Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box: Why &How to Prevent?

Introduction

You're not alone if you are troubled by a cat popping outside the litter box. 10% of cats experience litter box issues at some point. Unfortunately, this causes people to rehome or give up their cats. But the good news is that with the right approach, you can identify the cause and address it.

This post has several simple tips to help you prevent your cat from pooping outside the litter box, along with insights into the common reasons behind this behavior. If your cat is having litter box trouble, we hope these solutions will be helpful.

1.Why Is Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box?

1.1 Potential Healthy Problems

If your cat is popping outside the litter box, it may indicate an underlying health issue. Here are some common conditions that can lead to this behavior:

• Urinary Tract Issues: Problems like urinary tract infections (UTIs), cystitis, or kidney stones can cause cats to urinate or defecate outside the litter box. The discomfort associated with urination can make them associate the litter box with pain, prompting them to go elsewhere.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Conditions like constipation, diarrhea, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can result in accidents outside the box. Diarrhea or painful bowel movements may cause a cat to go before reaching the box or avoid it entirely due to discomfort.
• Arthritis or Joint Pain: Older cats with arthritis or joint pain may find getting in and out of the litter box difficult, especially if it has high sides. This can lead them to opt for an easier place to go.
• Diabetes: Diabetic cats often drink more water and urinate more frequently, which may make it harder for them to reach the box in time. Increased water intake can also cause loose stools, raising the chance of litter box accidents.
• Stress or Anxiety: Environmental changes, new pets, or loud noises can increase a cat’s stress levels, leading to unusual bathroom behaviors. Anxiety may disrupt their usual habits, making them more likely to avoid the litter box.
• Tumors or Serious Illnesses: Growths in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract can also interfere with a cat’s bathroom routine.
• Parasites: Intestinal parasites can cause digestive discomfort, sometimes resulting in accidents outside the litter box.

If your cat is frequently pooping outside the litter box, it’s best to visit the veterinarian promptly. They can help identify the underlying cause and provide the right treatment.

 

1.2 Litter Box Issues

Litter box issues are prevalent among cats. Many cats will refuse to use a litter box that does not suit their criteria. Even cats who have been litter-trained for years may reject the box in favor of another spot (typically one that will attract your attention).

Cats can be picky, and if they're pooping outside the litter box, they might be expressing their discontent with the litter and/or the litter box itself. For instance, the litter box could be excessively tiny or difficult to access.

Long-haired and older cats prefer low-entry boxes.

Seniors may have movement challenges, and long-haired cats' fur might rub against the litter box opening, which is painful for them.

In addition, there are several other factors you should consider:

• Litter Box Location

Your cat's litter box location may be an issue. Consider moving it if it is near a door or in a high-traffic area of the house where the cat cannot readily get it. Moving the litter box is not suggested for cats with dementia since it might cause confusion.

But how can you tell if the problem is with the litter box or its location? Start by noting where your cat is pooping.

If your cat is pooping near the litter box, the issue may be with the litter or the box. However, if they’re pooping farther away, the location might be the problem.

• Material and tyle of the litter box

The litter box's design may be unsuitable for your cat. Cats, also like solitude when using the restroom, yet many cats feel cramped in enclosed cat litter boxes. They also require an extra large cat litter box to allow them to spin around comfortably.

Cats can be quite particular about the litter box material. While some may prefer plastic, others might favor stainless steel options. 

How to choose cat litter box?

• Cat Litter

Some cats will refuse the sort of litter in the box. Many cats prefer unscented, clumping litter that feels gentle on their paws. If you change the type of litter you use, your cat may dislike the texture or new aroma and avoid the litter box until you change it again.

• Cat litter Box Cleanliness

Many cats will avoid using a litter box that is unclean and smelly. Cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans, so if you can smell the box, it's unpleasant for them.

How to Keep Your Cat's Litter Box Clean?

 

1.3 Behavioral Issues

Behavioral difficulties, which may occasionally overlap with environmental issues, can include anything that causes cats to feel stressed or anxious in their home. Stress and anxiety can result from:

• A new pet within the home

Introducing a new pet into the household can be upsetting for current pets, and cats may be affected if a stray animal spends time near a window or entrance where your cat can see or smell them. Cats may begin home soiling because they do not want to share the litter box, they no longer feel safe in the litter box, or they do not feel safe pooping to the litter box by their customary path.

• Renovating the home

Cats are creatures of habit, therefore redesigning the home or even moving the furniture may result in litter box avoidance.

• Changes in daily household routines

Even minor adjustments to schedules or the arrival or departure of a family member—can lead to stress for some cats.

These changes may induce stress, which can lead to improper defecation. Some cats mark their territory in response, although usually by peeing rather than pooping. This behavior should be only temporary until you have had the opportunity to interact with the cat and gradually introduce them to the changes. Most cats will adjust to their new surroundings with your assistance.

