How to Address and Prevent Litter Box Problems in Cats

Many years ago, I lived in a house that I shared with two housemates, and my cat, Bella. One day, one of my housemates brought a cat home, explaining that a co-worker couldn’t keep it and needed to find another home for it.

We didn’t know anything about introducing a new cat to a resident cat, or acclimating a cat to a new home. We also didn’t know anything about a proper litter box setup for two cats.

We just assumed the new cat (named Kaya) would use the litter box that was already there, and that the cats would eventually get used to each other.

Well, in the first week, Kaya left a runny poop at the head of my bed, just before bedtime, placed just right so that it soiled the blanket, sheets, and pillows! Eewww.

Fast forward to today, I now know a lot about what we did wrong and why the new cat did not take naturally to using the litter box like we expected.

If you’re experiencing litter box use problems with your cat(s), or want to learn about how to prevent them from happening, you’re in the right place. We also cover how to handle the behavior and how to avoid using punishment.

But before we jump in, let’s highlight an important distinction. Spraying (or urine marking) is not the same thing as peeing outside the litter box. Make sure you understand the difference [LINK], because the solutions to each problem are also very different.

This article focuses on inappropriate litter box use (or lack of litter box use), not spraying problems.

Understanding Cat Litter Box Behavior

Cats have natural instincts for using a litter box. But sometimes, issues arise that lead to eliminating outside of the litter box or even far away from it in places that may seem strange.

The Basics of Litter Training

Most cats learn to use a litter box on their own. They like to bury their waste in something resembling loose sand or soil.

Litter box training starts with having the right set up in your home. It also involves following some steps to encourage your cat to use the box(es) right from the start.

The number and kind of boxes, where you put them, how clean you keep them, the kind of litter you use, and how you reinforce litter box use – all of these things matter for establishing proper litter box use with your cat(s).

Signs of Litter Box Issues

Watch for signs that your cat is having trouble. These can include:

• Going outside the box
• Meowing or crying near the box
• Scratching around the box but not using it
• Refusing to use the box at all

Common Reasons for Improper Use or Avoidance

Cats may stop using the box for many reasons. Stress can be a big factor. Moving to a new home or adding a new pet can upset a cat.

Territorial issues are also common in multi-cat homes, especially when the cats were not bonded when they were young.

A cat may also suddenly stop using a litter box if something frightening or painful happens while using it. It may then associate using the litter box with scary things happening, so it will look for a safer place to do its business.

Medical problems can also cause litter box issues. These might include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney problems
• Something causing pain when eliminating
• Arthritis (makes it hard to climb in)

Sometimes medical issues aren’t obvious. But if you make sure you’re doing everything else right with your litter box training and set up, and the problem doesn’t resolve, it’s a good idea at that point to check in with your veterinarian to explore the possibility of a medical reason.

Now, let’s get into all the things that will make your litter box game top notch.

The Right Litter Box Setup

A good litter box setup is key for happy cats and a clean home. The right number, type, and placement of boxes can prevent accidents and keep cats using them properly.

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Here’s what you need to make sure of:

• The problem isn’t the litter box or type of litter box
• Your cat isn’t rejecting the type of litter
• Your cat isn’t avoiding the litter box because it’s not clean enough
• Your cat isn’t avoiding the litter box because of intimidation by a dominant cat
• Your cat isn’t rejecting the litter box because it’s in an area that doesn’t feel calm and secure

The Right Number of Litter Boxes for Your Home

Cat owners should have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. This gives cats options and prevents territorial issues. For example, a home with two cats needs three boxes.

Ideally, boxes will be in separate locations around the home. In multi-level homes, put at least one box on each floor.

I know this can be tough, but it can be well worth it to compromise and keep a box in a room you’d rather not have one in.

The litter box number rule is especially important in multi-cat homes, and more important still when the cats didn’t grow up together as kittens.

Choosing the Right Litter Box

Size matters when picking a litter box. It should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat. This gives them room to move and dig comfortably. They have to be able to turn around easily inside.

Some cats prefer open boxes, while others like covered ones for privacy. Try both types to see what your cat likes best. Make sure covered boxes have a low entry point for easy access.

Consider your cat’s age and mobility. Kittens (and many older cats) need boxes with lower sides.

Multiple Cat Homes

If you have more than one cat, you are generally less likely to have litter box avoidance issues by using uncovered boxes.

This is because if you have a cat that feels intimidated by another cat, litter box avoidance can develop if the weaker cat feels like they might get ambushed when using the box.

A box with low sides allows cats to see around them while they go, and gives them multiple escape routes.

In contrast, a box that is covered or has high walls can make the less dominant cat feel trapped and vulnerable, and may lead to choosing “safer” places to do their business (somewhere other than the litter box).

High Peeing Cats

If you’re like me and have a male cat that is a “high pee-er” (barely squats down when they pee), you may be limited to boxes with higher sides.

After some experimentation, I have settled on top-entry boxes, because even with a high-sided box, Gandalf was still sometimes peeing out through the lower entryway onto the floor.

I’m lucky that all three of my cats readily use the top-entry boxes, because some cats won’t or can’t use them.

Selecting Locations

Put litter boxes in quiet, easy-to-reach spots. Avoid high-traffic areas or noisy appliances. Cats want to feel safe and secure when using the bathroom.

Don’t place boxes near food or water bowls. Cats prefer to keep these areas separate.

If you have multiple cats, spread out the boxes to different rooms/parts of the home. This prevents one cat from guarding all the boxes and blocking others, thus helping to prevent litter box avoidance in less dominant cats.

