Why Won’t My Cat Poop in the Litter Box?
If your cat isn’t pooping in the litter box, it’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian for an evaluation. There are several possible reasons, including changing circumstances, a medical condition, and stress. In addition, a cat with arthritis may have a difficult time perching on the litter substrate.
Ten possible causes
A cat may have difficulty eliminating in the litter box for a number of reasons. First, it may not like the type of litter you use. Secondly, cats can develop a preference for certain types of surfaces. In this case, it’s essential to make these areas less desirable. One way to do this is by installing a motion-activated or bright light in the area. Alternatively, you can cover the area with tin foil or double-sided sticky tape.
Another possible cause of a cat’s lack of use of the litter box is a stressful event that your cat associates with the box. Your cat may associate the box with something uncomfortable, such as being cornered by a person or dog, or hearing a loud noise or a startling smell. These stressful situations may also make your cat fearful of using the litter box. If this is the case, your cat may try to avoid it by going inside quickly and not finishing eliminating.
Another common cause for a cat to poop outside litter box is intestinal problems. If your cat is experiencing cramping or is suffering from constipation, she may begin to associate the litter box with discomfort. This will make her feel unable to use the box and will instead go outside.
Changing circumstances
A change in circumstances can cause a cat to avoid using the litter box. Changing circumstances can include moving to a new place, adding a new family member, or changing daily routines. For some cats, this change may cause increased stress and pain during the elimination process.
Cats may also not use the litter box when they are trapped or scared. If you have a cat that won’t use the litter box, it may have a medical problem that needs to be treated. According to the Humane Society, approximately 10 percent of cats will develop some sort of elimination problem in their lifetime. But in many cases, the problem is treatable.
Changing circumstances can also lead to a cat’s elimination in an unsanitary location. Cats are sensitive to unclean environments and may have accidents when it is difficult to use the litter box. Make sure to clean your litter box daily. If you can’t keep up with frequent cleaning, your cat will find another place to do its business.
Cats often associate the litter box with a stressful event. They might associate the box with a dog or person, or with a loud noise or startling sight. They may run into the box quickly, but leave before finishing eliminating.
Medical issues
Your cat may have some health problems that affect its ability to poop inside the litter box. These conditions can result in your cat straining to poop outside of the litter box, which can be a sign of constipation. You should consult a vet immediately if you suspect that your cat is constipated. This condition is often caused by a gastrointestinal infection, such as a virus or bacterial infection, or a kidney or liver problem. A veterinarian will diagnose the underlying problem, and recommend the best treatment for your cat.
Another reason your cat may not poop in the litter box is because it is suffering from arthritis or degenerative joint disease. This disease can make your cat unable to sit or stand in the litter box, and it can also cause your cat to poop on the floor. Symptoms of arthritis include pain in the back, which will discourage your cat from using the litter box.
Another possible cause of your cat’s constipation is a lack of water. If your cat is drinking water, you should investigate whether it’s getting enough water. Some of the medications your veterinarian gives will help reduce your cat’s anxiety and stress levels.
Stress
Cats are incredibly sensitive creatures that can become stressed when they have something to worry about. Often, this is the result of life changes that make them anxious, which can make them choose to poop in other places. Things like a new roommate, a new baby, or a new pet can all cause stress for your cat, and it may cause him to go to the bathroom outside the litter box.
If your cat is not using the litter box because of stress, you may want to consider preventing the stressors that cause the behavior. Keeping a predictable routine is a great way to reduce stress. For example, you might want to keep your dog from chasing your cat, or keep doors and windows closed. You can also use synthetic pheromone sprays and diffusers to help ease your cat’s stress.
First, check with your veterinarian. To be sure that there are no physical problems causing your cat to eliminate outside the litter box, your veterinarian may recommend that you hire a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or cat behavior consultant. This professional will help you identify the real cause of your cat’s behavior and help you find a solution.
Stress can cause your cat to poop in the litter box if he is unable to get comfortable while eliminating. If your cat is accustomed to its litter box, try to avoid changing it as soon as possible. Changing its location could also cause your cat to associate the litter box with discomfort.
Changes in routine
Changes to the household routine can make a cat less likely to use the litter box. Cats are sensitive and don’t do well with change. Even the smallest changes can cause stress in a cat. Even moving furniture and changing the location of objects in the home can stress a cat.
Another possibility is a medical condition. While this is uncommon, it is possible for a cat to stop using the litter box due to an underlying medical condition. This condition could affect the cat’s ability to hold off and may cause pain. If your cat is not using the litter box, consult your vet.
Changes to the routine can also cause a cat to poop or pee outside the litter box. Changes in the environment may make the cat feel nervous or stressed, which can cause it to pee or poop outside the litter box. This can also affect older cats who may defecate outside the litter box.
If you move the litter box, make sure to move it gradually, a few inches at a time. If possible, move it to a location where it is quiet and isolated. The box should also be far away from food bowls or areas with high traffic. In some cases, it might be necessary to block the area with a door.
Placement of litter box
If you have a cat, you should consider the best place for the litter box. It should be in a private space away from any area where the cat eats or drinks. Try several different locations to find the one your cat likes best. Don’t move the box too often. If you do, you could end up causing your cat to go out of its box.
When you have more than one cat, you should place the litter boxes in separate rooms. Placing them next to each other may encourage fights and discourage clean-up. Moreover, cats with nervous habits might prefer to use the litter box in an open space. If this is the case, consider buying an extra box to separate your cats.
Changing the location of the cat’s litter box is not an easy task. However, you can do it gradually. Start by moving the box several inches at a time. Then, move it to the new location and make sure your cat is comfortable with the change. Remember that if you move the box too quickly, your cat will start to notice the new location and may not even look for it.
If possible, place the litter box in an area with minimal foot traffic. Avoid placing it near the cat’s food and water bowls. These areas will overwhelm the scent of the litter box, which can make your cat lose appetite.