7 Steps You Can Do Today
by Rita Reimers, Multi Cat Behavior Expert
Solving Litter box Problems in cats is one of the most common behavior problems I help families resolve. When a cat suddenly stops using the litter box, it can create stress quickly. But there is usually an underlying reason and a path forward.
When Your Cat Avoids the Litter Box
Solving litter box problems in cats can feel frustrating, especially when you are not sure where to start. Some families become so overwhelmed that they consider rehoming their cat, even though many litter box problems can be improved once the real cause is identified..
The first step is always a visit to your veterinarian for a thorough exam. Medical conditions such as urinary tract infections, urinary crystals, bladder stones, pain, or other health concerns can cause a cat to avoid the litter box.
Once medical issues have been ruled out or treated, try these seven steps to help solve litter box avoidance and reduce the chances of future problems.
My 7-Steps to Solving Litter Box Problems
- Have Enough Litter Boxes: Most cat behavior professionals recommend one litter box per cat, plus one extra. While that is not always practical, having at least one box for every two cats can work if boxes are kept clean and scooped often. See my Blog, Multi-Cat Households, for more information on this.
- Place Boxes in Quiet, Accessible Areas: Cats prefer litter boxes in low-traffic locations where they feel safe. If the box is near constant activity, loud appliances, or blocked by another pet, your cat may choose another place to go.
- Keep Food Away from Litter Boxes: Most cats do not want to eat near where they eliminate. Keep food and water bowls separated from litter box areas whenever possible.
. - Size Matters. Choose the Right Litter Box: TThe litter box should be large enough for your cat to turn around comfortably and eliminate without hanging over the edge. Small boxes can lead to avoidance or accidents outside the box.
- Try Uncovered Boxes: Many cats prefer open, uncovered litter boxes. While lids may help humans with odor and scatter, they can trap smells and make cats feel confined.
- Use a Litter Your Cat Likes: Some cats are very particular about texture and scent. Unscented, soft, sand-like litter is often preferred. You may need to test a few options to find the best match
Choose a litter your cat will use Pro Tip: See My Blog, Choosing the Right Cat Litter, for a detailed comparison of types and brands.
- Deep Clean Boxes Regularly: Scooping daily is essential, but boxes also need regular washing. About once a month, empty the box, wash with hot water, and use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner such as Anti-Icky Poo before refilling with fresh litter. Also use enzyme killing product, such as my favorite, Anti Icky Poo. Then refill the litter box with fresh clean litter.
Solving the Litter Box Problem for Good
Fixing litter box problems can feel overwhelming, but many cases improve once the underlying cause is identified and the right changes are made.
If your cat suddenly begins avoiding the litter box again, schedule a veterinary exam before assuming the problem is behavioral. Pain, urinary issues, digestive problems, and other medical concerns can quickly change litter box habits.
Once medical causes have been ruled out, a qualified cat behaviorist, like me, can help uncover hidden triggers and create a personalized plan for your home.
Also review my Litter Box Problems Guide for more information.
Need Help Solving Your Cat’s Behavior Problems?
Book a Cat Behavior Session with Rita Reimers and get a personalized plan to resolve your cat’s behavior issues.
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We adopted Teddy Bear 4 years ago, he was big and overweight about 22 lbs. Pretty big for a Maine Coon mix. Although the shelyer told us he had been mistreated by previous owners, he was shy but friendly and gentle. The first problem we faced (besides weight reduction) was his inappropriate elimination. Once he used a spot he tended to return there for future toilet visits. We had another cat but we had three litter boxws. We bought an oversized (think kiddy pool) litter box which Teddy seemed to like for a short while and we switch cat litter brands, eventually adopting the Pretty Litter brand. He rarely uses a litter box no matter where it is placed. Now we have since adopted two more cats from our neighbor who passed and we couldn’t find a suitable home for them but they came into our home well-adjusted although losing their familiar surroundings and owner. We have gated the stairway in order to segregate the two pairs of cats and reduce any stress to Teddy who now suffers from diarrhea along with his tendency to squat on our floors and carpets. Three visits to the vet clinic have resulted in no solutions. What would you suggest?
Hi Dennis,
First, that is so wonderful that you took in these two cats who lost their person. Cats do grieve, so I am sure they are missing their person very much. How are they handling their new surroundings?
Getting to the bottom of Teddy’s poop behaviors is what needs to happen before the added stress of meeting his new housemates. Has he been seen by your veterinarian recently? IBS and other intestinal issues, such as parasites, can often cause runny poo. Also ask your vet about using medication to help Teddy has more fully-formed poos. This may be the reason he isn’t using the litter box for poop, especially if he is using is ok for peeing. He may even have a food allergy that is causing his runny poop.
