vapors wherever your cat goes.
It can be a good idea to set up cat trees so that your cats don’t get stuck together on the ground. It can also help to play with your cat and let you release some nervous energy.
You can test different types and levels of litter
Cats may not cover their poop because it hurts their paws, or they don’t like the feel or smell of the litter. You can try different types of litter from pine to shavings and granules. You can also use fragrance-free litter.
Litter granules can get caught in long-haired cats’ fur. For long-haired cats, you might consider “crystal” litter. Check for mats on long-haired cats’ bums.
You may even consider changing the litter or cleaning it more often. If the litter is too thick or too thin, some cats will not cover their poop. Some cats won’t cover their poop if the litter is too dirty.
Give a low-sided or larger box a try
A low-sided litter box is a good option. If an elderly cat or cat with hip dysplasia tries to use the litter box, they might feel pain. They might want to get out of the litter box quickly, or start pooping outside. You can make your cat more comfortable with a litter box that has a lower side or remove one of its sides.
You might consider a larger box. Your cat may not be able to move around in a small box and may feel uncomfortable putting his poop in it. The space that your cat can move in is often limited by a covered box. Some cats are more comfortable with a covered box than others, so try different styles.
Talk to a Veterinarian
If your cat suddenly changes in behavior, it’s a good idea for you to talk with your vet. She might be experiencing a health problem if she suddenly stops covering her poop. To make sure she is healthy, get her checked out.
Keep in mind that a cat who doesn’t cover his poop is not trying to show he’s angry at you or be mean. Cats won’t cover their poop if they are stressed, in pain or have litter box problems. These solutions may help your cat.
Additional Resource:
https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/banned-dogs
https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/dog-average-lifespans-2022-these-are-the-average-lifespans-of-18-of-the-most-popular-breeds-of-adorable-dog-including-the-loving-labrador-3677249
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy/breeds
