Why Some Cats Don't Use Litter Boxes

Cats refusing to use their litter boxes can create annoying--and smelly--problems in a household. Cat urination outside of the box can also create health issues. There are several reasons this may occur. Fortunately, according to the Vetinfo website, most of the time these problems can be resolved with simple solutions.

  1. Health Problems

    • Cats may refuse to urinate in their litter boxes because of certain health problems. If the feline is experiencing painful urination (as can occur with urinary tract infections) or difficulty defecating, it may begin to associate the box itself with the pain or discomfort. Blood in the urine or feces is a sure sign of a problem, according to Vetinfo. Visit a veterinarian immediately if a health problem is suspected.

    Dislikes Litter

    • Cats can be finicky about their litter, and a cat my refuse to use the litter box simply because she doesn't like it. Try changing the litter; if using a non-biodegradable brand, switch to an environmentally friendly, biodegradable version, recommends Vetinfo, like pine. Such litter tends to be softer on paws, dust-free and have better odor control.

    Litter Box Appeal

    • Dirty boxes are rarely appealing to a cat. Proper litter box care includes scooping it out twice a day and performing a periodic thorough cleaning. For these deep cleans, clear the box of all litter and debris before scrubbing it down with soap and water. A solution of 1 part bleach to 30 parts water can also be used, according to Vetinfo. Completely rinse and dry the box before replacing.

      Some cats need a private place to do their business; be sure the litter box is in a low-traffic and quiet part of the house. If your box is automatic, try the old-fashioned version. Some cats simply don't like the noise or movement mechanical boxes create.

    Territorial Issues

    • If multiple cats live together, territorial issues may be causing the problem. One cat will often dominate in a household, and if that domination extends to the litter box, the submissive feline may have trouble getting access. Dominant territorial cats often leave feces partially or fully uncovered, so watch for this along with aggressive behavior around the box. If territory is the issue, get one box for each cat, plus an extra in case a box gets dirty.

    Retraining May Be Necessary

    • Every once a while, a cat has simply not been trained properly, or at all, to use a litter box. If a cat continually misses the box or refuses to use it, even after other possible solutions have been tried, she may need retrained. Put the cat in a room with a clean litter box (without other cats) when you feel she needs to use it. To eliminate the possibility of litter preference, try placing multiple clean boxes in the room with different types of litter and see if the cat continually uses one type. When she does use the box, shower love and praise, repeating the process until she is retrained. If this and the other solutions don't work, consult a veterinarian.