Guides and tips
Why won’t my cat use the litter box?
Is your cat refusing to use the litter box? There are several reasons why cats may stop using their litter box. These include issues with the box or litter itself, dissatisfaction with its location or quantity, undiagnosed medical conditions, environmental changes inside or outside the home (such as the arrival of a new pet or the presence of other cats outdoors), or even natural behaviors like territorial marking.
Guides and tips
Possible reasons for avoiding the litter box
To identify the cause, you may need to consider multiple possibilities, but most issues are easily solvable. Always remember that cats do not eliminate outside their litter box to annoy or get back at you. Punishment will not stop or correct this behavior. Since most cases are related to stress, punishment will only increase it (for both you and your cat) and make it harder to determine the real cause of the problem.
Litter box or litter issues
Reasons and causes
The litter box and litter are the first things to check when your cat refuses to use it. Cats are very sensitive to the texture and cleanliness of both the litter and the box, so if something is not to their liking, they may refuse to use it.
Litter: Cats can be selective about the type of litter they prefer. Some cats may not like litter that is too coarse or too fine, or even scented litter. If you notice that your cat has stopped using the litter box and is being more selective about the type of litter, try changing it to one with a different composition.
Cleanliness: A cat is a very clean animal, and if the litter box is not cleaned regularly, it may avoid it. If the litter is dirty or has too much urine, the cat may deem it unsuitable and stop using it. Cleaning the litter box at least once a day is essential for your cat's well-being.
Size and shape of the litter box: If the litter box is too small or difficult to access, the cat may have trouble using it comfortably. Additionally, if the box is of the covered type and the cat does not feel comfortable inside, it may avoid using it.
Possible solutions
Cats are very selective about the texture, smell, and type of litter, as well as the litter box itself. If a cat stops using the litter box, the first step is to ensure that the box is suitable for them.
- Try different types of litter: If you're using scented litter and your cat avoids it, try an unscented, fine-grained litter, as most cats prefer the feel of litter that resembles natural soil.
- Cleanliness: Clean the litter box at least once a day and change the litter completely every few weeks.
- Choosing the right litter box: If the litter box is small or covered, try a larger open-type box so that the cat feels comfortable.
- Number of litter boxes: If you have more than one cat, make sure there is one litter box for each cat plus one extra.
In addition to bentonite, you will find other materials such as silica gel, pellets, and biodegradable litters. Choose the one that suits your cat best!
Changes in the environment (stress or new situations)
Reasons and causes
Changes in the environment or daily routine can cause stress in a cat and make it stop using its litter box. Cats are sensitive animals and react strongly to changes in their surroundings.
New pets: If you have recently introduced another pet to the household (a dog or another cat), your cat may feel threatened and stressed, which could cause it to stop using its litter box.
Changes in routine: The cat may react to changes in your household routine, such as changes in schedules, the location of the litter box, or the presence of new people in the home. These changes can cause stress and lead the cat to avoid using the litter box.
Outdoor cats or other stress factors: If your cat has access to the outside or there are other cats around your home, it may feel pressured or stressed, which could manifest as avoiding the litter box.
Possible solutions
Cats are very sensitive to changes such as moving, the arrival of a new pet or person in the home, or even the presence of stray cats outside.
- Use pheromones (Feliway or similar products): These help the cat feel safer and reduce its stress.
- Create calm sanctuaries: If the cat feels insecure, make sure it has spots in the house where it can hide (high shelves, areas away from noise).
- Give time to adjust to changes: If you brought in a new pet or changed the space, make sure the cat has a transitional period to adjust, with safe and familiar areas in the home.
- Limit visual contact with other cats: If the cat is stressed due to other cats outside, you can use curtains or limit access to windows where it can see them.
A visit to the veterinarian is necessary to rule out any health problems that may be causing this behavior.
Dissatisfaction with the location or number of litter boxes
Reasons and causes
The placement and number of litter boxes can affect your cat's behavior. Cats are extremely sensitive to their environment, and if something doesn't align with their preferences, they may refuse to use the litter box.
Noise or movement: If the litter box is located in an area of the house with a lot of noise or movement (e.g., near the kitchen or living room where the family spends a lot of time), the cat may feel uncomfortable and avoid using it. Cats prefer quiet and safe spots to do their business.
