MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Litter boxes are a challenge of cat ownership when used correctly, but when the cat refuses to follow training, they can be a real mess.

Used correctly, litter boxes are indoor bathrooms for family pets, allowing the animal to live a life of luxury without stepping foot outside. When the cat uses it incorrectly or not at all, they can become the last straw that makes kitty an outdoor pet or worse, homeless.

Dr. John Harkness, animal behaviorist at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, said litter pan problems are the most common cat behavioral problem and a major cause of cats being rejected or euthanized.

"Most cats learn to use the litter box at a very young age from their mothers," Harkness said. "They may develop an aversion to using the litter box later in life for many reasons."

Owners often choose kitty litters with a pleasant aroma that masks odors, but this smell may be unacceptable to cats. Also, the bacterial action on waste releases ammonia that may be offensive to cats. Some litters use baking soda or other substances that produce unpleasant sounds or feelings for the cats.

Excessively dirty litter boxes drive some cats to use the bathroom elsewhere, while still others are picky about the texture, depth or dust of certain brands of litter. Some cats quit using the litter box if they find the enclosure unacceptable, such as too small or too exposed.

"Make sure the litter box is away from heavy traffic. Some cats just don't like where a litter box is placed," Harkness said. "It is also a good idea to keep the litter box away from the feeding area."

Constipation and urinary tract diseases can make using the litter box an unpleasant experience, so some cats quit using it if they suffer these problems. Others have had a bad or fearful experience in the litter box area, so avoid it entirely.

Owners of a cat that refuses to use the litter box consistently or at all can take some actions.

"Choose a litter that is not strongly perfumed, and begin by confining the cat and the litter box in a small, quiet room for a few weeks," Harkness said. "Clean the box often, daily if needed, and experiment with different types of litter and litter boxes."

Cat owners know that cats do things their own way, so sometimes they develop an aversion to a certain type of litter or litter pan for no particular reason. Harkness had several general guidelines to follow when choosing litter and litter boxes.

"Fine grained, disposable litters are a good choice for cats, especially ones that are soft. Other surfaces that cats like to use are carpet, clothing, earth and paper," Harkness said. "Shy cats prefer covered boxes."

Move the litter box around until the best location is found, but move the box in steps to the new location. Consider providing several litter boxes when there are several cats.

For more information, contact: Dr. John Harkness, (662) 325-0994