If your cat is pooping outside the litter box, you may be wondering what’s going on. There are many potential reasons why this might be happening, and it’s important to figure out what’s causing this behavior so you can address it properly.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 12 common reasons why cats poop outside the litter box. We’ll also discuss how to troubleshoot the issue and provide tips to cat owners for preventing it from happening in the future. Read on for all of this and more!
Top Reasons Why Cats Poop Outside Litterbox
Let’s start with listing our the possible causes of this behaviour and then discuss each of them in details. One of these might be the reason that your cat has started to poop out of the litter box:
- Change in routine
- A new cat has joined the family
- Territoriality
- Your cat is scared of the litter box
- Your cat dislikes its litter
- Your cat dislikes its litter box
- Not enough litter boxes
- Dirty litter boxes
- Lack of Privacy
- Your cat is (or was) feral
- Medical issues or age-related problems
- Stressful situations
1) Change in routine:
If there’s been a change in your cat’s routine (e.g., you’ve started working from home), this could be the reason they’re pooping outside the litter box.
Cats are creatures of habit and they like predictability, so any changes in their environment can cause stress.
This can lead to several behavioral problems, including cat pooping outside the litter box.
Solution:
If there’s been a change in your routine, try to make sure that your cat has a consistent routine as much as possible. This means providing them with regular meals, playtime, and litter box breaks.
Read Ultimate Cats Guide Here: The Ultimate Guide To Pet Behaviour
2) A new cat has joined the family:
If you’ve recently welcomed a new cat into your home, this could be why your other cat is pooping outside the litter box. The new cat may be taking over the litter box and not giving your other cat enough space to use it. Additionally, the new cat may be stressing out your other cat, which can lead to different behavioral problems which is a common issue in multi cat households.
Read More: Build a DIY Top-Entry Cat Litter Box for Cheap
Solution:
If you have multiple cats in the home, make sure that there is more than one litter box available. It’s also important to provide each cat with their own space where they can feel safe and secure.
3) Territoriality:
Cats are very territorial creatures, and they may view the litter box as their territory. If another cat is using the litter box, your cat may not feel comfortable using it. Additionally, if the litter box is in a place where your cat doesn’t feel safe (e.g., near a busy street), they may avoid using it.
Solution:
If you have more than one cat, make sure that there is a litter box for each cat. Additionally, try to place the litter boxes in locations where your cats feel safe and secure.
4) Your cat is scared of the litter box:
Some cats may be afraid of the litter box because it reminds them of the vet or another stressful situation. If your cat fears the litter box, they may avoid using it.
Solution:
Make sure that the litter box is in a quiet, low-traffic area. Additionally, try to make the litter box as inviting as possible by adding toys or treats.
5) Your cat dislikes its litter:
If your cat doesn’t like the type of litter you’re using, they may avoid using the litter box. Additionally, if the cat litter is too dirty or not clean enough, your cat may not want to use it.
Solution:
Try out different types of litters until you find one that your cat likes. Choose fine, unscented litter . Most cats prefer this type over crystal, corn based, or scented litters.
Learn More: What is the Popular Brand of Cat Litter?
6) Your cat dislikes its litter box:
If your cat doesn’t like the type of litter box you’re using, they may avoid using it. Additionally, if the litter box is too small or too cramped, your cat may not want to use it. Similarly Litter box location may also put your cat off.
Solution:
Litter box problems are the most common causes of this altered behavior. Try out different types of litter boxes in different locations until you find one that your cat likes. Additionally, make sure that the litter box is big enough for your cat to use comfortably.
7) Not enough litter boxes:
If you have more than one cat, you should have at least two litter boxes. Many cats feel uncomfortable using a litter box if another cat is present. Additionally, if there’s only one litter box and it’s in a busy area, your cat may avoid using it.
Solution:
Make sure that you have enough litter boxes for the number of cats in your home. Additionally, try to place the litter boxes in quiet, low-traffic areas.
8) Dirty litter boxes:
If the litter box is too dirty or not clean enough, your cat may not want to use it. Cats are very clean creatures and they prefer a clean environment.
Solution:
Clean the litter box regularly and scoop out any waste daily. Additionally, empty and clean the litter box completely every week.
9) Lack of privacy:
Some cats may feel uncomfortable using the litter box if they don’t have enough privacy. If the litter box is in a busy area, your cat may not want to use it.
Solution:
Make sure that the litter box is in a quiet, low-traffic area. Additionally, provide your cat with a privacy screen or another way to block off the litter box from view.
10) Your cat is (or was) feral:
If your cat is (or was) feral, they may not be accustomed to using a litter box. Additionally, if your cat is used to going outdoors to relieve themselves, they may not want to use a litter box.
Solution:
Try to provide your cat with as much outdoor access as possible. Additionally, consider using an outdoor litter box if you have adopted a feral cat.
11) Medical issues or age-related problems:
If your cat has a medical issue or an age-related problem (esp. senior cats), they may not be able to use the litter box correctly. Additionally, if your cat is in pain, they may not want to use the litter box.
Solution:
Talk to your veterinarian about your cat’s medical issue or age-related problem. Additionally, try to make the litter box as accessible and comfortable as possible for your cat.
Read More: Why Does Your Cat Urinate/Defecate Outside the Litter Tray?
12) Stressful situations:
If there are any stressful situations in your home, your cat may avoid using the litter box. Additionally, if there’s been a recent change in your home (such as a new pet or baby), your cat may be stressed and avoiding the litter box.
Solution:
Make sure that the litter box is in a quiet, low-traffic area. Additionally, try to make the litter box as inviting as possible by adding toys or treats. Additionally, try to reduce the amount of stress in your home.
Learn More: How To Solve Cat Litter Box Behavioral Issues
Conclusion:
While there are many reasons why cats might poop outside the litter box, it is important to accurately diagnose the root cause so that you can correct the behavior.
If your cat is pooping outside of the litter box, please consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once any health concerns have been ruled out, look at our top 10 reasons why cats might be choosing not to use their litter box and start addressing those issues one by one until your cat is back on track using her designated potty place.
Do you know what’s causing your cat to poop outside of the litter box?
Read More: Best Type of Litter Box for a Vertical Peeing Cat