If all medical causes for his behavior have been ruled out, then of course this has become a habit for Teddy. There are many ways we can help, feel free to schedule a free 15-minute pre-consult if you’d like to meet Linda and I before scheduling a session for Teddy. We can also help you to get all 4 cats to meet and live together in harmony.
https://ritareimers.com/cat-behavior-consultations/#free-cat-behavior-session
Meow,
Rita
We adopted Leo 10 months ago. Leo has learned to do litter in his box . But sometimes like once every 14 days he does pee on the sofa/chair/bed. We have a big litter box and his favorite litter too. Leo is healthy and takes his meals properly . But his sudden urge to pee outside the litter box gets us all worried . We did went to vet but got no solutions. What would your team suggest?
Hi Bushra,
I am happy to see that you booked a session with us, because there could be any number of reasons Leo has begun to pee in unwanted places. Perhaps there were changes to his home, or there are unwanted kitties outside hanging around, could be separation anxiety, and the big one, it could be a medical issues, such as urinary crystals.
Once we meet with you, we’ll be in a better position to tell what is the root cause, and the specific steps Leo will need to help break this behavior (assuming he has been to the veterinarian to rule our illness).
Linda and I are looking forward to meeting you next week!
Purrs and Meows,
Rita
Hi there!
I will have had my male cat 7 years now. My little guy can get urinary crystals and is on a urinary diet and has been for about 4 years.
We adopted a younger cat a year ago, while they aren’t a super lovey brother and sister combo, they definitely co exist without issues.
In the past month, my boy cat has been peeing outside our litter boxes, we have 2 of them, they are covered, we use wood pellets and clean them daily, and thid has been the routine for him all his life with no trouble. This is very usual behavior for him, we have tried taking the lids off, moving them, using different litter, but he will still pee outside of them. No crystals or any other issues according to our vet. So I’m thinking it could be anxiety or that he is mad at something maybe?
Would love to know what you guys think!
Hi Emma,
It could be anxiety, has anything in your household changed? Have you moved? Added new Furniture, new people? Has anyone left the household (like for school or other reasons) or has anyone’s schedule changed? Have any new pets come into the household, or have any passed away? Almost any change in day-to-day life can affect cats and their feelings of insecurity.
Most importantly, have you had him back to the vet to check for another blockage? That is the most likely reason for his peeing outside of the box.
Rita
My kitten use Bethroom around my apartment. I try sew him lid litter box in the restroom . But he kept doing around the apartment. I get new cat litter and sew him it . But he still go pop around my apartment. I try to lock the cat in the restroom.But I put food water in the bathroom. I talk t
O my cat why . I thank I don’t want to it get my kitten alway. I want to kept him . Please help me to train my kitten to use his litter box.
My cat Willow is going to be 10 this year. She has used the litter her whole life, and never had issue until recently. She will not poop in a litter box when she is in our upstairs. She will poop in the downstairs litters but not in the upstairs ones. I bought identical Litterboxes to the downstairs ones and use the same litter, I even moved the box to a more secluded area upstairs,however she still poops on the floor. She is medically healthy, and the vet states it’s a behavior issue. Help! I’m tired of cleaning up poop every day but don’t know what to do to help her.
My cat is 6 years old he’s a mixed breed but looks like American cat. He never peed outside the box for as long as he was a baby kitten. He is also sprayed. For around a year now he started to get into the habit of spraying whenever there is a cat around the house or when it’s mating season and he hears a lot of cats fights, but he only does it once or twice and then stops that. Unfortunately this year he started doing it almost every other day for a month now. My mom traveled “he doesn’t have the best relationship with her” and my auntie “who he knows” came to our house to sleep for around a month now also we had a couple of visitors with 2 children “who he also knows” to sleep around for a week now and around this month he started doing it more often and started to get on my nerves. He doesn’t have any medical issues and tried all kinds of sprays and repellents, now he does it once every 5 days. I really don’t know what to do I even changed his litter box to a bigger one non-lid also if he’s stressed from visitors why now? He’s known them for his whole 6 years life 🙁
Hi Nora,
Cats spray for many reasons, from anxiety, to household changes, or even outside cats can cause this behavior.
I would suggest setting up a free 15-minute pre consultation with Nicole, so she can talk about the issues you face and recommend the session that’s right for you while making you comfortable with our services.
Here is the link to our session page, so you can review the options we offer. The free pre-consult is the first link: https://ritareimers.com/cat-behavior-sessions/
We can help!
Rita