How to get cat to use litter box again

I'd like to hear your tips for re-training your cat to use the litter box.

Just to rule out some of the common causes- I have 5 litter boxes for 4 cats (and they're about 2-3 times the size of a "normal" litter box. I clean them every day. They're not covered or in a closed space they can't escape from. They've had their vet checks, and there are no other medical issues (other than Socks' diabetes, and this started before he had diabetes).

Sometimes they (I only know Socks for sure) pee in the box and sometimes it's right in front of or beside the box. They are low profile boxes since they're all senior or geriatric.

I honestly think at this point it's a matter of habit and he's doing it because that's what he's been doing. It's not a matter of him not being able to hold it in, because the boxes are in the garage, and they don't pee in the house. All the places they pee on the floor require them to walk past several other boxes.

I've been cleaning the spots with different cleaners, but I'd be interested to know if you have any you've used that work well. I'm not sure if the ones we've gotten are doing the best job or not.

I'm ready to cover all the floors with pee pads.....

 

How long since you last replaced the boxes themselves? Over time the plastic can become embedded with smell that no amount of cleaning can get rid of. Or switch to metal boxes. I actually used a black light flashlight to inspect mine, and you can see the evidence.

How are Sock’s legs? When my Neko got bad arthritis, she couldn’t squat down as much, and actually needed high sliders with a lower entrance. Or it would shoot over the edge.

What type of litter are you using? Is it easy on old feet? Dr. Elsey makes a Cat Attract litter that is supposed to attract them to the box. Or you can buy a container of the herbs they use separately and sprinkle on what you use now.

And lastly, pee pads as litter mats can be attractive if you find a washable one with a nice patten on it.

 

They're all pretty new. A couple of them are a bit older, but three of them are a few months old. They make metal boxes?! Sounds more durable/sustainable than plastic. And of course easier to clean. That's part of my concern now- since the pee runs and gets on the outside of the box, I'm wondering if it still smells and that makes him want to keep peeing near it instead of in it.

His legs seems ok, considering his age. I'm pretty sure he does have some arthritis, but three of the boxes are actually really large storage totes with a section cut out of one side for them to enter/exit, so the other sides are really high. The short boxes aren't the ones they pee beside/in front of, so I don't think he's peeing over the sides.

We're currently using SmartCat. I think I have a container of the litter attractant. I forgot about it. I'll have to find it when I get home and use it.

 

We put the large size puppy pads underneath the litter boxes because we found puddles around the boxes. I know they don't leak, so someone is thinking outside the box.

 

You also need to clean the area around the litter boxes with an enzyme cleaner. I prefer to use an enzyme cleaner concentrate and if the area is really bad use it full-strength.

The best place that I have found to buy the concentrate is a place that sells janitorial supplies. It usually comes in a 1 gallon jug. You can either dilute it or use it full strength.

 

Which kind have you used? I’ve tried a few different ones, but either they don’t work or the smell isn’t what is attracting them.

 

Anti Icky Poo is a very popular and effective enzyme cleaner. https://www.amazon.com/Mister-Max-Unscented-Remover-Gallon/dp/B002YQF9IQ

 

The brand I use is called Floor Pro Enzymes. However it is most likely a private label, similar to a store brand labeling. I get mine at a vacuum sales and repair store that sells janitorial supplies.

The closest I found online is this one from Home Depot https://www.homedepot.com/p/Maintex-1-Gal-Bacteria-and-Enzyme-Restroom-Cleaner-156504HD/203086208

 

Nature's Miracle also makes a disposable litter box. They are made from recycled paper and impregnated with baking soda. Despite being made with paper, they do not get soggy and last a decent amount of time.

 

Cat Attract works well! A couple additional suggestions since you have a multi cat household are 1) Putting a few of the litter boxes in another room in case there is an issue happening between cats. Peeing outside the box is a common territorial maneuver. It is also not pleasant to have to follow behind someone who really smelled up the room.....we’ve all been there in public bathroom stallls ! It’s nice for them to be able to have an alternate location that doesn’t smell! 2) Try Feliway Multi Cat Plug in rooms where the litter boxes are