If you have ever wondered “why does my cat poop next to the litter box?”, you’re not alone. About 10 percent of cats do this at some point in their lives. This can be a serious issue that causes people to have to say goodbye to their cats or make difficult choices in animal shelters. But you can fix this matter if you try differently. In this article, you will find some helpful instructions that can help you stop your cat from pooping outside the litter box. I’ll also explain why some cats do this and advise you on cleaning up. These are handy tips. But if your cat keeps pooping outside the box, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet.
Why do cats go potty outside the litter box?
There are several reasons for this. Your cat might have some health issues, not like the litter box, or simply prefer doing their business elsewhere.
Health Problems Affecting Your Cat’s Litter Box Habits
Sometimes, health issues can mess with your cat’s bathroom routine. For instance, tummy troubles can make it painful or hard for your cat to go poop, or it might happen more often. Also, as cats get older, they can face diseases that affect their thinking and moving, making it tough to use the litter box.
Even minor issues like constipation can make your cat suddenly need to go and miss the litter box. If your cat recently had accidents outside the box, they might have constipation. Check their poop to see if it looks dry or if they’re straining when they go. It’s always a good idea to examine their poop before tossing it to spot any health problems.
If you look carefully at your cat’s stool, you may find clues. Worms, for example, can be seen in their poop and might cause symptoms like diarrhea. Checking their poop can also help you decide when to visit the vet. Even if their poop seems healthy, they could still have an underlying health issue leading them to potty in an odd place.
Stress and Cats
Like health issues, stress can change how your cat uses the litter box. Cats handle stress differently than people do. Things that might not bother us can make our furry pals anxious. Lots of stuff can stress out cats, like moving to a new home, getting a new pet, or having a new baby. Even simple things, like changes in your cat’s routine, can stress them.
Stress could be the reason your cat is pooping outside the litter box. You can’t always stop stress, but you can make it easier for your cat to handle changes. For example, if you’re bringing a new cat home, introduce them to your old cat slowly to make it less scary. Give your cat love and treats when things change to help them feel better.
Stinky Litter Box
Cats can be quite picky about their litter boxes. If it’s not super clean and smells fresh, they might look for other places to go potty just to get your attention. Also, if you switch to a different kind of litter with a strange texture or smell, your cat might not like it and avoid the litter box. So, it’s essential to keep it clean and use a litter they like.
Wrong Box Location
Is your cat’s litter box in the wrong place? If it’s by a door or in a busy area, your cat might not like it. Cats prefer privacy when they do their business. So, think about moving it to a quieter spot. But, if your cat has dementia, it’s best not to move the box as it could confuse them even more.
Cat is Scared
Cats can sometimes have accidents when they’re scared. It’s kind of like when we get nervous. This is different from stress, which sticks around for a while. Anything that spooks your cat, like loud noises or unfamiliar people, might make them go potty in odd places. It often happens with younger cats, but older ones can do it too, if they’re frightened.
To help your cat, figure out what’s scaring them, which can stop the bathroom mishaps. Also, ensure their litter box is in a quiet, private spot where they feel secure. That way, they’re less likely to have potty problems when scared.
Your cat might have arthritis.
Your older kitty might be dealing with arthritis. Cats with achy joints might struggle to hop into a litter box or use litter if it’s piled too high. If your cat was declawed, their paws could become extra sensitive as they age, making them prefer soft, easy-to-reach spots instead of tricky litter boxes.
You’re cleaning the litter box too often.
You’re making the litter box too clean. It’s important to scoop daily to keep it tidy, but you don’t need to empty the litter and wash the box every day or week. Cats like their scent in their territory, and over-cleaning the box can make them feel insecure in their space.
Diarrhea or Constipation
If your cat has a runny tummy (diarrhea) and can’t control it, she might poop outside the litter box because she can’t hold it in. On the flip side, if she’s constipated and finds it painful in the litter box, she might look for other places to poop.
Too Many Cats Using One Litter Box
When many cats use one litter box, it can make them dislike it. It can also make the litter box get dirty and smelly. So, it’s important to have enough litter boxes for all your furry friends.
