Not using the litter box.

We have six indoor only cats. All are spayed/neutered. One of the males has begun to bully the two females to the point where he has ambushed one of them in the litter box so many times that she is afraid to use it. There are 3 large litter boxes in the house and they are all cleaned at least a half dozen times daily so she does have options. She is now doing all her "business" outside the box and we are all becoming very frustrated. Do I find a home for the male? For the ambushed female? I don't want to have to eliminate any of them from our home but we can't have this behavior. Any suggestions? I'm using natural enzyme products in the clean up but she just finds new places and I am concerned that I won't be able to stay on top of this much longer. HELP!!
Sincerely, two frustated humans and six stressed out felines.

RESPONSE:

First, we recommend more litter boxes. 3 is not enough for 6 cats and since they are forced to share, problems are bound to happen.
That being said, you really have 2 different problems - A Bully and Litter Box Avoidence.
The bully is probably bored and has discovered the fun game of "torture my sister". He needs more play time and more things to do besides pick on the other cats. Try feeder balls, puzzle boxes, etc. for solitary play. Use fishing pole toys, balls, etc for interactive play with you. Try using a Panic Mouse or Undercover Mouse to entertain him when you can supervise but are doing other things and can't play with him. Pull out a toy or toss a ball to distract him when he starts going after one of the other cats. Give him treats when he is being good and especially when he stops chasing the other cat to come to you. Play with him as many times a day as possible and play until he is too tired to play any more. A tired cat is a happy cat and he will slowly lose the desire to relieve his boredom by attacking the other cats.

For litter box avoidence, place the cat in isolation (a bathroom, spare room, or even a kitten cage will do) until the cat faithfully uses the litter box. Then begin to let the cat out but keep access to the room with the litter box. Because she has been attacked in the box, she has come to associate the litter box with bad things. She avoids the box in an attempt to avoid the bad feelings associated with it. It is not her fault. She needs a safe, secure place to go and will continue to use the box once she learns she will be safe using it. This may take some time, and if attacked, she will backslide, but just keep working with them and eventually, things will get better. She will use the litter box and he will pick on her less and stop attacking her in the box. Good Luck!

Donna - House Full Cats Mom