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I've been a cat owner for most of my life and have learned many tips and tricks for keeping cats happy and healthy.
Cats are naturally clean animals. They love snuggling in soft blankets or a basket of fresh laundry. If your cat is not using the litter box, we need to figure out why before we can find a solution to this frustrating problem.
Whether it's an undiagnosed medical issue or just a case of a dirty litter box, this article will discuss many of the common possible reasons for a cat not using the litter box and offer ideas and advice for solving each one.
If a cat isn’t using the litter box, especially if he or she always has in the past, it might be a cause for concern. A cat with a health problem such as a urinary tract infection or arthritis may associate pain with using the box and decide to go elsewhere.
Cats are extremely talented at hiding symptoms of illness, so it’s up to you to notice any changes in their habits or behavior.
To rule out a medical reason, check with your veterinarian. If a problem is found, the sooner it’s treated, the better. Once your cat is feeling better, it’s likely he’ll resume his normal litter box habits.
Cats that aren’t spayed or neutered may be more prone to mark their territory by spraying. Many people believe this issue is only associated with male cats, but female cats can spray too. Cats might start spraying when another cat is introduced to the household or even if they see a cat lingering outside the house.
Spaying or neutering can help curb spraying, as well as prevent certain cancers and unwanted behaviors such as aggression. Unless you're a breeder, it’s beneficial to spay or neuter your cat.
Some cats have never learned how to use a litter box. Perhaps they were taken away from their mother too young or lived outdoors in the past and litter boxes are unfamiliar to them.
Cats already have the instinct to hide their waste, so training is fairly easy. Just wait at least fifteen or twenty minutes after the cat eats or plays and put him near, but not in the box. Hopefully, he’ll step in on his own and start digging around. After he goes, praise him and repeat this process until he’s consistently using his box on his own.
How often do you scoop? If you aren’t scooping once or twice a day and fully replacing all the litter once a week, your cat may be trying to tell you something. They don’t want to use a dirty litter box any more than we want to use a dirty toilet.
Try keeping your cat's box as clean as possible. Litter boxes can fill up fast, especially in multiple cat households. Keep a bucket and scoop near the box as a reminder to scoop morning and night. Dump the scooped litter into a garbage bag or dispose of it in a covered trash container to keep odors away from the litter box area.
It’s important to fully clean the litter box once a week to keep it as odor-free as possible. I’ve found it helpful to set out a backup box in case the cat needs to use the bathroom before the cleaning is done.
It’s easiest to clean the box outdoors, but if that’s not possible, the wash tub in your laundry room is the next best place.
Supplies Needed:
There are so many new and interesting types of litter to choose from these days. Varieties like ‘clumping’, ‘flushable’ or ‘scented’ might sound good to us, but our cats often have different opinions on the subject.
For example, if you’ve been using plain litter for years and then suddenly switch to a ‘scented’ variety, your cat might start avoiding the litter box just because the fragrance bothers him.
Each cat has his or her own preference of litter type. If the timing of your cat not using the litter box and starting a new type of litter coincide, you’ve likely figured out the problem.
If you’re not sure if your cat likes the litter you’re using, here’s an easy experiment that I’ve used successfully with my own cats to discover their preferences:
Switching types or brands of litter too often can cause some cats to stop using their box. It may be tempting to try the latest type of litter or buy whatever brand is on sale each week, but cats like consistency when it comes to their litter. If you have a picky cat, he might not be happy with stepping into a box of litter that he’s unfamiliar with.
Once you find a type and brand of litter that works for your cat, try to stick with it. If you need to switch to something else, make the transition over a week or so, mixing the old and new litters together in the box until your cat adjusts.
If there’s not the right amount of litter in the box, it makes it more difficult for your cat to properly cover his urine and stool. The level of litter gets lower each time you scoop, so this can become a problem if it’s not replenished often enough.
Too much litter is another problem you’ll want to avoid. It’s wasteful, it makes the box harder to empty and the litter is likely to spill over the sides of the box as he digs. Some cats will even go to the bathroom next to the box because they find some litter scattered on the floor.
The right amount of litter can vary by type and brand. Typically, two to four inches is a good amount, but it’s best to follow the instructions on the bag or box. As you scoop throughout the week, add some additional litter to maintain the right level.
