As a cat owner, it’s annoying and frustrating having to clean up after your cat when they do not use their litter box correctly.
But it’s never our cats’ fault, and in my time as a cat owner, I have come to realize this.
In the beginning, when we first got her, my cat made some mistakes pooping outside her litter box, but I don’t have to worry about that these days because we have built a great life together.
Here are some reasons why cats do this based on my experience with my cat, Cleo, and what you can do to stop it.
1. Dirty Litter Box
Cats are clean animals, some of them are divas, and they like to have a clean litterbox.
If their litterbox is dirty or not cleaned regularly, then they may refuse to use it.
Make sure to clean your cat’s litterbox daily to remove poop and pee clumps, and change your cat’s litter regularly, depending on how frequently your cat goes to the litter box.
You should also have one litterbox per cat in your home, plus one extra, to ensure that there are enough clean options.
Whenever Cleo’s litterbox is not cleaned, she will still try to use it, but I can see her carefully looking at where to put her paws when she’s in the litterbox as if she’s walking on eggshells.
2. Negative Litter Box or Litter Mat Association
If your cat has experienced any kind of trauma or stress while using the litter box, they may start associating it with something negative.
For example, if they were startled by a loud noise while using the litterbox, they may avoid it in the future.
You should also avoid scented litter, as cats have sensitive noses and may not like the odor.
3. Stress in the Environment
A lot of us may not realize it, but cats are sensitive to their environment, and changes such as moving to a new home, inviting family and friends over, or bringing new pets into the household can cause them stress.
If your cat feels stressed, they may avoid using their litterbox and will find other places to go.
To help ease their stress, make sure to provide a comfortable and consistent environment for your cat, with plenty of space to explore, play areas, and a peaceful area to rest.
4. Territory Marking
Cats are territorial animals, and they use their urine and feces to mark their territories.
If your cat is pooping outside of their litterbox, they may be marking their territory.
This behavior may occur when there are other cats in the house, in which case, providing multiple litterboxes and possibly separating your cats during mealtime may help.
Make sure to give them plenty of attention and playtime, and provide them with cat wands, interactive toys, and scratching posts to help them feel more secure, trusting, and a sense of belonging in your home.
Also, try using pheromone sprays or diffusers to calm your cat. A great solution to calm your cat if they’re doing territory marking is to use something like the Stress Stopper cat relief solution.
I find this to be great for helping my cat’s stress and anxiety.
5. Your Cats’ Food
According to Jackson Galaxy, when cats are pooping outside their litter box, the food they are consuming could be a potential culprit for this behavior.
Let’s take, for example:
Rapid food changes: If you recently changed your cat’s food, especially from dry to wet or wet to raw, and did so too quickly, it might lead to diarrhea or very runny stools, making it uncomfortable for the cat to use the litter box.
Dehydration: Feeding your cat too much dry food can lead to dehydration, resulting in hard and difficult-to-pass stools.
This discomfort may cause the cat to avoid using the litter box altogether.
The overall quality of the cat’s diet, including the balance of nutrients and hydration, can impact the consistency and frequency of their bowel movements.
6. Inadequate/Small Litter Box
Cats have their own personal preferences, and some may prefer more space than others.
They require a lot of space to move around freely in their litterbox. If your cat’s litterbox is too small or cramped, they may avoid using it.
Some cats prefer open litterboxes, while others prefer covered ones.
You can try using a larger litter box or a box with lower sides to make your cat more comfortable.
As a general rule, the litterbox should be one and a half times the length of your cat, and the sides should be high enough to contain the litter.
Try providing them with a larger litterbox or multiple litterboxes spaced out around your home.
7. Litter Texture Troubles and Scent Sensitivities
Cats can be picky about the type of litter they use.
Some cats may not like the texture of the litter or the scent, leading them to avoid using the box.
Try experimenting with unscented, clumping, and different types of litter to see which one your cat prefers.
You should also ensure you have enough litter in the box (around 2-3 inches)
8. Sudden Change in Cat Litter
Sometimes cats may not like a sudden change in cat litter. If you’ve recently switched to a new type of litter, your cat may be reluctant to use it.
Try introducing the new litter gradually, mixing it with the old litter until your cat gets used to it.
I have tried many different types of cat litter with my cat, and I always try to switch the litter while my cat watches because I want her to see that it’s different.
This removes the element of surprise, helps her adjust faster, and is usually very curious and willing to get into her litter.
Here is a very nice video about cats pooping outside their litter box from Jackson Galaxy you might like:
9. Aging and Neurological Issues
As cats age, they may develop neurological issues that make it hard for them to control their bladder and bowels.
Conditions like dementia can make it difficult for cats to use the litterbox.
They may also have trouble getting in and out of their litterbox due to arthritis or other mobility issues.
Make sure to provide a litterbox that is easy for them to access or multiple litterboxes and keep it in a place where they spend most of their time to reduce the distance they have to go to use the litterbox.
To help your cat with their mobility during old age, you can try using a litter box with lower sides or placing a ramp near the box.
10. Medical Problems
Cats may poop outside their litterbox due to medical issues such as urinary tract infections, constipation, or diarrhea.
These issues may make it painful or uncomfortable for them to use the litterbox.
If you notice any other abnormal behaviors, such as crying while using the litterbox or blood in their urine, then you should take them to the vet immediately.
Anyone who has a cat knows that they are clean animals, but there’s nothing more frustrating than finding poop outside of their litterbox or in your bed, as I have experienced.
It’s not uncommon for cats to have accidents, but if it’s happening regularly, then there might be an issue happening that needs to be addressed by your veterinarian.
How To Help Your Cat Stop Pooping Outside Their Litter Box?
Stopping your cat from pooping outside their litterbox will take some trial. Here are some things you should do:
1. Have Your Vet Do an Exam
Take a fecal sample to the vet for testing to rule out any underlying health issues or parasites.
The vet can take into consideration the quality of your cat’s poop to find clues about her physical condition and whether dietary changes are needed.
2. Return The Litter box to its Original Location
If there have been changes in the environment, try moving the litter box back to its original location or introducing new litter boxes in different spots while leaving that one in the original spot.
When your cat becomes comfortable with their litter box in the new location, then you can remove the old one.
3. Change The Litter
Experiment with different types of litter to see if it makes a difference.
And have your cat present while you are changing the litter. This is how I have always done it. Leave no room for surprises.
4. Pay Attention To Their Food
I didn’t know this, and many cat owners don’t realize it, but cats get most of their water intake through their food.
Gradually introduce wet food into your diet to increase moisture intake, which might help with potential constipation.
If your cat doesn’t want to eat wet food and only prefers to eat dry food, you can try adding water to the kibble (the dry food).
The kibble will absorb the water and become softer.
Like my cat, some cats may not eat their dry food if you make it too wet, so if you notice your cat is picky like mine, you start with a small amount of water and slowly increase the amount.
5. Change or Remove The Litter Mat
Litter mats can sometimes be a problem for cats.
These mats sometimes have spikes in them and are designed to keep litter in the general area and prevent it from scattering around the litter box.
However, some cats may not like the texture of the litter mat, and it can act as a deterrent, causing them to avoid using the litter box altogether.
Removing the mat or changing it to one with a softer fabric can help ensure your cat feels comfortable using the litter box.
Be patient and make small changes to observe how your cat responds, as sudden and drastic changes can be stressful for cats.
Stay in touch with your vet through the process to give them updates on your progress and have them guide you if needed.
You can do this!