Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box? Here Are 5 Possible Reasons Why
Has your cat suddenly started defacating or urinating outside the litter box? It can be frustrating and downright gross to have to repeatedly pick up your cat's, uh, "treasure" off the carpet. Most cat owners have experienced this issue at least once or twice.
For the occasional "outside the box" pooper, it might be a one-off. But if your cat is choosing to go outside his litter box on a daily basis, he's trying to tell you something is up.
It's important to remember that your cat isn't doing this to spite you; cats aren't vengeful creatures. Mr. Whiskers is trying to communicate with you in one of the only ways he can. Here are five possible reasons your cat might be avoiding the litter box.
1. Rule out medical reasons.
Observe your cat when he "goes" and look for signs of straining or discomfort. Your cat might associate digging in the litter box with uncomfortable elimination, so they may begin avoiding going inside the litter box.
If your cat is straining, or cries out while trying to go to the bathroom, it signals that illness (not behavior) is the reason behind your cat's pooping misadventures; a vet checkup is likely necessary.
2. Keep it clean!
Cats are fastidiously clean creatures with extremely sensitive noses. Their sense of smell is approximately 40 times as powerful than us humans! Imagine if you had a roommate and you came home to a stinky bathroom - you wouldn't want to use it, would you?
If you find your cat avoiding the litter box unless it's fresh and clean, try scooping daily to give your cat a nice, appealing place to go. If you have a multi-cat household, you might want to consider a litter scoop that comes with bags attached to make scooping and waste disposal quicker and easier.
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3. Try different litters.
Due to their sensitive snoots, some cats may prefer unscented litters. A perfumed litter might be too strong for a cat's sense of smell. If you are using perfumed litter, your cat might not like the strong scent. Try switching to a non-perfumed litter.
If you're using a granulated litter, try a finer grain clumping litter. Cats may tend to like the feel of finer litters - whether this is because a cat instinctively likes to cover their feces in dirt or sand, or just a weird personal cat preference, cats generally spend over 20 seconds pawing around in the litter. So it's important for your cat to actually want to use the litter you choose.
The depth of the litter also might not be enough for your cat to adequately cover their business. So if you notice some bare patches from where your cat has tried to bury their feces, try increasing the amount of litter you pour.
4. Consider location, location, location.
Even though cats have been domesticated, they can still have strong wild instincts. When your cat uses the litter box, they know they are vulnerable to attack. You want to situate the litter box in a quiet, private location where they won't be disturbed by loud, sudden noises that would scare them away from using the litter box.
If there are other cats in your home, the litter box may be a source of contention. Your other cats may be intimidating your cat during litter box visits, causing them to avoid it and eliminate outside the litter box.
Make sure the box is in a location that offers a clear and easy escape route for your cat and, even better, make sure you have several boxes in different locations so your cat has options.
5. The box is too small.
Your cat might be like Goldilocks: their litter box needs to be just right - not too big, not too small. Your cat's litter box should be at least 1.5x their length for them to comfortably maneuver. A cramped litter box doesn't give your cat the ability to turn around and dig, making their usual bathroom routine uncomfortable.
If you have an older cat who suffers from arthritis, a high-sided box may be making it difficult to get in and out of the box.
Have you had this issue? What solutions have worked for you? Let us know in the comments below!
Personally, many of these stories make me sick and angry…about the humans, not the cats. “New carpet,” really? You have a cat…NEW CARPET. “CARPET!” You people act like these cats are plotting against you or exhibit dual personalities. What the h3ll, man!
Wouldn’t be surprised if many of you are insufferable as pet owners. No wonder the cats behavior is erratic.
I have three cats right now, one from a shelter and two strays we took in. I ended up here looking for reasons a cat might deficate outside a litter box because our shelter cat of thirteen years is doing so. He’s losing weight and eats a lot.
We try to create a calm safe environment for our pets, with routine and security. No form of punishment has ever been necessary. They are a joy, they require patience and love and that doesn’t mean feeling sorry for ourselves.
We have ONE room now with carpet and that’s on its way out, in the years after taking in our cats we moved away from carpets to tile and vinyls. Why? WE HAVE CATS! They may get sick and vomit, they may not feel well and not use the litter box. So we have no need except in the event of the needless stuffing of one of our cats to consider euthanasia.
Our oldest likely has parasites or may have some age related organ deficiency.
The cats mean more to us than furniture.
Are there any actual professionals that interact here?
My female cat , age 1 1/2 always used the litter box. Recently she started pooping outside the box on basement floor. I had 2 boxes, bought a third, showed it to her and she used it. The next day, her brother used her box and she pooped on my living room rug. I cleaned it out after he used it. And he does bully her..Bought Feliway infuser , but no luck.
I’ve read many comments on their cats behavior but not one where they can get an answer or solution. I have had my cat for8 years she first started pooping in the clean right on the badsket while I was putting it away sometimes in the kitchen. She had to litter boxes very picky on on her litter always making sure it’s lined up weird like ocd but I I don’t give her can food wet food it makes her mad she’s attacked us before. For no reason tried to plz her changed her food thinking it’s not her linking any more. The vet visit was so different she was really nice at the vet always is until she comes home got her cat food from the vets office 36 dollar back which he said might help her. The point is she had nothing wrong no cancer kidney issues I was worried something was wrong with her . She disliked the food I still remember her pushing it and fell all over the place . Her litter is cleaned daily I m particular with bad smells I’ve changed her brand as well . The suggest put her in the kennel couple of hours see if she stops. He said she’s just spoiled and if she don’t get her can food she gets upset I was told I shouldn’t give her to much can food it affect their digestive system we love her but my cats behavior is worse that when my children were 3 or 4 yrs old . And she’s very territorial. I don’t get it she gets good food good snacks attention but is never satisfied…
My 12 year old cat has been with me since she was 6 days old. Got separated from her mother so she was bottle fed. She litter trained easily and there has never been a problem until about 3 months ago. She will urinate in one of the boxes as I’m cleaning the other one, but then go directly in front of a bedroom door and poop while I am cleaning the one she just urinated in. I am completely baffled by her behavior!! I’ve tried new boxes, unscented litter, I am at a loss!! Anyone know what else to do? She’s very healthy, feces is normal, no blood or worms. Nothing. Help!!
My cat (8 yrs) will use litter box to urinate but will not poop in the box. The only change is a new access door. I need help adjusting the behavior.
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