litterbox hijinx

[catdaddy]

Our one year old Maine Coon has a icky habit of running into his catbox when we come home and rolling over on his back and wiggling playfully. He has always done this and I'm sure he has picked it up from his days in the petstore and the cattery. If you go in these places the little guys are always sitting in their catboxes. He is very diligent about using his box for the intended reasons so we don't want to create negative feeling around his catbox but we don't want him rolling around in that stuff and tracking it all over the house. I was told he would grow out of it within a year but that hasn't been the case. Any ideas?

[Tambrey]

have you tried different kinds of litter...an I need to ask what you mean by the statement

...when we come home...

Where does he go?...is he allowed outdoors?....we strongly recommend and advocate INDOOR ONLY

Maybe your cat is trying to get outside smells off of him and back to the smells he likes form inside...

[Tambrey]

I just re-read and maybe you mean when you get home from work or wherever you had gone out to?

I have a kitten who likes to just lay in the litterbox after I change it to all fresh...I have no idea WHY he does this...I guess he likes the texture...smell...coolness of it?

I would still think maybe try a different litter for him and see if that helps...

[catdaddy]

He usually does it when we come home from work or when we have been out for a while

[catdaddy]

We have also changed litter once but that doesn't seem to change. He is so good with his potty habits we don't want to mess with the routine to much. It is more or less a playful thing he does. I think he maybe even enjoys me grabbing him and brushing him off. We are trying to ignore him because I think he only does it when we watch.

[mamaof4soon]

The tow things that come to mind after I stop laughing about this. Yes i know I shouldnt be laughing but i did and had to be honest about it.
1. Before you leave for work grab a treat to have in your pocket. When you get home as soon as you open door call his name kitty call him and give him the treat. IF he goes to the litter box try to grab him first and bring him to the front door and then give him the treat. CAts are very independant animals BUT they learn when food is food. He will then meet you at the door eventually for this treat and forget the other behavoir. Atleast that would be the plan. This wont happen overnight but you can try it.

2. This one is the same but without treats. Just call for him when you walk in door and ifyou dont see him go straight for litter box and before he gets there pick him up and bring him to door put him down and give hugs and kisses. Its a behavoir youre trying to break so it might work.

personally i'd use the treats. Cats are veyr smart and learn fast when it comes to food.

good luck

[catdaddy]

We usually come in the garage door which is right next to the laundry room where is cat box is. The challenge is grabbing him before he dives into it. He also will try and lead us in there so he can do that. Usually it is when we have been gone for a while. I think it is a attention getting playful strategy he like to employ although we always try and give him alot of attention right when when we come home anyway.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[mamaof4soon]

I think maybe trying the food might work make sure it is very smelly food like a tuna even if its really tuna. You can buy one of those tuna in a bag sort of deals, use the tuna and leave some in there. Then take it with you when you leave and when you walk in use that. like i said before it might take a few tries till he catches on. You might have to quick pick him up just so he smells it You dont need much just a taste or two or three

[catdaddy]

Thanks, anybody had this problem with pet store kittens?

[Tambrey]

do you mean kittens that the humane society places in PetSmart to find homes for...or ones that are bred and sold there?

I guess kittens are kittens....they all play and learn the same and give love when given love....

are you thinking of giving a playmate for yours and see if that will help his litterbox fascination?