How to Stop Your Cat from Going Outside the Litter Box

One of the most common cat behavior problems is not using the litter box. Many cats are given up to shelters for this reason. But usually this problem can be solved quite simply. To keep your furry friend, try these simple alternatives.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the type of litter you are using. Cats are fussy about their litter. Did the cat stop using the box because you changed the brand of cat litter? For a new cat, try different varieties. If the cat is used to living outside, try putting dirt on top of the litter until it gets used to using the box.

2. Make sure the cat has privacy. Don't expect a cat to use a box in a busy, noisy location. A bad experience may turn a cat off to a location--even something as simple as a door that slammed loudly one time when he was in the box. Whatever the reason, it's easier to move the box than convince the cat to change his mind.

3. See whether the cat has any trouble getting in and out of the box, especially with older cats and kittens. The sides may be too high. Also, you may like the type of box with a cover, but your cat might not.

4. Keep the box clean. Cats won't use a dirty box. You need to scoop every day, and the box should be completely emptied and washed once a week.

5. Have enough boxes. If you have more than one cat, you need more than one box. You should have at least as many boxes as cats--and if possible, one extra. This is not only because each box will be cleaner between scooping, but because cats may be territorial about boxes.

Tips & Warnings

• Male cats will spray territorially outside the box. Neutering will most likely solve this problem.
• If your cat is urinating very frequently outside the box--especially if the urine is discolored--this may be a sign of illness. Get it checked by a vet to rule out a medical rather than behavioral cause

[m06d14]

on 4/30/2008 I have 2 cats that are 6 & 7 years old this year.Both are females and get along great.The 7 year old had a few occasions when she was younger where she would urinate outside of her box. We had the vet do a complete exam and didn't find any health concerns except she is overweight. She has recently started soiling outside of the litter box. She has her own box and it is even when its been freshly cleaned.

[caggymist]

on 2/11/2008 I have 2 cats that are both 4 years old this year...had both since they were 8 weeks. The cat we got first is fine with the litter box and always has been, but my other cat hasn't. she does her #2 out side of the litter box... even when its been freshly cleaned. now i know its been four years of picking up after her... its just how its been....she's never gone on a carpet which makes for easy clean-up... i am at my wits end and want to fix her behavioural problem the right way. now i've tried toilet training, 3 litter boxes at once, out of the flow of house traffic, no hoods and all the different kinds of litter!!! what else can i do??

[Alethia]

on 12/5/2007 I was using a great cat litter caller Feline Pine. My kitty started going outside the box until I switched back to regular clumping, also its true that they dont like covered boxes. They like to be free when they go and not cooped up in a box. I noticed mine were not liking having to stoop to go, they like to hover on the edge with the front of there bodies and only have their business end in the box. Yes! too watch for discolored or strong urine, Males especially. We recently had to put our kitty to sleep because he ended up having kidney failure which I initially mistook for bad kitty box behavior. We are still missing him.