My dog has just discovered the cats' litter boxes and has started eating its contents along with the litter. This makes her "business" runny and her toots nuclear. Can't imagine it's that good for her system either. Does any one have any suggestions to make the litter boxes unappealing to the dog, yet not divert the cats from using it? My mom bought me bitter apple for the carpet - if I sprayed that on the outside of the litter box or even on the litter, would that deter the cats? ANY suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. My husband went to Petsmart and bought a dome covered littered box that has winding steps going up in it. This makes it nearly impossibly for the dog to get to the actual litter, but the cats can still access it via the winding steps. We tried it for the first time last night and so far, no poop eating, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If this does end up working out well, I'll definitely post as it seems like a great solution that's relatively painless. We did have covered litter boxes before this, but my dog just stuck her head in there. The curve on the dome should hopefully make this a lot less accessible.
I used to have this problem along with them eating the cats food as well. My dogs and cats were both outside so we started putting the litter box up on some table in the garage. we put the food on another table and the cats could get to it but the dog could not. hope that helps!
The pet store has a suppliment that you give the dog. It makes the poo taste bad. The goal is to break the habit.
We have a covered box, but that did not stop our dog. We put the cat box in the laundry room and installed a cat door to that room. The cats can get in, but not the dog.
If you are willing to purchase new litter boxes you can buy litter boxes that are enclosed with an opening on the top so the cats can jump in but the dog cannot get to the contents although some cats do not adjust to that well. You can also try a product called Forbid. It is a powder you sprinkle on the cats' food and it will make the stool taste bitter and unappealing to the dog. I know you can get it through most vets but you may be able to pick some up online
True, the only way we found was to make the litter box inaccessible to the dog. Cats are much more mobile than the dog. A pet gate or some sort of surround is a good idea. We keep ours in the laundry room and I cut a 6x7 hole in the bottom of the door that the dog can't get through.
If the dog ends up being able to get into the dome box, Petsmart also carries a box that looks like a Rubbermaid storage box that the lid snaps on and on the top a round hole is so the cat can get in. So there is no way a dog can get to the litter or contents. I am not sure how well the cats would like the box though I have thought about getting some or making my own I just have not done that yet. Good luck.
Have you considered toilet training your cat?
It is a VERY simple process. It took me about two weeks to train my cat.
What you do is measure the inside of the toilet bowl. Go to the store and find a METAL bowl (not plastic the urine smell will be absorbed)that will fit inside the toilet. Put the bowl under the seat (lower the seat so the cat can stand on it). Fill the bowl half way with litter and gradually decrease the amount of litter until there is no litter in the bowl. Then start adding water until it's about half full. Once your cat is comfortable using the bowl take the bowl out. The only down fall is that you have to flush for your cat. And if you only have one toilet you might have to wait your turn. My cat will see you walking that way and run ahead of you to beat you to the toilet.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Try a covered litter box. If that doesn't work, we used to keep our litter box in the bath tub, then put a baby gate in the bathroom door way - the cat could jump over, but the dog couldn't.