Cats can have distinct preferences about their litter box. If your cat’s not happy with the type they have, it’s another possible reason for him not using it. There are many types of boxes to choose from and finding the right type for your cat is important.
Consider your cat's size, level of mobility, and the location you plan to keep the box as you choose one.
Some cats will not use a box that's too small and confining. It's common to purchase a litter box for a new kitten or young adult cat and forget to buy a larger one when he or she becomes full size.
It’s important to choose the right size box. A cat needs enough room to fully turn around and dig to cover his waste.
The sides of the box need to be at a height that allows the cat to easily get in and out. This is especially important for small kittens and older cats with arthritis or other health issues that cause them to have trouble getting in and out of the box.
If you have a larger cat and can’t find a big enough box in a pet store, try a clear storage container. These boxes are available in sizes that are just a little longer and wider than many of the litter boxes I’ve seen in pet stores. I use them for my 12- and 14-pound cats and they seem to appreciate the extra space.
If the litter box is located in a less than ideal area of your home, it might be the reason why your cat is avoiding it.
This problem can be solved by moving the box to a better location.
Factors to consider when choosing a good location:
If you have more than one cat in the home, litter can get dirty fast. Cats aren’t fond of climbing into a smelly, dirty box to use the bathroom, so it’s not all that surprising some cats choose to find another place to go.
In multiple cat households, some cats “claim” a box as their own and may even intimidate another cat about using it.
The basic rule of thumb for litter boxes is “one per cat, plus one extra." Yes, it’s a little extra work to maintain multiple boxes, but each one stays clean longer than if you only have one.
Cats definitely are creatures of habit. Changes in their environment or schedule can be stressful for them and be a possible cause of them not using the litter box.
Stressful events for cats can include moving to a new home, travel, having a new family member or pet in the home, being in a pet boarding facility, or having noisy remodeling work done in the home.
Litter box troubles can also happen with a cat that’s brand new to your home and is stressed about being in a new and unfamiliar place.
Many situations that stress a cat are impossible to avoid, but keeping his or her routine as normal as possible can help alleviate stress.
Basics like a regular feeding schedule and time for play and rest throughout the day can go along way in keeping things normal.
Other ways to reduce your cat's stress level:
As your cat walks around your home, if he can smell the areas where he used the bathroom, he might think these are acceptable places to go again.
Cleaning these areas thoroughly is a key part of solving the problem. Here are some suggestions for cleaning up after your cat.
I hope this article has given you some insight into this issue.
If any of these solutions have worked for your cat or there's something else you've tried that helps, please feel free to leave your comments below.
© 2012 carolynkaye
carolynkaye (author) from USA on January 23, 2019:
Thanks for sharing this, Tranquilheart. It's a good idea to try different litters for picky cats. I'm glad you found one that works for her. I appreciate your comments.
Tranquilheart from Canada on January 21, 2019:
Litter box issues are very tricky. I have a 7 yr old long haired cat that is a total princess.She was surrendered because she didn't get along with other cats. I've never encountered such a finicky cat. I use 2 litter boxes, she pees in one & poops in the other -- I don't scoop, I put enough to cover the base & dump out completely. I had to try 3 types of litter before settling on regular non clumping clay in an uncovered litter box. She'd limp about & sometimes poop around the house. Naturally we thought it was because of a health issue. But the vet found no problems. I tried someone's advice & bought a "softer" litter, pellets made of recycled paper and she loves it. I guess she has sensitive paws. Just sharing here in case some one else has this issue with their cat.
Debra davies on September 18, 2018:
Thank you im going to get a bigger box and clean where he stared going which is right besidewere i sit its like hes scared of getting to far away from me.but he has used his box twice last week.
carolynkaye (author) from USA on January 10, 2016:
Hi PaigSr, yeah that's a great idea to put a litter box in that spot. Cats are very much creatures of habit, especially when it comes to their box, food/water bowls, bed, etc. I hope that works. Thanks for your comments :)
PaigSr from State of Confusion on January 10, 2016:
My daughters cat has been leaving a little something for us shortly after she moved home after school. I just realized that where she was leaving them was where a litter box used to be before the daughter moved out. So I placed a litter box in that spot to see if that would help. I am not sure yet as I just set it up a few minutes ago. Its interesting how cats get used to things in a certain order and in certain places.
carolynkaye (author) from USA on August 24, 2012:
Thanks much, DzyMsLizzy! I hope things get better for your senior kitty. I know how rough it is when they get health problems as they get older.
Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on August 24, 2012:
Well put. Cats, however, often are, and can be more adaptable than we give them credit for...they just don't want you to know that, for they are masters of (human) manipulation! ;-)
We have 6 cats...but only space for 3 boxes. By scooping often, the litter stays cleaner, and the cats don't seem to mind.
The only cat that gives me a problem is a "senior-catizen," who is 14 years old, and has been on strong drugs for 13 of those years to control her epilepsy. She is now having digestive problems (the vet found no obvious cause), and the result is that she has to stay out in the garage overnight, as she simply cannot seem to remember where the box is...even the one we have out there for her exclusive use. So, my day starts every morning with cleaning up after her..and cleaning HER as well... :-( But, she was our first kitty, and we still love her, so we take care of her because that was the commitment we made when we adopted her.
Your suggestions are very good, and helpful for the majority of situations. Voted up, interesting, useful and shared.
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Thesprucepets.com Most often, litter box problems are caused by a change in the cat's routine or issues with its litter box. But if your house-trained cat suddenly stops using its box, your first step is to take your kitty to the vet to rule out any health issues. 1
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Pethelpful.com If a cat isn’t using the litter box, especially if he or she always has in the past, it might be a cause for concern. A cat with a health problem such as a urinary tract infection or arthritis may associate pain with using the box and decide to go elsewhere.
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Animalplanet.com Cats suffering from urinary tract infections may associate painful attempts at urination with the litter box, and avoid it. A cat who's thirstier due to kidney, liver or thyroid conditions needs to urinate more frequently, and may not get to his box on time.
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Petful.com Put Cat 1 in a safe place with litter. If Cat 1 is using the box and the urination continues, you know Cat 2 is a problem urinator. If Cat 1 urinates outside the box in the confined space, you know Cat 1 is a problem soiler.
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Thecatbehaviorclinic.com The retraining process to ensure your cat defecates in the litter box every time. If your cat falls into the 80% diagnosis and that problem is addressed, then your cat may begin defecating in the box right away (even if your cat hasn’t pooped in the box for 5 years). The majority of cats begin defecating in the box within 2 to 4 weeks.
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Iheartcats.com Note: If your cat is also urinating outside of the litter box, having trouble producing urine or stool, crying in the box, or showing additional signs of distress, seek veterinary attention right away. These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening urinary blockage or other serious medical issue. 1. The litter box is too small.
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Pethelpful.com Sometimes, a cat will pee or poop outside the litter box because it is suffering from a medical condition such as feline interstitial cystitis it isn't being naughty or bad, it just can't get to its litter box in time.
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Upgradeyourcat.com This might not be enough to solve the issue of your cat not using their litter box though. You don’t just want to redirect your cat to go somewhere else, you want them to use their box. You might have to also find out why they’re not using their box, and so something to ensure they start doing so. I’ve covered this in more detail before.
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Thesprucepets.com You then replace the empty litter box on the bottom of the stack, making sure the holes in the bottom of the box are not in the same location as the box immediately on top. For some people, this is a quick alternative to scooping a box. Automatic litter boxes can scare a cat and cause litter box avoidance.
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Pethelpful.com If a cat isn’t using the litter box, especially if he or she always has in the past, it might be a cause for concern. A cat with a health problem such as a urinary tract infection or arthritis may associate pain with using the box and decide to go elsewhere.
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Catingtonpost.com The most common reason why your cat may not be using the litter box may have to do with how often you clean it. It is important to remember that most cats are habitually clean. This means that they will not want to go into and use a litter box that is very dirty. Just think about using the bathroom in a toilet that is unflushed.
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Resources.bestfriends.org Cats stop using their litter boxes for a variety of reasons, including issues with the box or litter, dissatisfaction with the placement or number of boxes, changes in the environment inside or outside the house, and undiagnosed medical conditions.
