Cats are hard to read, which means that pet parents often have to look for clues to their furry family member’s wellbeing. Though it may sound surprising, the litter box is an often-overlooked source of information.
Here are five things your cat is trying to tell you through her litter box habits:
Using the Litter Box More than Normal
After scooping out litter boxes for a while, you get a feel for what’s normal. If you start to notice more pee than you’re used to in your cat’s litter box, it’s time to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Increased urination is a classic sign of several common feline health problems including kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism. Litter box cleaning also gives you the opportunity to assess your cat’s feces. If they are consistently too hard, too soft, or otherwise abnormal, it’s worth having a discussion with your veterinarian.
A lack of urine or feces in the litter box may also warrant a veterinary visit, but first you should find out if your cat has simply decided to “go” elsewhere.
Avoiding the Litter Box
Finding cat pee or poop outside of the litter box is upsetting, but it’s important to remember that this isn't a cat behavior problem. In her mind, she has an excellent reason for what she is doing, you just have to figure out what it is. Many medical problems can lead to litterbox accidents, so first check with your veterinarian. If your cat gets a clean bill of health, it’s time to take a hard look at your litter box.
The most common reasons for a healthy cat to avoid the litter box are:
Dirty boxes. Cats are fastidious and may not want to enter a filthy box. Having multiple litter boxes, scooping them daily, and emptying, washing and refilling them monthly should help.
Dislike of the litter. If you recently switched cat litters, go back to your old one and see if that does the trick. In general, cats prefer unscented, clumping cat litters that contain activated charcoal.
Hidden litter boxes. While a hidden litter box meets our aesthetic needs, cats may decide to forgo the extra effort needed to use them.
Difficulties getting in and around the box. Litter boxes with high sides are difficult to enter, particularly for kittens and older cats with arthritis, while a litter box cover can make boxes feel claustrophobic and hard to turn around in. Try a large, open-topped litter box that has at least one low-sided entrance.
Guarding the Litter Box
A previous bad experience will make some cats poop or pee outside the litter box. If your cat has been scared or attacked in or around the litter box, it’s not surprising that she’d avoid the area in the future. Always have one more litter box available than the number of cats in your home and put them in separate rooms so cats can’t guard multiple boxes at the same time.
Kicking Litter Everywhere
While it’s natural for cats to dig a hole in their litter and kick to cover up their waste, some go a bit overboard. Kitten litter box training starts when little ones are with their mother. Exuberant kicking may simply be the way your cat learned to do her business. A litter box cover or a box with high sides will help contain the mess, but make sure the box is large, bright and has a low-sided entrance to ensure that your cat will want to use it.
Peeing or Pooping on the Sides of the Litter Box
It’s hard for cats to avoid peeing or pooping on the sides of a small litter box. Jumbo boxes are available through well-stocked pet supply stores and will make it easier for your cat to be neat and for you to clean up after her.