12/04/2025
What do you think is the most common reason cats end up in shelters or returned to places that they are adopted from? Inappropriate elimination, whether it’s spraying, peeing outside of the box or p**ping outside of the box. This simple, bodily function lands many kitties in situations like abandonment, kill shelters or even euthanasia. Please don’t give up on your cat. There are not enough homes as it is, by trying to understand Cat behavior and work to solve the problem, you are actually saving a life. Here is a recap and some of the advice that we provide.
1. the first thing you need is a vet visit to rule out any health issues, health issues can lead to inappropriate elimination, many of these issues can be rectified with correct medication and advice from your vet. You can also try calming medications from your veterinarian, they are very inexpensive.
2. assess your litter box set up. Is there another cat in the house that’s resource guarding, is the litter box in the place that’s private? Don’t you like to p**p in private? Do you have a litter box on each level of your home? Cats live in the moment. They’re not going to make a great big effort to use a litter box unless it’s convenient, placement of litter box should be for the needs of the cat not for the convenience of the human. Try different materials, there’s all kinds of Litter products on the market from walnut shells to corn based like World’s Best that we use at our shelter. Maybe your cat scared of a closed box, try an open box. Maybe it’s too small, get a bigger one. Maybe they’re elderly and they’re having a hard time getting over high walls. They have litter boxes suitable for senior companions.
3. are you using the appropriate cleaners to clean areas that are soiled? Don’t use vinegar, don’t use bleach, use enzymatically based products. They are designed specifically to break down the crystals left behind in cat urine.
4. there are great products on the market, tools like Litter attractant, calming collars, hormone based plug-ins.
5. Reduce as much stress in the home as possible. Have you added a new family member whether human or furry? Have you moved things around in your home? Are you stressed out? Cats are sensitive beings. Can your cats see other cats outside the window? Observe, address and make positive changes. 
Most important of all, please remember these are living beings and when you commit, they come with a lot of responsibility. And we get it, it’s so frustrating. I live with an inappropriate eliminator, (using Gabapentin now), some days I want to cry, instead, I am working through solutions. We, as caretakers need to watch the triggers, find solutions, and we need to do the best for our cats because they rely on us. You wouldn’t want anyone to give up on your life. 
