Re: 01/12 Whiskers AMPS 402
Good Evening All,
Lots of good advise. Thank you.
I have not used the cement tubs. I have converted large storage tubs by adding an opening at one end and leaving the top off (like on Dr. Lisa's site)
http://www.catinfo.org/?link=litterbox. In fact we have pretty much tried all the suggestions on her site.
Top reasons for a cat to stop using the litter box
Do's and Don't's
Gimmicks - Products that promote laziness
Types of litter
In search of the best cat litter
Types of litter boxes, size, number, location
Kittens/new adult arrivals and litter box usage
Cleaning the litter box - method to save time and money (video)
Litter mats
I'm going to get a feliway defuse and try rescue remedy (for alpha cat/bad behavior issues).
I clean the pee spots with
http://www.antiickypoo.com/, A odor removal solution with Multi Strain Live Bacteria Enzymes which eat away the organic waste that cause urine and feces odor, eliminating the smell forever, just as nature intended.
I have a black light to make sure the stains/oders are completly removed. I have a gigantic syringe to inject the carpet and pad. I am also willing to try the other products recommended to me by FDMB members from a previous condo.
I have chaperoned her in the box and even rewarded appropriate litter box use with high protien snacks (she is so highly motivated by food, she completely forgot peeing and just sits in the litter box waiting for a snack instead of peeing. cat(2)_steam ).
We have tried 4 different kinds of litter including Dr. Elseys cat attract litter. We currently have 2 different kinds of litter, in 5 different locations in the house, she really doesn't seem to show a preferance for any type.
She does seem to have a preferance for one of the box locations, she seems to want it to be really clean. I clean them every day (twice a day is a bit much), and if we miss a day, god help us. She was also lost outside for about a month, before she came to us (she was diagnosed as a diabetic shortly after being found and returned to her home. That makes sense to me). I have been told that once they are used to going anywhere, it is hard to get them to go back to the box.
She has been confined to a small room with litter box, food, pillow...nothing really seems to show any long term effect.
If it is not behavioral, or UTI, than what? As soon as we can afford it (not really sure when), we will make an appointment at the U of M to see if they can help us with IE and BG numbers.
P.S. Can anyone reassure me that I am not becoming a crazy cat lady. My husband hasn't said anything, but I'm sure he is begining to wonder grumpy_cat .