Problems With Cat Not Using the Litter Box

Cats urinating or defecating outside the litter box is a common problem, and it isn't because kitty wants revenge. More often, the cat has a medical condition or there is a problem with the litter box. Punishing the cat for eliminating outside the box is not effective. The problem is more easily solved with some detective work to find out if the problem is the cat, the litter or the location of the box.

  1. Medical Problems

    • A cat with a urinary tract infection will feel the urge to urinate often. Urination may feel painful. The cat may associate the litter box with pain and start squatting in other areas of the house. Signs of a urinary tract infection are frequent squatting, bloody urine or crying while urinating. A cat with a suspected urinary tract infection needs immediate medical treatment.

      Kidney, liver or thyroid diseases can cause a cat to drink and urinate more often. Cats with inflammation in the colon or rectum or parasites may feel more pain when defecating. Arthritis and mobility issues can also affect a cat's elimination habits.

    Litter Box Problems

    • A dirty litter box may cause a cat to find another place to eliminate. Use scoopable litter and remove feces and urine clumps twice a day.

      Cat owners may prefer covered litter boxes because they contain the smells and the mess. Cats may dislike these boxes, though, because they have to go inside, where it smells. Litter boxes with tall sides can be problematic for older cats or kittens. Older cats may have mobility issues or achy joints. Kittens may be too small to get into a box with sides too tall.

      The location of the litter box is sometimes a problem. Cats do not like to eliminate where they eat. If the litter box is too close to where the cat feeds, it will find a more remote place to eliminate. The litter box should be placed away from the cat's food in a quiet area. A cat being harassed at the litter box by another cat or disturbed by household activities while using the box may become afraid to use its litter box.

    More Tips

    • Clean the litter box regularly, but do not use strong-smelling cleaners. Cat urine has ammonia in it, and using bleach can compound the odor.

      Have a litter box for every cat in the household. Some cats do not like to share a litter box. Keep the boxes in multiple locations to give the cats more choices.

      Use unscented litter. Cats can be turned off by scented litter.

    Spraying

    • Spraying is different than urination. Instead of squatting, the cat lifts its tail while standing to deposit drops of urine on a surface. Cats do this to mark their territory. The most common culprits of spraying are unaltered males. Having the cat neutered can eliminate its desire to spray.