Behavior Problems With a Cat's Elimination

Don't give up on your cat just yet. Behavior problems relating to litter box use can be easy to resolve. With a little detective work, you can learn if the problem is a minor issue caused by stress or if it stems from a medical condition. If the latter, you'll need to visit the vet.

  1. Identify the Problem

    • The general rule is one box for each cat and an extra one.

      If your cat has been using the litter box reliably, and then suddenly stops and begins eliminating elsewhere, that's a very different problem than one who never used it at all. In the former case, kitty may have developed an aversion to the litter box. In the latter, she has issues with something relating to the litter box. The steps to clearing up litter box behavior problems begin with ensuring your cat is healthy before moving on. So, put on your detective hat, as you have some sleuthing to do.

    Health Issues

    • She may be telling you that it hurts to use the litter box.

      Since a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a serious condition requiring antibiotics, it's important to address this as a possibility first and have it ruled out before moving on to the next step. If a UTI is present, a cat will develop an aversion to a litter box she has been using reliably. A clue to this problem is if she is defecating in the box, but urinating elsewhere. UTI will cause burning pain upon urination. Since she feels this pain only when she goes to the litter box, she associates the pain of urination with the litter box, so she avoids it. A UTI can cause serious opportunistic problems and spread rapidly if not treated aggressively and early. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.

    Non-Health Issues

    • The litter box may be too small for your cat, or she may not like covered boxes.

      It's rare to have a cat that never used the litter box at all; they instinctively bury their waste. All that's necessary is for the owner to provide a place to dig. Cats, even kittens, routinely use the litter box without any training. Simply show him where his litter box is, and he'll take it from there. If he won't use it, it's possible he doesn't like the litter itself. Try changing litters and experiment with different depths. Mimic the surface your cat is using. For example, if your cat is using a throw rug as a litter box, make the litter in the box more shallow. If she's using a down comforter, make it deeper. It could be the size of the grains of litter, or the dust that discourages her, so try different brands. If you can, move your litter box to where she is eliminating. If the litter box is covered, try taking the cover off. Make sure the box is big enough for your cat to fit her whole body in. It's also possible the cat was a stray who is accustomed to digging in the dirt outside. It may take a few days or a week to get the message to this cat that the litter box is a substitute for the outdoors. If possible, allow him to urinate or defecate outside and then bury some of the dirt he used in his litter box to give him the message.

    Stress

    • Try moving the litter box or trying different litters.

      Another reason cats avoid the litter box is stress. Cats are creatures of habit and territorial. Changes in her environment can cause Kitty to exhibit stress-related behaviors, such as avoiding the litter box. A new companion animal or person in the home, the loss of an principle person or a change in housing all can cause stress in cats. Sometimes, cats will bully others and will "attack" a cat while the cat is "indisposed," leaving the victim in constant fear of the box. A dirty litter box also will stress out a cat, so always keep the box scooped and change out the litter in the box at least once a month to eliminate built-up odors and particles too small for the litter scooper.