A cat litter box problem stems from one of two kinds of causes. The first is physical, which I've discussed in another article, and the second is behavioral. Today, we're going to look at some of the behavioral causes.

Since your cat can't tell you what's going on, you have to rule out each possible cause, until you are left with the most logical answer. This is known as a diagnosis of exclusion.

The first step here is to have a consultation with your vet. Always assume that your cat has a physical problem as the cause, unless your vet says otherwise.

If your vet has given the all clear, then you're going to have to assume, for the moment, that your litter box problems are behavioral. Let's try to understand our cat's point of view and see if we can think of some behavioral reasons for not using the litter box.

1. Dirty Cat Box - some cats prefer the box to be extremely clean, and others are willing to allow it to be somewhat less so. No matter what, you should clean your litter box at least once per day. You should also change your litter out completely at least every few weeks. Whenever you change the litter, wash the litter box thoroughly. Be sure to wash the lid too if you have a hooded box.

2. Cat Box Odor - if the litter box doesn't smell quite right, your cat may avoid it. You might think that your litter box smells just fine, but your cat may have a different opinion about the subject.

You need to clean the box to your cat's satisfaction. Scented cleaners, not rinsing well enough, or not cleaning thoroughly are all reasons why yoru cat won't be pleased. It's recommended that you use a solution of one part bleach to 30 parts water for sanitizing. When you're finished, the box should be clean and dry and not smell like cat waste, soap, or bleach.

3. Litter Box Odor - some cats simply prefer the odor of one brand or type of litter over another. Even unscented litters have an odor your cat can detect and may not like. Be prepared to try different types and brands until you find the right one for your cat.

4. Type of Litter - your cat may not like the type of cat litter you use. When you switch litters, do it slowly. Try adding 20 percent new litter to 80 percent old, and then increasing the amount of new litter over several days until you're only using the new litter.

5. Type of Litter Box - the size, shape, and type of box may make a difference to your cat. Hooded boxes may prevent litter spill over, but some cats may prefer not to be closed in. On the other hand, your cat might like the privacy of high walls, and some will like a larger box. Have you recently changed litter boxes? Perhaps this is the problem.

6. How Many Boxes? - another cause of a cat litter box problem relates mainly to multi-cat households. Remember the one plus one rule when selecting how many boxes you'll need. You should have one box for each cat, and one extra box so that there is never any waiting for a box to free up. Cleaning chores are a little easier if you have more boxes since that keeps each box a little cleaner.

7. Poor Location - I've seen boxes in noisy kitchens and laundry rooms. This is usually a mistake. If your cat is not happy with the location of the box, he may stop using it. Always try to keep the box in an area that is low traffic and low noise. In some cases, finding a good spot for the box is difficult, but do your best.

8. Territorial Disputes - multi-cat households pose unique problems, and cats sometimes fight over territory, even when they normally get along. Some cats like to sneak up on others when they're using the box and pounce. If one of your cats keeps getting attacked every time she's in the box, she may grow to hate it. Keep to the one plus one rule to help avoid this situation.

9. Stress - if your cat is stressed by a recent move, a new addition to the household, or perhaps simply a behavior shift on the part of a family member, this may be at the root of the box issue. Try to think about what might have changed recently in your cat's life, and then try to ease whatever stress she's under.

Sadly, many cats end up in shelters due to cat litter box problems that can usually be solved. Knowing which solution to use means knowing the cause. Your veterinarian will rule out the physical causes first, then you can work on the behavioral possibilities. Think like a cat and you'll come up with the solution.

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Kurt Schmitt writes all about cat litter box problems and other cat owner problems at Cat Lovers Only Don't reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.