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Petfinder.com Some cats are perfectly content with their litter box, but may avoid using it because of conflict with other animals. This is a frequent problem in households with multiple cats, and often the unhappy, stressed cat will quickly go back to using his litter box once placed in an environment where he or she is the only cat.
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Vethelpdirect.com Contact your vet to discuss a check up as part of the process. Position of the tray. Litter trays in a low-traffic area of the house allow cats to feel safe and not overlooked (unlike the poor cat in the photo who has nowhere to hide!). You may have to think creatively about how to provide privacy.
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Catbehaviorassociates.com When Cats Develop Negative Associations with the Litter Box Your cat has faithfully used the litter box for years and then suddenly has begun eliminating on the carpet in your bedroom. Sometimes you’ve even found cat pee in the bathroom sink and the tub. What’s up with that?
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Animalplanet.com Cats suffering from urinary tract infections may associate painful attempts at urination with the litter box, and avoid it. A cat who's thirstier due to kidney, liver or thyroid conditions needs to urinate more frequently, and may not get to his box on time.
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Thedoorbuddy.com In the worst-case scenario, your cat not using litter box may be caused by potential health issues. Health issues such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), bacterial cystitis, kidney failure, liver disease, or diabetes may be the problem.
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Catpeeingeverywhere.com My cat now no longer pees outside the litter box! And in the 1,5 years since, it didn’t happen once. And mere words are not enough to describe how friggin’ amazing it feels when you realize that it’s finally over, and that, from now on, you can just enjoy your cat without having to clean up after her all the time, and without worrying .
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Dogs or cats? Which is better for you as a pet? This ancient debate always leads to heated conversations between animal lovers. Some homes have both, but many just go with one or another. The dog owners are right though, for many reasons. Here are 10 solid reasons why dogs are far better than cats.
One reason why dogs prove popular is that they train easier compared to cats. Dogs can be taught tricks, manners, behaviors, and commands. You can do this for protection and safety, obedience, and even simple amusement. Dogs actually love training because they love having tasks and being part of a pack. Cats can be trained some, but once they bore they'll swat the treat out of your hand and run off with it.
Dogs will guard your home from burglars and strangers, but cats aren't going to do this. They're timid, prone to running off when someone strange comes in. Even the tiniest of dogs have heart, and their audible bark is enough to make some burglars go break into someone else's home. Many dogs will even wake you up if there's a fire, which is practically unthinkable for a cat to do.
There's a reason dogs are called man's best friend. They'll tilt their heads, trying to understand every one of your words while trying to make you feel better when you're sad. Cats are just going to ignore you and nap some more. Dogs are such social creatures that their relaxed owners tend to have lower blood pressure and longer lifespans, even when living alone, as compared to those who don't own any pets at all.
Dogs have to walk, which means you probably get to walk too. Walking is a low-impact form of cardio that does wonders for your legs, low back, and midsection. One study even found that seniors owning dogs walked an average distance of a mile per day.
Whether intentionally or otherwise, you laugh at your dog, or more hopefully with him. One pilot study looked into this, studying 95 people across dog owners, cat owners, and those without any pets. Among the three groups, dog owners laughed most frequently. Cat owners actually laughed less frequently than those without pets at all, so there's actually some statistical evidence that cats are downers!
Cats are savvy enough to rip all the tissues out of a box and rip them to shreds, but some dogs are technologically advanced enough to recognize and even respond to various written commands on a tablet, such as 'sit.' A few have even started mastering selfies. A company based in the UK offers training sessions so your dog can learn how to take good-looking photos of himself, just by nose-swiping the screen!
You can fill your tiny apartment with the relentless heart of a Chihuahua or let majestic Great Pyrenees roam your mansion. There's a dog size suitable to your needs and preferences somewhere along the scale.
The discerning noses of dogs make them very useful in all kinds of crime-fighting applicants, whether it's manhunts for fugitives, finding missing kids, or sniffing out bombs. Medical applications are under research too. Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania are actually training German Shepards and Golden Retrievers how they can sniff out ovarian cancer.
Kids that get exposure to 'dog dust' might have lower risks of developing asthma and allergies later in their life. That's based on research conducted on mice. Dog dust looks like it has microbes that influence how many immune cells wind up responding to allergens.
