Male cat problems

[cat_woman]

Okay, my male cat does not like the new litter I got. Oh joy! I've never had a male cat so this is new to me-ha! The litter is Feline Pine and it is quite different, but I love the way it controls the smell! My female cat loves it and adjusted to it just fine. I have him in the laundry room (we have a big one so he doesn't feel cooped up) so that he can learn to go in it. Did anyone else have this problem with the Feline Pine?

[kate & kobi]

He probably objects to the smell and/or how it feels. You're right; it is a very different kind of litter, and it takes most cats a while to get used to it. Try letting him get adjusted to it slowly - I wouldn't force it on him all at once; that's asking a lot of him! I'd start by using mainly his normal litter in his box, but sprinkle a little of the Feline Pine on top, and let him mix it in. Then gradually add a little more each time you clean his litterbox. You might eventually find that a mixture of his old litter and the Feline Pine will keep him happy and also control the smell.

Both of my girls don't like it when I switch their litters, so I don't think it's just a "boy" thing!

[cat_woman]

Thanks! Yeah--he definitely does not like it one bit! I tried even mixing it, maybe I mixed too much at first. I've got to go into town tonight so I'll get some of the old cat litter, or I might just have to have one litter box regular litter and one feline pine for my girl kitty. And does anyone happen to know if spaying or neutering will help any, also? I had a female kitty I didn't get fixed and she was just fine. I've gotten mixed reviews on this topic! ha!

[kate & kobi]

Yes yes yes please spay/neuter all of your cats.

Please read the Spay and Neuter page here on the board for more info. It's better for their health - the longer you wait, the more chance of female cats developing cancer. And especially with males, getting neutered will help with spraying and inappropriate urination. No mixed reviews here; please go do it ASAP!