- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Ah, the litter box—the one tricky part of having a cat. Most of the time, cats are happy to use their litter box. But sometimes, they might poop or pee right next to it—or even somewhere else in the house.
Cats might poop beside their litter box to say something is wrong, says Shani Campbell, a certified feline training and behavior specialist at Wild at Heart Cats.
Keep reading to find out six reasons why your cat might be missing the litter box and how to fix it!
Why Your Cats Are Pooping Outside the Litter Box
Cats can’t use words, so they communicate with their actions—like missing the litter box. Campbell says if your cat is pooping right outside their box, they know where they’re supposed to go, but something is stopping them from using it.
Here are some common reasons this might happen and how to help your kitty.
They’re sick or injured
Certain underlying medical reasons can lead to a cat pooping or peeing beside the litter box.
Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a veterinarian with Better Pet explains that issues like parasites, arthritis, injuries, or stomach problems might make your cat avoid the box.
They don’t like the litter box location
If your cat’s surroundings are stressful or the litter box is hard to reach, they might poop beside the litter box.
Dr. Alleyne says moving the box frequently or putting it in a spot that sees a lot of foot traffic can upset your cat.
They don’t like the box or litter type
Some cats are picky about their litter or litter box. Dr. Alleyne says covered boxes can trap smells and feel gross to your cat. Or, the litter might be uncomfortable for their paws.
“If a cat is choosing a soft rug, for example, maybe the [type of] litter you are using is painful for their sensitive paws,” Campbell adds.
They’re stressed or insecure
Campbell says stress can make cats poop outside their litter box. Some common cat stressors include other pets, people, or even outdoor cats that your territorial kitty sees from the window.
She adds that a lack of fun and stimulation (like lick mats or interactive toys) can also leave them feeling anxious or unhappy.
They had a bad experience
Sometimes, a bad experience makes a cat avoid the litter box.
“It can even be that your cat, at one point, had a stomach ache or some other pain while using the box, and they now associate that pain with that specific box,” Campbell says.
They’re older
Older cats may struggle with joint problems, making it hard to climb into a box with high sides.
Dr. Alleyne adds that cognitive decline in aging cats can also lead to confusion and accidents.
Figuring Out Why Your Cat’s Pooping Outside the Litter Box
If your cat’s behavior has changed, think about anything new in their environment, litter box, or routine.
Ask yourself:
- Did you bring home a new pet or have someone move in?
- Did you switch the type of litter or litter box?
- Have you gone a few days without scooping the box?
- Did you move the litter box or notice more noise or activity near it?
- Does your cat seem to struggle with jumping or climbing?
- Does your cat seem bored, stressed, or anxious?
- Have you noticed a new cat hanging out near your house?
Watch your cat closely for a few days to see if anything unusual stands out.
When to see a vet
If your cat starts pooping outside the litter box suddenly or frequently, Campbell says to check with a vet to rule out medical issues. Also, if they show any other worrying symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or appetite changes.
She explains that your vet can run various tests and bloodwork to determine if the problem has medical roots. If they can’t detect any problems, your cat’s change in litter box habits is likely behavioral.
How to Stop Cats From Pooping Outside the Litter Box
Once you know what’s causing the problem, try these simple solutions to help your cat get back to using the litter box the right way:
- Pick the right litter: Campbell says most cats prefer clumping clay litter because it feels natural. However, every cat is different, so experiment with alternative litters to find what your kitty likes best.
- Choose the best box for your cat: Cats don’t care about privacy when going poop. In fact, some cats don’t like covered litter boxes at all. Campbell suggests an open litter box style for most cats.
- Match the box to their preferred surface type: If your cat likes smooth surfaces, try adding tiles or similar materials to the bottom of the box. Your cat may like the box better with an altered surface.
- Purchase the correct number of litter boxes: Generally, you should have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. In multi-cat households, more boxes may be needed.
- Place boxes in quiet spots: Litter boxes should be in low-traffic, quiet areas. For multiple cats, keep each box in a separate location.
- Make it accessible for older cats especially: Keep boxes easy to reach at all times. For older cats or those with mobility issues, avoid obstacles like stairs or high sides.
- Clean the litter box regularly: Campbell says to scoop litter boxes at least twice a day and fully clean them every few weeks.
- Add scent-enriching items: “Cats are extremely scent-orientated,” Campbell says. Give them objects to “scent soak” like blankets, cat trees, toys, and window perches to help your cat feel secure and less stressed.
- Use an enzyme cleaner to quickly clean accidents: When you clean up poop or pee beside the litter box, spray down the spot with an enzymic cleaner. These cleaners break down the scent at a chemical level and prevent your cat from returning to the same spot.
Takeaway
While it can be frustrating if a kitty who previously pottied with ease starts pooping beside the litter box, remember to stay patient and calm.
Luckily, Campbell says your cat hasn’t forgotten how to use the litter box, and they don’t need to be re-trained. Instead, she explains that a medical problem or stress is probably the cause.
So, approach the situation with kindness and curiosity. Remember, our cats are doing their best to communicate with us in the only way they know how!