Well, if they do, something went really wrong along the way. Even those who love cats hate litter boxes (Check our recommended cat litters). Regardless of how well-maintained they are, the smell lingers and the litter gets tracked all over their home. Finding the ideal spot for a litter box is also problematic in a small home. Dogs get to be house-trained, and most will stick to their schedule. They'll wait to do their business during a walk or in the yard. It's only necessary to pick up their poop, but cat owners have to deal with urine in litter boxes. Poop isn't so bad with the right bags or pooper scooper. It's still not that glorious, but it's better than dealing with things inside your home.
Cat owners could probably point out a few reasons why cats are better than dogs, but they're too busy pulling dead mice out of their slippers. If you train your dog right, he'll fetch you yours.
Since the dawn of time, people have been debating if cats or dogs are the superior pets.
Both animals have their own unique set of qualities that make them adorable, but only one can reign supreme.
We ' re here to offer our two cents on the discussion by revealing all the reasons kitty cats are indeed superior to your precious pups. We ' re right and we know it. Keep scrolling to find out why kitties are the best!
1. Cats understand the concept of personal space. Dogs, on the other hand, have no problem getting all up in your business even when you ' re not about it. It ' s cute at first, but quickly becomes annoying.
2. Felines are much, much cleaner than puppers. Dogs slobber everywhere and will track in dirt when the come inside. Even though some cats shed a ton, it ' s nothing compared to all the dirt, drool and hair dogs get everywhere. Plus, cats clean themselves. You have to bathe dogs at least every other week if you want them to maintain a shiny coat.
3. Kitties pretty much take care of themselves. They really only need you to feed them and clean out their litter box, and give them some affection when they need it. Dogs are a lot of work to take care of. On top of feeding them, you need to walk them and give them endless amounts of attention. It ' s just too much.
4. Potty training a dog can be a huge ordeal. Cats are practically born litter box trained. What could be better?
5. Dogs like everyone. They will willingly waltz up to a stranger to receive plenty of pets. Cats are more selective with who they trust, so if a cat likes you, you ' ve made it.
6. Don ' t even get us started on the noise issue. Dogs are so loud. All of that incessant barking is enough to drive anyone insane. Sure, cats meow, but it ' s not all that often nor is it for a ridiculously long period of time.
7. Cats are so much easier to cuddle with. Yes, we know there are smaller dogs that you can snuggle with, but all cats are small and deserving of cuddles.
8. Dogs are funny and goofy, but that ' s all the time so it tends to become less amusing after awhile. When a cat does something out of the ordinary, you ' ll find that moment humorous for the rest of your life.
9. As far as toys are concerned, dogs are showered with way too many. They have bones and chew toys, but they always tend to chew up your shoes. Cats will tear up your furniture, but at least you don ' t have to waste money buying them a plethora of toys that they ' ll chew through in a day. They ' re perfectly content rummaging through a box or hiding behind the couch.
10. Seeing how independent and rebellious your cat is truly inspiring. All having a dog teaches you is how to look cute when begging for what you want.
11. Cats know when someone doesn ' t like them, so they ' ll be sure to steer clear of that individual. Dogs can ' t grasp the concept that they ' re disliked, so they will relentlessly try to make you their friend even if you ' ve clearly expressed you aren ' t interested. So needy!
12. We get it, cats will claw at you and bite you to no end. They think it ' s so fun for some creepy reason. Dogs will rarely ever bit you, but when they do, it hurts so bad. That ' s one bite that will take a while to recover from.
13. Hello, the ancient Egyptians worshipped a cat goddess called Bastet. Can you name an ancient society that worshipped dogs? We ' ll wait.
14. There ' s no greater feeling than when a cat purrs while you are interacting with them. Putting it into words would only diminish the specialness of that experience.
15. Cats understand our need to sleep all the time. Dogs have way too much energy, but gets are all about preserving it. We feel that on a deep level.
16. When it comes down to it, cats are just way more photogenic than dogs. Your pup may be adorable, but getting to cuteness to come off in pics is almost impossible. Cats just lay on the floor and already look like models. We wish we could say the same about us.
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