Litter-train Regression

[Balli]

In the past, once my rabbit started pooping outside of her litterbox, I knew it was time for a change.

However, she has recently decided to go to the bathroom wherever she pleases inside her cage – even right after litter has been replaced and cleaned. I have washed the cage itself several times to remove traces of any scents she might be attracted to (I use vinegar and water, sometimes soap – always making sure it is safe again). This morning, she peed on on of her blankets.. No signs of sickness. She eats all of her greens and pellets, acts like her normal self otherwise.

Any help is appreciated, thank you (:

[Wick & Fable]

If I remember correctly, your rabbit lost her litter habits temporarily when you changed her environment last month (new room?). Could this be carry-over from that? So maybe she has re-learned “Oh, I shouldn’t poo-pee outside the cage”, but hasn’t reached the specificity of the litter box yet.

I recommend going back to basics and moving her to her litter box every time she poos-pees outside of it. It’s good that you’re doing an ample job cleaning up accidents because that will help, but at the end of the day, that’s not the thing that’s going to teach her that she needs to go in the litter box (because you clean the litter box daily as well; so lack of scent isn’t a good, sole teaching strategy).

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Balli]

You got that right! This has been a problem since before she moved into my room, but it has since become worse. Thanks for the suggestion of moving it, I will try that!

[Author]

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