Most often, inappropriate behavior is due to a change in the cat's routine, according to Dr. Sheila McCullough, new community practice veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana. The first step is to take the cat to a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems that may be causing the change in behavior. If the cat is suffering from some type of urinary disorder, it may associate pain with the litter box. Once the cat receives a clean bill of health, it's time for the veterinarian to gather information from the owners to identify the reasons for the behaviorial change, explains Dr. McCullough. Perhaps the litter box is in an area that frightens the cat.
Cats are very fussy about their elimination habits.
The slightest change can unsettle their routine. Try putting the litter box in the cat's own room. Keep food and water away from the box. Cats won't eliminate or defecate near their food source, she says. Dr. McCullough suggests providing one to two litter boxes per cat.