Why Is My Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box?

If you suddenly see poop outside of your cat’s litter box, you may be bewildered, wondering: “Why is my cat not using the litter box?” More specifically, “Why is my cat pooping outside the litter box?”, you might ask. As a cat parent, this smelly encounter is something you don’t want to discover.

While accidents may happen on occasion, if your cat starts pooping outside of their litter box more than occasionally, something might be going on. It could be due to an underlying medical or behavioral issue, stress, or environmental issue. Whatever the reason, it’s best to speak with your vet to determine the cause and be able to address what’s wrong.

Let’s take a closer look at the possible reasons why cats poop outside the litter box and what we can do to solve the problem.

Content:

1. Why Is My Cat Not Using the Litter Box
2. Why Is My Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box
3. Issues With the Litterbox
4. How to Stop a Cat from Pooping Outside the Litter Box
5. Conclusion

Why Is My Cat Not Using the Litter Box

According to Dr. Susan Krebsbach, veterinary behavior specialist, Feline Elimination Disorder is the most common behavioral problem in cats, and this can have an impact on the human-animal bond. But the good news is, according to Dr. Krebsbach, it can almost always be managed and resolved.

“So why is my cat not using the litter box?”

If your cat stopped using the litter box all of a sudden, it may be due to several factors. For one thing, it can be a medical issue, ranging from urinary issues to hormonal problems. On the other hand, it can be behavioral such as stress or them not liking the litter box.

Having a Petcube Pet Water Fountain can be a good way to prevent some of the above issues from happening. On the other hand, it can also aid in addressing certain underlying issues. With its innovative features, the fountain helps ensure that your cat is well-hydrated and mentally stimulated.

Why Is My Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box

Seeing your cat suddenly pooping outside their litter box, you may be asking yourself: “Why is my cat pooping outside the litter box?”. To understand the behavior, it is essential to determine the underlying cause. To do so, we highly recommend that you visit your veterinarian. As a guide, below are the common reasons why cats might poop outside their litter box.

Medical Issues

Some of the medical issues that can cause cats to poop outside their litter box include:

• Pain
  If a cat is in pain or has an injury, they may find it difficult to get in and out of their litter box.

• Gastrointestinal problems
  Examples may include constipation or diarrhea, which may make it hard for your cat to reach their litter box. It could also be more chronic issues such as IBD. In a Reddit thread under r/CatAdvice, for instance, a Redditor was seeking advice since her cat kept pooping outside the litter box. The vet said that it’s likely that he has IBD, and suggested diet changes and medicine if needed.

• Age
  Arthritis, for instance, may make it hard for your cat to use the litter box to relieve themselves. On the other hand, old dogs may also suffer from dementia and as a result, they might have trouble remembering their litter training.

Issues With the Litterbox

This is a common cause of litter box problems in cats. It could be that your cat doesn’t like your litter box for several possible reasons. Here are some things to consider:

• Type of box - If the box is covered, for example, they might feel vulnerable using it. Or if it is too small, they might not have enough space to relieve themselves.
• Type of Litter - Most cats don’t like scented ones. Other textures may also be uncomfortable for them.
• Cleanliness - Cats like their litter box to be clean and tidy.
• Location - Generally, cats don’t like their litter box to be a noisy and busy area of the room.

Behavioral issues

If it’s a behavioral issue, it’s likely due to stress. Things that can cause them stress may include changes in their environment or routine, new surroundings, or other stressors in the house that they may encounter

If you notice any symptoms in your cat, including pooping inappropriately, it is best to address it early. Monitoring is key, and handy pet gadgets such as the Petcube Cam 360 can be a faithful ally. With its top-of-the-line features including a 1080p HD camera, 110° wide-angle view, 8x zoom, and clear night vision, you are sure to detect any signs and symptoms 24/7. You can also get access to their Online Vet service for 24/7 vet help.

How to Stop a Cat from Pooping Outside the Litter Box

If your cat is pooping outside their box and medical issues have been ruled out below are some tips that can help stop the behavior.

• Cleaning Their Litter Box
  It’s no secret that cats love cleanliness. Make sure to regularly clean their litter box, and scoop their clumps of pee or poop at least once a day to keep them happy.

Read more: Can Your Cat Be Allergic to Their Litter?

• Cat Litter Preferences
  Sometimes, it may be as simple as changing their cat litter. Many prefer the unscented cat litter. You may want to try out different types to know which one your cat prefers.

• Location of the Box
  Keep the box away from their food and water. For their peace of mind, ensure that the area is quiet, without things moving a lot.

• Number of Litter Boxes
  If you have more than one cat, adding litter boxes may do the trick. Some cats may be territorial, so they may want their own litter box.

• Clean Surfaces Previously Soiled
  Thoroughly clean areas and surfaces that were previously pooped on to avoid them from doing it in the same place.

• Positive Reinforcement
  When your cat pooped in their litter box, praise them, give them treats, or a toy.

Conclusion

While discovering your cat pooping outside the litter box can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that this behavior is usually a sign of an underlying issue. If your cat poops outside of their litter box just on occasion, then it may be nothing to worry about. However, if it starts to happen multiple times, it’s best to call your veterinarian to help determine the underlying cause.

If they’re physically in good shape but are still having accidents, a certified animal behaviorist may help. With the right measures, most of these problems can be identified and successfully addressed.