[Kuruku]

Our new kitty has been missing her litter box. She has done this twice, and seems to be in the litter box when it happens, but her behind is hanging over the edge of it and thus she misses. Could this just be that the litter box is not right for her? Or should we get a covered one?

I've had cats *really* miss the litter box in the past (i.e. going in bad places, like on the bed or the couch) but this does not seem to be like that - her intention is there. Could this indicate a serious problem or could this easily be solved by a bigger/covered litter box?

 

[PrincessClaire]

I'm actually having this same problem with the 3 ginger cats I'm thinking maybe the boxes are too small for them, I really need to do something, Ian gets pretty miffed evertime he goes in the kitchen and there is cat poo on the floor or the wall,

 

[Annissa]

This happens to Sabastion when he has a bladder infection. When he doesn't have one, he squats real close to the litter. When he has one he can't quite squat down far enough and ends up spraying over the side of the box.

I would wait to see what other members think, but I'm going to recommend a trip to the vet to make sure she doesn't have an infection.

 

[simmerdown81]

I think that the covered litter box might be a great idea. The possibility of the kitten having a urinary tract infection though could be a reality. If you can get him checked soon then thats a good idea, but maybe also try covering the litter box. I have a pretty big box (the littermaid) and my two cats still stand on the edge to use it or sometimes get as close as catly possible to the edges to do their thing. They have yet to actually go outside of the box, but I have also been considering getting a cover to make sure there arent accidents and also to cut down on smell.

 

[Aonir]

I have a cat that can miss inside a covered litter box.

 

[Richo]

Some friends of mine had this same problem. They got a large litter box, the biggest one the pet store had, and it solved the problem.

 

[Jeanie]

I would take Richo's suggestion. A cover might also be helpful. Good luck.

 

[drjean]

I'm not a great fan of covered boxes. They seem to generate many more problems than they solve.

A lot of cats have that problem. Well, you know, all four feet are in the box, how are they supposed to know their fannies aren't!

My favorite solution is to get a big rubbermaid storage bin, 14 gallons or larger. They're tall, and big enough for large cats. The high sides prevent the hanging-over-the-edge thing! The one I have is like 33-gallons. Nobody misses with that! The plastic used by Rubbermaid is sturdy, odorless and easy to clean. They do have ridges on the bottom but they're rounded and not too difficult to work around to scoop.

Cheers,
Dr. Jean

 

[Lori]

I would add another vote for a larger box. We had the same problem with Velvet as she grew from little kitten to full-grown cat. The urine always made it into the box, but occasionally I would find a turd on the outskirts. Bought the biggest box I could lay my hands on...problems solved!

 

[pazavatkay]

I also agree with a covered litter box which includes more privacy. A bigger box too.


Good luck!