Cat stopped using the litter box

josephmg · Nov 26, 2024

I have a 5-year-old cat named Oreo. 2 months ago, I decided to get him a friend... an adorable and friendly Maine Coon named Biscoff. At the same time, I decided to get a Litter Robot 4. I figured with 2 cats, it was a must have item.

Both cats were using the Litter Robot... but after about a week, Oreo stopped using it. Biscoff has been using the Litter Robot... the app confirms this. Oreo, however, started peeing near the toilet and pooping in the bathtub. He had NEVER done this before. He'd always been very particular about uisng his box. I tried putting his old litter box back out but he still is peeing in the bathroom and pooping in the tub! Help!

The cats get along great with each other... after a short warming period. I don't know what the problem is. I know... I changed two variables which was probably not a good idea-- new cat and new litter box. What can I try?

crjackson · Nov 26, 2024

Welcome to CF!

It sounds like Oreo doesn’t like the automated setup, or sharing, or the confinement size, etc… So now he’s marked a new spot which is more to his liking.

Clean the area with scent neutralizing cleaners, put out a new box near the bathroom door (but keep the door closed so he can’t get into the bathroom).

Put some of his recovered excrement into the new box for him to smell. After he gets the hint and uses the new box, you can gradually move the box into another location.

Don’t expect him to return to the automated setup. My guess is he probably won’t. At least not reliably or for the long term. Devices like this are a gamble with your money. Cat’s like people have their own likes/dislikes.

Good Luck!

NOTE:
Biscoff may wish to return to the new (conventional) box too once he takes notice. If he does, just clean up that new device really well, and resell it to recoup as much money as possible. It‘ll work out for someone.

Cat stopped using the litter box

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