 

3.How to Keep Your Cat From Pooping Outside the Litter Box？

3.1. Eliminate Potential Health Issues

Routine health check-ups play a crucial role in preventing litter box avoidance in the future. I always recommend annual blood tests for my feline patients and, for older cats, biannual blood tests. Regular screenings can catch health problems early.

As cats age, you may notice them occasionally defecating outside the litter box, often due to age-related health concerns. For instance, arthritis can make it painful for them to step over the high sides of a litter box or squat comfortably, and toe pain may cause discomfort when shifting litter. Cats with gastrointestinal conditions that cause diarrhea might not reach the litter box in time, while senior cats with feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD) may forget to use it altogether. Cats with chronic kidney disease might feel too weak and may choose a more convenient spot to relieve themselves.

If your senior cat starts avoiding the litter box, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues.

 

3.2.Clean the Litter Box

First and foremost, keep the litter box clean. Scoop clumps from the litter box at least once a day and thoroughly clean it regularly. Remove the old litter, then scrub the empty box with mild dish soap and warm water before rinsing with clean water. After allowing it to air dry, add a new supply of clean litter.

To protect yourself from microscopic bugs and litter dust, use rubber gloves and a face mask when working with your cat's litter box.

3.3.Change Litter Material

Consider using a different sort of cat litter. Many cats like soft, unscented clumping litter (scented litter turns some cats off). If the litter box is moist or stinky, kittens may decide to poop somewhere else. You may need to experiment with different types of litter to determine your cat's preferences.

 

3.4.Find a correct Location

Distribute the litter boxes throughout the house—do not place them directly next to one other. Instead, distribute them throughout your home, with at least one on each floor, so that no cat may obstruct access to all litter boxes at once.

Keep litter boxes in calm, low-traffic areas—Cats, like humans, like peace and privacy when performing their business. While the laundry room may appear to be an ideal location for a litter box, some cats will dislike the noise made by the washer and dryer.

3.5.Have right number of litter boxes

How many litter boxes are needed? The normal guideline is to have one litter box for each cat in the house, plus an extra box. If you have only one cat, you should have two litter boxes. If you have three cats, set up four litter boxes.

3.6.Kill Previous Accidents

If your cat poops (or pees) outside the litter box, you should thoroughly clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner. Otherwise, your cat may become attracted to the aroma and believe it is safe to return.

3.7.Make other areas less attractive

If your cat appears to be pooping in the same spots outside the litter box, you can make those areas less appealing by using enzyme-based cleaners to help remove pheromones that may attract them back. You can also place materials that detract from the area, such as foil, double-sided tape, or a motion-activated light.

3.8.Consider Recent Changes Within Your Home 

To identify the cause of your cat's stress—and hence litter box issues—ask the following:

• Have you recently altered your personal habits? For example, working from home or returning to the office after a long period of working from home?
• Has the litter box been relocated?
• Have you altered the kind of trash you use?
• Has your once-small kitten grown too huge for the box?
• Have you gotten another cat (or dog)?

 

4.When To Call Your Veterinarian?

Don't worry if you find your cat popping outside of his litter box. This is rarely indicative of a medical emergency. Stress, environmental changes, and new litter box anxieties can all result in this behavior. If your cat repeats this behavior regularly for several days, contact your veterinarian for further instructions.

Pooping outside of the litter box can indicate a medical issue. Your veterinarian will assist you in determining whether your cat has an underlying ailment and how you might be able to encourage him to poop in his litter box again. Keep track of any changes or noticeable patterns of behavior in your cat so that you may offer your veterinarian with the most complete and accurate information possible.

5.Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box FAQs

1. Why does my cat poop on the sides of the litter box?

Your cat could feel cramped or trapped. Try using a larger box or removing the cover. If you frequently find excrement adjacent to the litter box, your cat's bum may be hanging over the edge! Your cat dislikes the feel and scent of the litter.

2. How do you punish a cat for pooping outside the litter box?

If you notice your cat pooping outside the litter box, take them up gently and place them in the box. Maintain your composure and be objective. Make sure not to yell, grab your cat by the scruff, or chastise them.

3. Why does my cat just poop on the floor at night?

Cats are most active at night, thus pooping on the floor may be due to this increased activity.

We also notice that many cats prefer a little seclusion, and there are usually fewer pets and people about at night.

Also, make sure your cat can go to the litter box at night by keeping doors open and removing barriers from their route.

4. Do cats poop outside their litter boxes to get attention?

Pet owners frequently feel that cats pooping outside the litter box is a form of revenge or protest. This is typically not the case.

Pooping outside the litter box is usually caused by an underlying medical condition, a litter box issue, or household stress.