It can get frustrating when your dear cat starts to poop anywhere in the house except the litter box. You return home from a tiring day and find the carpet, room, kitchen, or bedroom all soiled with cat poop. It can be a real mood killer. So, why is my cat pooping outside the litter box? This messy behavior change in your cat can be attributed to many reasons. These may be medical issues or even stress. But this can be resolved with little presence of mind and attention to detail.
We have tried to find a cause and solution to this dreaded problem through this blog.
Medical Conditions Causing Sudden Pooping Changes
Cats are masters at hiding illness. When you see the cat pooping outside the box, try to find out a medical issue first. Some possibilities include:
Gastrointestinal Upset
Cats with diarrhea or constipation may experience an urgent need to poop. If a kitty has tummy trouble, they may not make it to the box in time. Any illness causing loose stools or difficulty pooping can result in accidents. If it’s a temporary GI bug, the issue should be resolved once their system gets back to normal.
Pain or Injury
Arthritis, injuries, and other pains may make it hard for the kitty to use the litter box. Climbing in and squatting may be too uncomfortable. Look for signs of limping or straining that point to an orthopedic or other health problem.
Cognitive Decline
Senior cats with some dementia may forget their litter box training. They might misread signals that they need to poop. Or, they might get confused about where to go. Any drastic change in established habits in older cats warrants a veterinary checkup.
New Medications
New meds, like antibiotics or steroids, can upset the bowels temporarily. It’s a side effect. This will last until the kitty’s body adjusts. Monitor for any bathroom problems, especially in the first few weeks.
If your cat has never avoided the litter box, see a vet. They can check for any health issues causing the change. Treating the underlying condition should get their potty behavior back on track.
Is Your Cat Stressed Out?
For healthy cats, stress is one of the most common reasons for a sudden litter box rebellion. Disruptions to a cat’s routine or environment can cause anxiety. This may trigger inappropriate pooping. Changes that may stress your cat include:
New Home or Family Members
Bringing home a new baby, spouse, roommate, or pet can rock the cat’s world. Some territorial pooping may pop up as the kitty adjusts to new faces in their space. Be patient. Give them time for affection. Minimize routine changes to help them adapt.
Construction or Remodeling
Loud noises, construction equipment, and workers traipsing through their space. Walls are being knocked down. No wonder the kitty feels on edge. Escape routes to quiet hiding spots can reduce stress. So they can keep their food and litter box areas stable.
Moving to a New Home
Whether across town or the country, moving is hugely stressful for cats. Marking unfamiliar territory with poop is not uncommon. Once settled into their new digs, kitty should relax and resume proper potty habits. Also, include their favorite litter, food, toys, and bedding. It will make them feel at home.
New Furniture Arrangement
Redecorating or rearranging furniture alters familiar pathways and spaces. To reduce stress, put the cat’s key items back where they were. These are the litter box, bed, scratching post, and food/water bowls.
Loud Noise or Events
Loud noises, from thunderstorms to fireworks to parties, can unsettle cats. Creating a quiet, secluded safe space might minimize startling sounds. You can’t explain to cats it’s only temporary, so just help them ride it out until calm returns.
Pay attention to any changes in circumstances near the time inappropriate pooping starts. If you suspect stress is the cause, find the source of anxiety. Or, make accommodations to help the kitty cope with a transition. The pooping issue should resolve once the cat feels secure again.
Read more: What Does It Mean When a Cat Wags Its Tail?
Is Your Cat Mad About the Litter Box?
Sometimes a perfectly healthy and happy cat starts avoiding the litter box. Why? Because something about the box itself has become unacceptable. Cats can be very picky when it comes to their potty preferences. Here are some litter box qualities that might provoke a rebellion:
Bad Location
The box should be in a quiet, low-traffic area yet easily accessible to kitty. If it’s wedged in an out-of-the-way corner, try moving it somewhere more convenient. If it’s too exposed in a busy area, look for a semi-private spot. Watch to see where the kitty opts to poop and situate the box there.
Too Small
Imagine having to contort yourself to poop in a tiny toilet. Big kitties need big boxes with ample room to turn, scratch, dig, and do their business. Add extra boxes in more spots so there’s always an open “stall” when needed.
Dirty Box
No one wants to poop in a stinky, messy bathroom. Scoop poop and urine clumps from the litter daily. Empty the box, scrub it clean, and refresh the litter twice a week or more if you notice odors. Cats prefer tidy potties.
Undesirable Litter
Some cats hate the feel or smell of certain litter. Try different styles like clumping vs. clay vs. crystal litters to see which your cat likes best. Look for their preference for soft vs. coarse texture. Avoid scented options, as these can irritate sensitive noses.
Covered Box Problems
Some cats, especially larger breeds, dislike cramped, dark, covered boxes. They need to stretch out. Remove the cover and consider getting a storage bin or extra large litter box so they can move freely.
How to Get Kitty Back in the Litter Box
If you’ve fixed any medical issues, stress triggers, and litter box problems, but if still your cat pooped outside the litter box, try these tactics:
- Move food and water bowls away from the litter box location – no one wants to dine right next to the restroom.
- Clean all accident spots with an enzymatic cleaner. It removes odors and discourages repeat pooping.
- Try different types of litter to see which one your cat likes best. Provide several extra-large, uncovered boxes in multiple spots.
- Determine where the kitty has been pooping and put a litter box in that spot. Slowly move it bit by bit each day back to where you want it.
- Use cat-friendly scented sprays or aluminum foil to make accident zones less appealing. Block off or limit access if possible.
- Add a calming pheromone diffuser to the anxious cat’s environment. Talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medication if stress is causing ongoing issues.
- Most importantly, be patient and stay positive. Never scold or punish kitty. Gently redirect them to the litter box and provide treats for appropriate pooping. With time and effort, litter box problems can be resolved.
Wrapping Up
No cat owner enjoys cleaning up undesirable poop in the house. While frustrating, try to stay calm when it happens. Your cat isn’t being spiteful or misbehaving out of anger. There’s always a reason. It could be medical, stress, or a dislike of their bathroom. With some tweaks for your cat, you can fix their potty habits. This will restore harmony in your home.
