Why Is My Cat Pooping Around His Litter Box?

You've just scooped your cat's litter box, and it's squeaky clean. He sniffs the box, turns around, and poops on the floor just a few inches away. Why would he do that when, as far as you can tell, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the box? Here are a few possibilities.

  1. Not Enough Boxes

    • Some cats like to urinate in one box and defecate in another. When two boxes are located side by side, these cats will use both instead of the floor.

    Wrong Location

    • Laundry and furnace rooms are generally not good locations for litter boxes. The furnace going on or the washer shifting into a loud spin cycle can startle cats so much they're afraid to spend more than a few seconds in the box.

    'Hooded' Box

    • Tops, or hoods, on litter boxes trap offensive scents that only a cat would notice. Cats also like to be able to see an escape route from their boxes, and that's not possible when the boxes are covered.

    Too Much Litter

    • Some cats prefer an empty box with no litter in it at all. Putting a puppy training pad in the box will make cleanup easier for you.

    Not Enough Room

    • Large cats need large boxes with plenty of room to move around and dig in the litter. Instead of a conventional litter pan, consider a large plastic storage box with very low sides for your big or elderly cat.

    Illness

    • Cats who suffer from constipation or diarrhea may associate the litter box with discomfort and avoid using it.