Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
As a cat parent, few things are more frustrating and confusing than finding your cat pooping outside the litter box. This behavior is stressful and can leave you wondering, “Why is my cat pooping outside the litter box?”
The most important step in stopping your cat from pooping outside the litter box is identifying the underlying cause. In some cases, it may be a medical issue that requires a vet’s attention. Other times, it’s a sign of stress, environmental discomfort, or dissatisfaction with the litter box itself.
Below, we’ll explore the most common reasons cats poop outside the litter box and practical solutions.
Common Reasons Cats Poop Outside the Litter Box
1. Stress and Anxiety
One common reason for cats pooping outside the litter box is stress. Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment, and even small disruptions can cause anxiety. Common triggers include moving to a new home, the addition of a new pet or baby, or changes in their daily routine.
For example, if you travel frequently and your cat lives with different pet sitters, your kitty may develop anxiety over time. This is a sign that your cat wants more freedom and more space.
Solution: Litter Box Placement
If your cat’s litter box habits have changed following a stressful event, consider adding another litter box because sometimes cats like to pee in one litter box and poop in another.
2. Litter Box Issues
Believe it or not, the litter box itself is one of the most common reasons your cat might be pooping elsewhere. Cats are fastidious creatures, and if their litter box isn’t up to their standards, they’ll find another place to go.
Here are some common litter box-related issues that could cause your cat to go outside of it:
Dirty Litter Box: Cats are very particular about cleanliness. A dirty or smelly litter box can drive them to seek cleaner areas.
Type of Litter: Some cats are sensitive to certain types of litter, whether it’s the texture, scent, or dustiness. If you’ve recently changed brands, this could be the cause.
Litter Box Size and Accessibility: The box may be too small or located in an inconvenient spot. If the sides are too high, especially for older cats, they may find it difficult to climb in.
Location of the Litter Box: Cats prefer privacy but also easy access. If their litter box is in a noisy or hard-to-reach area, they might avoid it.
Solution: Choose the Right Type of Litter Box
Interestingly, cats prefer privacy when they go to the bathroom but still want to have clear sightlines to check their surroundings. Cats are instinctively aware of potential threats or other animals, and this impacts their behavior, even in something as routine as using the litter box. They want a space where they feel safe and in control—somewhere that offers both privacy and visibility.
Litter boxes with high walls but an open top can be a great solution. This setup provides the security of an enclosed space while allowing the cat to see their surroundings, making them feel less vulnerable.
3. Territorial Behavior
Cats are territorial creatures, and if they feel their space is being invaded—whether by another cat, a dog, or even a new piece of furniture—they may start marking their territory. Pooping outside the litter box is one way they can assert their dominance or claim their space.
This is especially common in multi-cat households. If you suspect territorial behavior is the cause, make sure each cat has its own litter box, ideally in different areas of the house, and consider using pheromone diffusers to reduce competition.
4. Behavioral Problems
Sometimes, cats develop negative associations with the litter box. If they had a painful experience, such as constipation or diarrhea, they might start avoiding the box because they associate it with discomfort. Additionally, if your cat has been punished for pooping outside the litter box, they might develop anxiety around using it.
To remedy this, it’s important to create positive associations with the litter box. Make sure it’s always clean, placed in a quiet and private location, and easy for your cat to access. You can also try switching to a different type of litter to see if they prefer a different texture.
5. Medical Issues
One of the first things to consider when your cat starts pooping outside the litter box is whether they’re experiencing a health issue. Conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, or urinary tract infections (UTIs) can make it uncomfortable or even painful for your cat to use the litter box.
Older cats might experience arthritis, making it difficult to climb into a box with high sides. If your cat is pooping outside the litter box and showing other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or changes in appetite, it’s important to consult a vet.
Common health conditions that might lead to this behavior include:
Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues: Constipation, diarrhea, or GI discomfort can cause cats to associate the litter box with pain, making them avoid it.
UTIs or Bladder Problems: While typically associated with urination issues, bladder infections can also cause cats to avoid the litter box.
Arthritis: As cats age, arthritis can make it difficult for them to enter and exit the litter box, especially if it has high sides.
How to Stop Your Cat from Pooping Outside the Litter Box
1. Visit the Vet
If you notice that your cat is pooping outside the litter box, the first step is to get your cat checked out by a veterinarian.
At EverPal, we make this most comfortable for your fur baby by offering same-day virtual visits with vets who bring 30 years of experience. This is often more effective care than going to a clinic because our vet can get a visual view of your litter box setup and provide accurate guidance.
2. Clean the Litter Box Regularly
Make sure your cat’s litter box is always clean. Scoop waste at least once a day and change the litter regularly to keep it fresh. If your cat is especially picky, consider adding an extra litter box in a different location.
3. Provide Multiple Litter Boxes
In multi-cat households, it’s important to have at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra. This prevents competition and territorial disputes over the litter box. Make sure each box is placed in a quiet, accessible location.
4. Try Different Types of Litter
If you’ve recently changed the type of litter you use, your cat might not like the new texture or scent. Experiment with different types of litter to see if there’s one your cat prefers. Many cats like unscented, clumping litter, but every cat is different.
5. Reduce Stress in the Home
If your cat is pooping outside the litter box due to stress or anxiety, take steps to create a calm and predictable environment. This could mean providing a quiet room for your cat, using pheromone diffusers, or increasing playtime to reduce stress. In severe cases, your vet might recommend anti-anxiety medication.
Are You Seeing Your Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box?
We can help! EverPal's Medical Director, Dr. Terry White, brings 40 years of experience and is ready to meet your fur baby same-day and guide you on environmental adjustments and treatment options. Each visit is twice as long as your typical in-office visit, allowing our veterinarian to understand your kitty's unique needs and explain multiple options.
Better vet care with most comfort for your fur baby. Schedule your online vet visit today.
Virtual vet visits are currently available for residents in California. We are more than veterinary telemedicine - diagnostic testing available in San Francisco, Daly City, South San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Mateo and the San Francisco Bay Area. Medications are delivered to your home.
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