After using the litter box perfectly for years, your cat starts having issues and relieving itself elsewhere. What gives?

These problems are often incredibly frustrating for owners, especially when the cause is unknown. Though it might seem like a total mystery, there’s usually a reason your cat starts having problems with the litter box. And if you can identify the cause, you’re one step closer to finding a solution.

Possible Cause: Health Issues

A good first step is to rule out health problems that could result in litter box issues. Your cat may be finding it difficult or painful to urinate due to a urinary tract infection, interstitial cystitis, or kidney stones. If that’s the case, addressing the medical issue could completely eliminate the behavior altogether. So before trying anything else, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Possible Cause: Comfort & Cleanliness

Just as most humans like a clean and comfy bathroom, cats are pretty particular about their littler boxes. So here are a few things to consider:

  • The box isn’t cleaned well enough or often enough.
  • There are too few litter boxes for the number of cats. A good rule of thumb is one box for each cat, plus one extra.
  • Your litter box is too small.
  • The box isn’t always accessible. For example, if it’s in the bathroom and people often close that door while showering.
  • Your box has a cover or liner that your cat might not like.
  • There’s too much or not enough litter in the box. There should be 1-2 inches of litter.

If you think any of these might be at the root of your cat’s issues, try changing things and see if that helps.

Possible Cause: Litter Box Changes

Have you recently changed to a different brand of litter, gotten a different style box, or moved the box to a new place in your home? Cats can be pretty resistant to change and they may not like the updates. If  you can, try going back to however the setup was before the issues started.

Possible Cause: Changes at Home

As mentioned above, cats can get a little freaked out about change. Anything from moving house to having a new baby to your new work schedule could be upsetting your cat. And that stress could be manifesting around the litter box. Obviously some of these changes can’t be remedied, but do what you can to make your cat feel comfortable and loved. This could mean spending extra time playing, cuddling and just being around.

Possible Cause: Conflicts between Cats

Some cats may avoid the litter box if they don’t feel safe there due to other cats. If you suspect this may be an issue for your cat, try putting a box in a place where you know they feel safe.

General Tips

Finding the cause of your cat’s litter box issues is often just a process of elimination. So here are some tips you can try as you work to find a situation that helps them get back in the box.

  • Add a new litter box in a new location in the house.
  • Make sure your box is in a place that’s always accessible and away from loud or busy parts of your home.
  • Don’t put food and water bowls near litter boxes.
  • Remove litter box liners and covers.
  • Experiment to find the litter they prefer by putting two different types of litter in side-by-side boxes.
  • Use unscented litter as some cats have an aversion to specific scents.
  • Scoop at least once a day and regularly empty the litter and clean the box.
  • If your cat is regularly relieving themselves in a specific place in your home, put a box there. If you’re not able to do that, put their food, water, and toys there to discourage soiling in that spot.