They Used to be an Outdoor Cat
If your cat used to roam outside and now lives indoors, it might take some time for them to get used to the indoor life. Most outdoor cats can adapt to using a litter box, but some may find it challenging. Cats used to being outdoors need their own private, safe spots, just like in the wild.
The good news is that indoor cats can learn how to use the litter box properly, but it will need some patience from you, the owner. Ensure your new indoor cat knows where the litter box is, and keep it in a quiet, safe spot away from busy areas in your home.
Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box: 8 Tips to Stop It
Living with a cat who goes potty outside the litter box can be tricky. But don’t worry, and you can make things better with these easy tips. Just remember, every cat is unique. You should try what’s best for your cat. And if you see your cat avoiding the litter box, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet for expert advice.
Check for Health Problems
The first thing to do if your older cat is pooping outside the litter box is to see your vet. They can help figure out if there’s a health issue causing this. Many times, once the health problem is fixed, most cats will go back to using the litter box.
It’s a good idea to keep up with your cat’s regular check-ups to catch any health problems early. As your kitty gets older, they might start having more issues with pooping outside the box, so staying on top of their health is essential.
Sometimes, as cats age, they might find it uncomfortable to use the litter box. For example, if they have arthritis, it can hurt to step over the box or squat down to poop. If they have a tummy issue that causes diarrhea, they might not make it to the box in time. Senior cats with something like feline cognitive dysfunction (sort of like kitty dementia) might forget how to use the litter box correctly. And if they feel weak due to a health problem, they might choose the easiest place to do their business.
So, if your older cat keeps pooping outside the litter box for no clear reason, chat with your vet to rule out any health troubles.
Keep the Litter Box Clean
Your cat might get worried if the litter box is dirty, says Pagan. Before heading to the vet, ensure you clean the box enough. Experts like Pagan suggest scooping out the poop every day and changing the litter once a week. There are also litter boxes that can scoop the poop for you or need less cleaning.
Think About Getting a New Litter Box
Litter boxes aren’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one cat might not work for another. Luckily, there are many types and sizes of litter boxes available, like covered or uncovered ones. Ensure the box is big enough for your cat to move around comfortably. A good rule is that it should be as long as your cat’s whole body.
Clean Up the Mess
Here’s another helpful tip to get your cat to use the litterbox: clean the spot they’ve been going with a special cleaner. This cleaner has enzymes that break down the smells. Once it’s all clean, your cat will smell that it’s not the right place to do their business and hopefully use the litterbox instead.
Move The Litter Box To Calm Spot
Cats are delicate creatures, and they don’t like stress. Even small noises can make them anxious, and they might go potty in the wrong place to avoid the noise.
To help your cat, put the litterbox in a quiet, private spot that’s easy for them to get to. Keep it away from their food and water, and ensure it’s a cozy, stress-free place where your cat can have some privacy.
Help Your Cat Feel Better When They Poop Outside the Litter Box
If your cat is having accidents and pooping outside the litter box, it might be because they’re feeling stressed, scared, or anxious. It can be tricky to determine if it’s behavioral or fear-related, but there are signs to watch for. For example, if your cat only does this when there are unfamiliar people around, it could mean they’re scared of new folks, and that’s why they’re not using the box.
You can help your cat feel better by making a safe and comfy space for them to escape to when they need to relax.
Create Some Barriers
If your cat keeps going to a specific place and you can’t block it off, you can try using aluminum foil or a cat-friendly spray in that area. The idea is to make that spot less appealing for your cat.
Switch The Litter
If your cat is not using the litter box, it could be because of the litter, not the box itself. So, consider changing the type of cat litter you use. Most cats like unscented litter better because the smelly kind isn’t attractive. If you already know the type of litter your cat prefers, it’s a good idea to stick with it and not change it too often.
Wrap up
If your cat starts pooping outside the litterbox, it’s a good plan to consult your vet to check for any health issues. After ruling those out, you can use our tips to encourage your cat to use the litterbox again.
