Automatic Litterbox Central

I sure hope someone can help us. We have two cats, one of which is very picky about the cleanliness of the litter; so we bought a litter-robot about three weeks ago. They still refuse to use it (they'll go on the floor if an acceptable regular litterbox is not available). We've tried everything--disguising the exterier, pheromone spray, enticing with food and play, etc. After a while it finally dawned on us that they are afraid of it because it looks too much like a cat carrier (they are afraid of the vet). We were to the point of deciding to send it back, but a few days ago I was reading this board and noticed a post from someone who had a similar problem. You recommended that he place the cat inside the box several times a day, which he did. It apparently worked for him. I thought that was great and we have been doing the same for the last 3 days. I'm not sure it's ever going to work. They are still fighting being placed inside and they jump out as soon as we let them. As a last resort, we have made appointments with the vet for the cats (it was time anyway), to see if there is anything he can suggest. Unfortunately we can't get in for a week and by that time, it will be the end of our 30-day trial. Does anyone have anything else to suggest? Do you think persevering with the stuff-the-cat-in-the-box maneuver is worthwhile? I really hate to give up on this box--it's so much better than anything else out there.

Thanks for any help,
CyndieS

Cyndie - I am not sure if this will help or not, but you mentioned the cats are afraid of their carrier and thats what is probably scaring them away from the LR. Maybe try leaving their carriers out in a place that will not scare them, with the door off or open. Make up a little comfy bed inside the carrier, and maybe put some treats and their favorite toys inside the carrier, so they can sleep and play in there, and hopefully get used to it so they won't be afraid of it anymore. I always leave my carriers out with a pillow inside, and my cats sleep in them all the time, that way they're not afraid of them come vet time. Put a scoop full of the used litter from their old box inside the LR, so they get the scent of it and know what it is for.

I know this isn't much help, but hopefully someone else will have some good suggestions. Best of luck.

Hopefully the previous suggestions will work - if not, you can always sell it on Ebay, or to someone here probably. I really hope you won't have to do that!

CyndieS,

If you will contact me directly, I will make note on your file to extend your trial period so you can try some of these suggestions.

I have also heard of a litter sold on http://www.preciouscat.com called Cat Attract that a couple of our customers have had success with.

I will look forward to hearing from you!