You also want to make sure there is more than one way to escape from the box in order to keep a dominant cat from ambushing when another cat is in the box.

This can usually be accomplished by setting the box away from the wall by a foot or more. Obviously, preventing ambush is impossible with covered or top-entry boxes.

Good litter box spots include spare rooms, bathrooms, or quiet corners. Make sure doors can’t swing shut and trap your cat inside. Laundry rooms are tempting but can be a bit too chaotic and loud.

You May Need to Compromise

If you have limited space, you may have to compromise and put a box in a place you’d rather not have it. I’m talking about places like the living room or dining room.

Sure, no one wants litter box smells during dinner. But putting up with that every once in a while (and committing to keeping it as clean as possible) is far better than the headache of having a cat eliminating away from the box.

Types of Cat Litter

There are lots of options when it comes to litter type, and they vary by material, price, and environmental friendliness.

Try different litters to find what your cat likes best. Some cats are picky about texture and some do not like strong scents.

Mix new litter with old in small increments (like 15 or 20% at a time) when changing litter types to help cats adjust to the new stuff.

Introducing a New Cat to Resident Cats in the Home

When bringing a new cat or kitten into a home that already has cats, a careful approach from the start can save you a lot of headache.

First, set up a cat safe room to help the cat acclimate at a comfortable pace. One of the benefits of doing this is starting it off with its own litter box, whether you buy it new or it comes with the cat.

Make sure you use the same litter it has been used to so far. And let the new cat use its own box for at least a week or two before integrating it into the rest of the home.

That way, the new cat has an established litter box habit before any cats have a chance to use each others’ boxes.

Monitor signs of good adjustment as the new cat gets settled.

Solving and Preventing Litter Box Issues

Fixing litter box problems requires a mix of good habits, smart choices, and understanding your cat’s needs. Clean boxes, positive training, and a comfy setup can make a big difference.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

Cats prefer clean litter boxes. Scoop poop and clumps daily. Empty and wash the box weekly with mild soap. Rinse well to remove soap smells.

Replace old litter boxes yearly. Plastic can hold odors over time. Pick the right size box – it should be 1.5 times longer than your cat.

Try different litter types. Some cats like fine-grain, while others prefer larger pieces. Stick with unscented litter if your cat seems picky.

Keep enough boxes. The rule is one box per cat, plus one extra. This gives cats options and reduces fights over territory.

Behavioral Interventions

Praise your cat for using the box with your best “such a good kitty!” voice. Give treats or pets right after they finish. Positive reinforcement is the way to go when it comes to training a cat to do anything.

Never punish or scold litter box mishaps. A cat that doesn’t use the litter box isn’t “being bad.” It just means something’s not right and it’s your job to figure out what it is.

Punishment can make cats scared to use the box. And it damages the trust and bond you’ve worked so hard to develop. Instead of punishment, calmly and gently redirect the cat to the appropriate place.

If your cat pees outside the box, put the box in that spot for a while. Slowly move it back to where you want it.

If it’s possible that stress is a factor, try calming products like pheromone diffusers near the box. These can help stressed cats feel safer and more secure.

Dealing With Negative Associations

If your cat has developed a negative association with the litter box, you may need to do some re-training of litter box use.

It may be necessary to begin this re-training with the box in a different location, or with a brand new box, in order to break the negative association.

Environmental Enhancements

Place litter boxes in quiet, easy-to-reach spots. Avoid noisy areas like near washing machines or other loud appliances.

Offer different box types. Some cats like covered boxes, others prefer open ones.

Try both to see what your cat likes. In multi-cat households, try to use uncovered boxes in order to avoid making a cat feel trapped (vulnerable to ambush by a dominant cat) when they go in.

Keep food and water bowls away from litter boxes. Cats don’t like to potty near where they eat.

Reduce Stress and Promote Security

There are many possible stressors that can contribute to litter box problems.

You should aim to address and minimize environmental stressors, and generally do what you can to make your cat feel as comfortable and secure as possible.

This includes:

• Having solid daily routines for feeding, snuggling, and playing
• Playing with your cat every day at least once for 10 minutes
• Providing enough cat resources to go around for all cats in the home (hiding spots, vertical hangouts, scratching posts, litter boxes, water and food bowls, toys, etc). This helps prevent a dominant cat from bullying due to scarce resources.
• Using a cat safe room during any big changes like moving, remodeling, or hosting guests

When to Seek Help

Some cat litter box issues need expert help. A vet can check for health problems. A behaviorist can address complex behavior issues.

If you’ve consistently and thoroughly done everything outlined in this article and the problem persists, try consulting with a professional. If you suspect the problem could be medical, don’t wait – consult with your vet right away.

Consulting a Veterinarian

Call your vet if litter box problems persist. They may want to check for urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or other health issues.

Vets can also spot arthritis or mobility problems that make using the litter box hard. They might suggest medication or diet changes to help your cat feel better.

If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, consult with a vet right away. It could be a sign of a serious health issue that needs quick treatment.

Working with a Cat Behaviorist

A cat behaviorist can help with tough litter box problems. They look at your cat’s whole environment and routine. The behaviorist may visit your home to see how your cat lives.

They can spot stress triggers you might miss. Things like new pets, changes in the home, or conflicts with other cats can cause litter box issues.

Last Meows

We covered a lot in this article about how to identify, stop, and prevent future litter box problems. And now you are equipped to avoid the mistakes I made with Bella and Kaya.

May your litter box issues be few and far between!