Number of litter boxes: In households with multiple cats, the basic rule is one litter box for each cat, plus one extra. If there are more cats than litter boxes, your cat may feel there isn't enough space or privacy and avoid using the litter box.
Possible solutions
If the litter box is placed in a location that is inconvenient for the cat or if there aren't enough boxes, the cat may avoid using it.
- Place the litter box in a quiet and open area: Avoid areas without an easy exit, with loud noises (e.g., a corner next to a washing machine), or places with frequent foot traffic.
- Do not frequently change the location of the litter box: Cats are creatures of habit, and a sudden change may confuse them.
- Have multiple litter boxes: In multi cat households, competition may arise. Place the litter boxes in different locations so they don’t have to share them.
Medical issues
Reasons and causes
Often, avoiding the litter box can be a result of medical issues such as urinary tract infections, cystitis, or other conditions that cause pain or discomfort during urination.
Infections or urinary tract issues: The cat may avoid the litter box if it has an infection or problem with its urinary tract, as urination can cause pain. Symptoms such as blood in the urine, excessive licking, or difficulty urinating are signs that may be linked to medical issues.
Cystitis and other inflammations: Cystitis is a common condition in cats that can cause pain and difficulty during urination. They may also try to avoid the litter box due to pain and discomfort.
Possible solutions
If the cat shows a sudden change in behavior regarding the litter box, it could be due to a health issue, such as urinary infections, cystitis, bladder stones, diabetes, or arthritis.
- Visit the veterinarian: If you notice that your cat is struggling to urinate, frequently visits the litter box without doing anything, or cries when urinating, do not ignore these signs.
- Ensure that your cat drinks enough water.: Cats that are not adequately hydrated are more prone to urinary tract problems. If it doesn't drink much water, try a cat water fountain or add wet food to its diet.
- Use a lower litter box for senior cats.: If the cat has arthritis or mobility issues, a litter box with lower sides will make it easier for her.
Unneutered cats and territory marking
Reasons and causes
If your cat is not neutered, urinating outside the litter box may be related to its attempt to mark its territory. Unneutered male cats have a strong tendency to spray urine on vertical surfaces to mark their territory, while female cats may do the same during heat. Marking differs from regular urination, as it usually occurs on walls, doors, furniture, and other surfaces, with a small amount of urine.
Possible solutions
Unneutered cats often spray urine to mark their territory, especially if there are other cats in the house or nearby.
- Neuter your cat: Νeutering drastically reduces marking and helps with the cat’s overall well-being. In males, the urine smell becomes less intense, and the need for marking stops.
- Clean the areas where your cat has marked thoroughly.: Use special enzyme cleaners to neutralize the odor, as if your cat continues to smell its urine in one spot, it is likely to return and mark it again.
- Avoid punishment: If you punish the cat, you are more likely to increase its stress, making the problem worse. Instead, reward it when it correctly uses its litter box.
Guides and tips
Useful practices
Possible solutions
To ensure your cat's well-being and reduce issues related to litter box use, consider the following practices:
Providing a personal space: Create areas that your cat can consider its own, such as comfortable beds or high shelves. This enhances its territorial security and reduces the need for unwanted behaviors.
Limit visual stimuli: If your cat gets stressed by external stimuli, such as other cats, cover the windows to reduce its stress.
Strengthen natural instincts through play.: Use toys, such as wands, to simulate hunting. Intense play helps reduce stress and boosts their confidence.
Installation of vertical spaces: Place shelves or other elevated surfaces, providing your cat with observation and relaxation spots, which caters to its natural behavior.
Providing scratching objects: Offer surfaces made of cardboard or other materials so your cat can scratch and leave its scent, satisfying its natural instincts.
- Create safe spots with familiar scents: Place a blanket with your scent in her favorite spots, providing her with a sense of security when you're away.
Guides and tips
Conclusion
The issue of not using the litter box can be caused by various factors, but there is almost always a way to fix it. The key is to observe your cat's behavior and try the appropriate solutions. If the problem persists, visiting the veterinarian is the best option.
With the right adjustments, you can help your cat feel comfortable and return to its normal habits.
