litterbox issues - Answered by Pet Dr.

[e4t1]

I have 3 cats, all a little over a year old. I am having trouble with one that does not use the litterbox at all. I don't think that there is anything physically wrong with her because she seems healthy. They have all been neutered/spayed. She has always had problems with the litterbox; they all used to use the plants when they were kittens. I think she uses the carpet downstairs because she sees this room as a playground. She doesn't have accidents anywhere in the house. She is always meowing for me to come play with her, usually when I am eating dinner. So I don't know if her problem is anxiety related. I've tried cleaning the carpet with the correct solution, but that didn't work. She doesn't like the litterbox at all. When I see her going, I pick her up and put her in the box. She usually sticks out her legs and tries to get away. I've been putting her in the box and giving her treats, but that hasn't done much so far. I think it is the box and not the litter that she doesn't like. I am afraid to put her in a room by herself until she uses the litterbox because I know this will make her anxious and I don't understand how that will make her use it. What have other people done to correct this problem?