FleaFree Feline

There are more questions about solving common cat litter box problems than any other cat behavior complaint. While many kittens will take to the litter box naturally, others may need a little help to be taught about potty etiquette. Adult cats may understand the basics, but certain habitat or health conditions could prompt them to avoid their usual facilities.

Read on to learn about common cat litter box problems and how to solve them.

Why Do Cats Have Litter Box Problems?

Most of the time, your cat isn't using the litter box for a behavioral reason—they're likely annoyed or stressed about something. This includes:

• A cat suffering from separation anxiety may stop using their box, and it can take a cat up to two weeks or longer to adjust to a new routine.
• If you're gone for an extended period, you're going to smell different to your cat when you return, which may also upset your kitty's toilet habits.
• A kitty that's stressed out may temporarily stop using their box after a big event like a move to a new house, family members moving in or out, or the arrival or departure of other household pets.
• A bored or sedentary kitty may have litter box issues, so give your cat plenty of toys and daily playtime and exercise to stave off boredom, another source of kitty stress.
• If you’re using a scented litter or deodorizer that has a strong odor your cat doesn’t like, they probably won’t want to use it because they find the smell offensive. In this case, opt for a natural and environmentally friendly litter instead.

What Medical Conditions Cause Litter Box Problems?

There are also medical reasons your cat may be unwilling or unable to use the litter box, so as soon as you notice changes in box behavior, take your cat to the vet for an exam. This includes:

• Metabolic issues, such as diabetes and kidney disease, increase the amount of urine produced, and an affected cat may not be able to get to the box in time.
• An arthritic cat could have difficulty with stairs or trouble climbing into a high-sided litter box.
• Painful urination caused by lower urinary tract disorders may prevent a cat from successfully using the litter box. 
• Elimination-related ailments, such as constipation or diarrhea, that are unpleasant for the cat might make them avoid the box.
• Painful paws that make it uncomfortable to walk on litter can be an issue.
• Dementia in older cats may make them forget where the litter box is or even how to use it properly if they find it. Very old cats sometimes forget their training if they develop cognitive dysfunction, which is like a form of kitty Alzheimer's.

Could a Cat Have Problems with the Litter Box Itself?

The problem could be related to some aspect of the litter box itself that doesn't meet your kitty's exacting standards, such as:

Smelly Litter Box

Cats appreciate a clean toilet and tend to look for other places to empty themselves when confronted by a full litter box. A cat’s sense of smell is many times more acute than your own. Even a mild odor can be off-putting to your pet, so keep the litter box clean by changing the litter frequently.

Wrong Location

Your cat wants privacy, so place the litter box in a low-traffic area with the least amount of disturbance. Think about the location from a cat's-eye view as well. Do the kids and dog have access to this area? Unwelcome visits and obnoxious noises can send your cat to more private places.

Your cat also doesn't want to eliminate close to their bed and food and water bowls. On the other end of the spectrum, cats don't want to have to go too far to get to the bathroom. Avoid placing the litter box in isolated areas, such as the basement.

Wrong Size Box

Kittens and small cats don’t care about the size of the box, but if your feline is big-boned, they may need a supersized toilet. Cats prefer litter boxes at least 1 1/2 times longer than their bodies.

Bigger cats may hang over the edge of a standard-size box or not fit into the hole of a top-entry box. At other times, a bigger cat may hit the mark but doesn’t want to stand on top of their deposit to cover it up. These frustrated cats may scratch the outside of the box.

Not Enough Boxes

Many cat lovers have more than one cat. If you've noticed litter box fussiness in one or more of your cats, you should have one litter box for each cat, plus one extra. While small kittens often share a litter box with no issues, adult cats may quarrel over this very important real estate. One cat in the household may actually take ownership of the box and try to prevent the others from using it.

Be sure that the multiple boxes are in different rooms or on separate floors so they can’t be guarded by one determined cat. Even singleton cats may require more than one box because some prefer one toilet for liquids and another for solid waste.

Substrate Issue

To maintain litter box allegiance, pay attention to the litter your cat likes. Once you find that brand, don’t switch. Like other cats, your cat loves the status quo, and any change in litter box substrate could prompt them to snub the box.

The best litter absorbs moisture, contains waste and odor, and suits the cat. If you have a particular product preference, you can start indoctrinating during kittenhood. But adult cats have their own ideas, and you won’t win the battle. If, however, you've tried everything and eliminated other possible causes for your cat's litter box problems, switching the litter might be the way to go.

Is your cat going on linoleum, wood, paper, carpet, or cloth? Try less litter or even an empty box, or line the box with paper, add a carpet remnant, or try adding an old hand towel. The idea is to pay attention to the surface your cat likes to use and try to duplicate it in the box to help your cat reestablish good litter box habits.

How to Fix Litter Box Problems

Once your vet has ruled out medical reasons for your cat's problem, your next move is to address any other reasons why your cat isn't using the litter box properly. For example:

• Move the litter box to a quiet and calm location that your cat can get to easily. Don’t place the litter box near your cat’s food and water.
• Switch to a larger box that will be more comfortable for your cat.
• If you’re using a covered litter box, your cat might not like it because it can trap odors inside. Switch to an uncovered box to see if your cat prefers that.
• Avoid the use of scented products in and around the litter box, such as scented cat litter, scented litter liners, scented litter deodorizers, and scented air fresheners.
• Switch to a different type of litter that’s gentle on your cat’s paws and low-dust.
• Make sure there are enough litter boxes for all of the cats in your household.

What Not to Do if Your Cat Has Litter Box Problems

Your cat wants to use their litter box, so if they aren’t, it’s imperative that you figure out the reason for their unusual behavior. First, make sure a medical problem isn’t to blame. If it is, your veterinarian can prescribe treatments to resolve the issue.

If it’s behavioral, do your best to make your home a stress-free environment for your cat. Give them the attention and care they require daily. Also, consider things like children and other pets that might be causing your pet to feel anxious or stressed, and then make changes to your cat’s environment to make them comfortable and at ease.  

Never punish your cat in any way for not using their litter box. Don’t rub their face in an area they soiled outside of the box. Don’t force them into the box. Don’t hit them or yell at them. Be gentle, patient, and understanding. The solution might be as simple as switching to unscented products or changing the type of litter or box you’re using.