5 reasons your cat is avoiding their litter box

There’s nothing more frustrating than when your cat stops using their litter box. Most times, your cat isn’t going outside of their litter box just to spite you. Medical issues such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones can cause a cat to avoid their litter box. Other behavioural problems such as stress and anxiety can also be the cause. Sometimes the issue is the litter box itself, if cleanliness is not up to standard or your cat becomes fussy about the litter or box.

Here are the five major causes of litter box avoidance:

It could be a medical issue

If your cat or kitten begins going to the toilet outside the litter box, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet in case of a medical issue. If your cat is experiencing pain while they are urinating or defecating, they can associate the litter box with the pain and avoid it. If your cat does have a medical issue they may also not be able to make it to the litter tray in time due to discomfort.

Common medical reasons for cats avoiding their litter box include urinary tract infections, cystitis (an inflamed bladder), feline lower urinary tract diseases, kidney stones or a blockage. Diarrhoea and constipation can also lead to accidents happening outside the litter box. Any sudden change in your cat’s behaviour, including their litter box habits, should be reported to your vet straight away. Some issues can be life threatening.

The litter box is in an undesirable location

When it comes to having success with you kitty’s litter habits, it’s all about location, location, location! It’s important that your cat is comfortable going to the toilet in your chosen location. Here are some tips for picking the perfect spot:

• Avoid high-traffic areas. Cats are very particular about needing their privacy
• Avoid the rooms that can get noisy like laundry rooms with washing machines and dryers.
• Don’t put their litter box in the garage if it is heavily used. The opening of the door and arrival of your car might scare them and cause them to run out.
• If you have a senior cat, or a cat with joint and mobility issues, put the litter box in the main level of your home. Avoid areas where they will have to climb up or down stairs, this may be painful for them.
• Keep the litter box in an area that is easy for your cat to access and for you to clean on a regular basis
• Have more than one litter box in the house, that way if something is happening near one litter box that your cat doesn’t like, they will have a second option.

Your cat is stressed

Cats can be extremely sensitive to change. Even the smallest disruptions to their routines have been known to have a major impact on their behaviour. Some examples of disruptions to a cat’s life include: moving house, a new family member, a new pet or tensions with other existing pets in the house. These can all lead to litter box avoidance, or even marking or spraying.

If you have more than one cat and they develop tension, one may try to ambush and trap the other in the litter box while they are using it. It’s important to have at least one litter box per cat, ideally placed in different locations to provide your cats options. Use uncovered litter boxes so they can see all directions and escape quickly if needed.

Top tip: Try the Feliway Diffuser to help reduce stress in cats. You can read more about Feliway here.

The litter box is dirty

Cats are very clean animals, and extremely fussy when it comes to cleanliness. So, they expect their litter boxes to be kept up to their standard. Litter boxes must be cleaned at least once a day to remove all clumped litter and fecal matter. Make sure there is 7-10cm of litter in the box at all times, not enough litter will deter your cat. You’ll want to get a good cat litter scoop and do not (we repeat, do not) be shy about using it!

You’ll want to clean your felines toilet spot at least once a day. We also recommend using a specific litter box wipe, to properly clean and deodorise. This will help to avoid any unwanted accidents around your home. Litter tray liners can help make this cleaning process easier for you as well. Disinfect the litter box twice a month with a safe and good quality cleaning product.

They don’t like the litter - or the box

When it comes to the feeling of litter under their paws, cats can be a bit finicky. If you have just brought home a new cat or kitten, it is best to continue with the litter they were already using for a little bit. To transition, add small amounts of the new litter to the old over a period of 7 to 10 days, until you have switched over completely.   

For kittens, opt for a 100% natural litter so you won’t need to worry about your new little fluff ball who likes to put everything in their mouth. For adult cats, consider low tracking and scented options.

The ideal litter box for your kitten will be easy for them to get into. You’ll want to get one that has enough space for them to turn around, squat and scratch without touching the edges. Hooded litter boxes can make some cats feel vulnerable because they cannot see what’s coming, while some cats prefer these as it gives them privacy. Slightly raised back litter boxes can also help avoid any spills that may happen when your cat paws at the litter to cover up any mess.

Whatever the reason for your cat avoiding their litter box, there are many ways to remedy the problem. It may be as simple as a trip to the vet and some medicine for your cat, or you may need to go through a process of elimination to find the answer. Either way, Pet Direct’s Customer Service Experts are here to help with any litter questions, concerns or recommendations on 0800 200 240.

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