Cats often resist change. Sometimes, if the trash can is moved or the type of trash changes, they will stop using the trash can.
 

It is not uncommon for cats to stop using their litter box at some point in their lives. It is important to determine the cause before it becomes an established harmful behavior.
 

First, take Fluffy to your veterinarian for a complete physical examination. There are several possible medical reasons that would cause her to stop using her trash can, and these should all be excluded. Urinary tract infections, constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney stones and cystitis are some examples that can be cured by treatment and lead to natural return to the trash can.
 

Cats with kidney problems or arthritis may need some adjustments to make the litter box more humane.
 

Once the medical condition has been ruled out, the following are the most common reasons why some cats may not use the litter box.
 

Is it easy for Fluffy to get in and out of the box? Cats prefer large boxes with sides that are not too high. Older or overweight cats may need a litter box with a shorter side for ease of use.
 

Some cats are not interested in entering covered boxes or using padded boxes. For some cats, the newer automatic cleaning boxes can be scary.
 

If you recently changed the type of cat litter used, she might not agree. Some cats don’t seem to mind what type of cat litter fills up their boxes. Others prefer their favorite kittens and will resist (or refuse) change. Regardless of the type of garbage, most cats like to be only an inch or two in the box.
 

Make sure to clean the trash can frequently. Cats are very picky about cleaning and may look elsewhere instead of using dirty boxes. When use other common litter box, it should be scooped  at least once a day, and thoroughly pour and clean the box with mild, unscented soap at least every two to three weeks. While the automatic litter box can clean it self automatically after cats produce garbage.
 

Have you recently added another feline family member? Solve the problem by giving each cat its own litter box. Sometimes cats that have lived happily together for many years may have conflicts, requiring each of them to have their own boxes.
 

Elderly cats or cats with arthritis living in multi-storey houses may need a litter box on each floor.
 

If you move the trash can to another location, Fluffy may refuse (or refuse) the move. Cats are animals of habit. If you must move the trash can, move it gradually. Trash cans should be located in a quiet space away from high-traffic or noisy areas in the home. Generally speaking, cats do not like to eat in the place where they go to the toilet, so keep the litter box away from their food and water trays.
 

Encourage fluffy to return to the trash by reducing inappropriate places. First, clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors. Then block these areas or cover them with irritating materials for her to walk, such as gauze, double-sided tape or aluminum foil strips.
 

It is very important to resolve the “leaving the trash can” behavior as soon as possible. The more a cat practices this unwelcome behavior, the more likely it is to become a difficult habit to break. This may require a little patience, but once you have ruled out the health problems, found the possible causes and alleviated these problems, and made the inappropriate places unpopular, she should go back to the litter box.