It is a common myth that cats always use trash cans without any problems. Most often, cats learn to use the trash bin very quickly, but this does not mean that they never encounter going to the litter box outside the trash bin or, worse, going to unwanted places like beds or other furniture.
When a cat goes to the litter box outside the trash, it’s not an act of cheating or trying to annoy you. Your cat is trying to tell you something, and the reasons for its behavior range from dirty trash cans to medical issues. Come with us to learn about 8 common trash bin issues and how to fix them.
8 common trash bin issues and how to fix them
1. Possible medical issues
We wanted to list this possibility first, as checking out your cat by your vet should be the first step to grasping the issue. Several medical factors can be the cause of cats having trash bin problems. Let’s take a look.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats are not routine, but can occur. Cats with UTIs can urinate outside the trash can. This is a giant red flag. Cats with UTIs can barely urinate inside the box or even scream in pain while trying to urinate. There may be blood in the urine. Another possible sign of UTI is whether the cat frequently licks the posterior edge. If your cat is showing any of these signs, take them to the vet for an examination.
Interfedocystitis
Interfetal cystitis, also known as idiopathic cystitis in cats, is a medical term used to describe bladder inflammation. This is a diagnosis used when other causes or clinical signs cannot be identified. Previously known as IFLUTD (Idiopathic Feline Lower Urinary Tract), this is most common in young to middle-aged cats. A common sign of the condition is bloody or discolored urine, straining to urinate, frequently urinating, and urinating outside the trash can.
Bladder stones/bladder crystals
Bladder and kidney stones can cause many problems in cats. These stones are a collection of crystals, minerals, and organic matter that can be brought about by the type of disease or inflammation. They can block the urethra, and can even make urinary difficult or impossible, and one sign is urinating in an abnormal location, not in the trash can. If your cat is unable to urinate, this is a medical emergency.
2. Clumsy Litterbox
It is important to keep your trash bin clean for use for cat hygiene. If it hasn’t been scooped out or replaced with fresh garbage, your cat may choose to avoid the box completely and go elsewhere. Most cat owners prefer to coagulate trash for easy scooping, so if you’re not using it, we recommend you consider it to make cleaning easier.
You should also thoroughly clean the entire trash can once a week using a gentle soap or diluted vinegar solution (do not use bleach or ammonia). Scrub the box and rise completely before adding new trash for your cat to use.
Cleaning after our pets is not the most enjoyable part of owning them. Despite maintaining a clean trash can, cat odors and dirt can still be present around the house. Sometimes even the best trash bin setup requires extra help. If you’re tired of dealing with foul smells from your trash bin, Hepper Advanced Bioenzyme PET Staining & Odor Eliminator Spray It can help the worst pet stains and smells. moreover, Advanced Biological Enzyme Cat Mammary Detergent Neutralizes odors when contacted.
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3. It’s not a sufficient trash can
Multicat homes definitely need multiple trash bins. Otherwise, your cat may not use the box at all. The rule of thumb is to have one trash can for each cat plus one extra box. For example, if you have two cats, you’ll need three trash bins. If you have a multi-level home, try placing a trash can at each level.
Some cats prefer to defecate into one box and urinate into another, so make sure you don’t place the box next to you.
4. Bad place
Cats are modest and prefer to use the litter box privately. If the trash can is located in a busy area of the house, cats may choose to avoid the trash can and go elsewhere. Cats also search for areas to go to the litter box on multiple escape routes. This is a trait they inherited from their wild cousins and helps to eliminate avoidance of the trash bin itself by placing the trash bin in an area where your cat feels comfortable.
5. Garbage preference
The type of garbage used may not be a cat’s fantasy. Cats are sensitive to chemical odors, and some trash has this smell. Research shows that Cats prefer those that prefer unscented chunks with consistency of sand. If you are not using this type, consider switching.
Speaking of switching, if you have recently changed trash, your cat may simply not like the new product. It may take some time to find the right garbage for your cat, but once you do so, don’t deviate from it if possible.
6. Incorrect size/shape of the trash can
Especially if you have an elderly cat, the shape and size of the trash can be a problem. Avoid hooded bins as many cats prefer to have their trash bins open. The hood can also contain odors and avoid it in cats. The hood also makes it the litter box that most cats prefer, while keeping the cat from standing upright. Avoiding high-walled trash cans is also recommended for elderly people and overweight cats.
7. Home stress/bullying
Let’s say you have multiple cats in your house. In that case, you may be bullied another way. This can cause trash bin issues. Whether humans or another animal, moving on to new additions to a new home or family can also cause trash bin problems.
How to improve bullying problems: try isolating your cat and slowly reintroducing it. Territorial issues are the common reason bullying occurs in the first place, and it may be helpful to isolate the cat for a while. Share your attention and concentration with all the cats in the house. If your cat is not castrated/castrated, consider taking the procedure.
8. Negative relationships/stress
Some cats remember negative events related to the trash bin. For example, if your cat has had medical problems in the past, painful memories may prevent your cat from using the trash bin, like UTI. Even as a cat returns to health, memories of painful waste elimination can resurface.
What if your cat avoids the trash can
First and foremost, if your cat is experiencing trash can problems, such as rubbing its nose with urine or feces, then don’t punish your cat. Remember that cats don’t avoid boxes to trouble you. There is a reason for its behavior, and that could be one of the reasons mentioned above.
Here are more tips after visiting the veterinarian to rule out medical issues.
- Do not place the trash can near where the cat eats.
- Don’t lock your cat in a small room with a trash can.
- Place toys and snacks near the trash can.
- Use an enzyme cleaner to clean your urine and feces. Enzyme cleaners contain enzymes that destroy bacteria and eliminate odors so that cats do not behave repeatedly in the same place.
- Do not carry or drag your cat into the trash bin, as it only causes negative associations.
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Conclusion
Some cats avoid trash bins for a variety of reasons, but it is important to rule out medical issues first. Once the cat is revealed from a medical problem, the elimination process can be started. Don’t forget to rate the type of garbage you are using, the location of the box, the style, and the number of boxes you have. Scoop the trash bin daily and replace the scooped area with fresh trash. Clean the entire box once a week with gentle soap and water or diluted vinegar. And don’t forget to rinse and dry completely before refilling any trash!
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Featured Image Credits: Jamesjoong, Shutterstock
