so we're trying to move the litter box a total of 10 feet, and our guys are not having it. We first moved it one foot and they were ok with that. Then we moved it five feet and they were fine with that. Now we have moved it another 3 feet and they won't use it. What the heck? Why was the five foot move ok, but the 3 foot move not ok?
More to the story though is that we bought a cabinet to put the litter box in once they accept the move. They LOVE the cabinet, as cats do. After a couple of days of leaving it open, I put a brand new litter box inside, so they had one additional box to use. No dice, but not a problem. I showed it to them, set them inside with all the doors open, etc. and let them do whatever they wanted. When I set them inside, then I would close the doors and show them the way out. They are fine with it, and oddly enough still go in and out and even dig in it, but won't use it. I get so excited when they go in, but nothing is happening in there except sometimes Darko actually lays down in the litter box. And before you ask, no there is no health issue...both are pooping and peeing fine - in the THIRD box upstairs!
So now the box being moved is right next to the new litter box cabinet, which they still go in and out of, and there are even footprints in the old box, but nothing else. Oh, and I moved some pee from the old box to the new box hoping to draw them in, but that hasn't worked. Should I try Cat Attract? I can't move their old box any closer!
I need help from you experts. I half expected to wake up this morning to poop and pee where the old box used to be, but my boys are good boys (sometimes) and just went upstairs. But I DO know not to get upset if they make a mess here. Also, does it make a difference to know that the cabinet is in our closer? The old spot was in our bathroom...same area of the house, and the closet is a place where they always run whenever the doorbell rings, and where Tinky hangs out a lot anyway. It's his "safe room" in his mind. The door is always open, so they basically get the same lighting as before as we set the cabinet where you can see it from the doorway. It's less traffic than before so more privacy for them.
More to the story though is that we bought a cabinet to put the litter box in once they accept the move. They LOVE the cabinet, as cats do. After a couple of days of leaving it open, I put a brand new litter box inside, so they had one additional box to use. No dice, but not a problem. I showed it to them, set them inside with all the doors open, etc. and let them do whatever they wanted. When I set them inside, then I would close the doors and show them the way out. They are fine with it, and oddly enough still go in and out and even dig in it, but won't use it. I get so excited when they go in, but nothing is happening in there except sometimes Darko actually lays down in the litter box. And before you ask, no there is no health issue...both are pooping and peeing fine - in the THIRD box upstairs!So now the box being moved is right next to the new litter box cabinet, which they still go in and out of, and there are even footprints in the old box, but nothing else. Oh, and I moved some pee from the old box to the new box hoping to draw them in, but that hasn't worked. Should I try Cat Attract? I can't move their old box any closer!
I need help from you experts. I half expected to wake up this morning to poop and pee where the old box used to be, but my boys are good boys (sometimes) and just went upstairs. But I DO know not to get upset if they make a mess here. Also, does it make a difference to know that the cabinet is in our closer? The old spot was in our bathroom...same area of the house, and the closet is a place where they always run whenever the doorbell rings, and where Tinky hangs out a lot anyway. It's his "safe room" in his mind. The door is always open, so they basically get the same lighting as before as we set the cabinet where you can see it from the doorway. It's less traffic than before so more privacy for them.
. What made the big difference was removing the old box entirely. Guess they're too lazy to run upstairs to the other box in the middle of the night or something. Whatever it is, we're very satisfied now.
