Why is My Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box? 7 Tips to Stop It.

Last Updated on December 4, 2022 Ashley Camelia

why is my cat pooping outside the litter box

Is your cat going outside the litter box? If your cat is pooping outside the litter box, it can be a frustrating and perplexing problem. Whether it’s just once in a while or all the time, there are several possible reasons why this might be happening.

So, don’t worry, there are many ways to train your cat to poop in the litter box again.  In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons for cats straying from their designated potty spot, and we’ll also provide tips on how to train them to return to the litter box.

So if you’re wondering why is my cat pooping outside the litter box? Read on for some possible answers!

 

Why is My Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box?

There are many reasons why a cat might start pooping outside the litter box. Here are some of the most common ones:

  1. The litter box is dirty or has an unpleasant odor

If the litter box is dirty or smells bad, your cat may start going elsewhere to do her business. Make sure to clean the litter box regularly and keep it free of any foul odors. You can also try using a different type of litter than what your cat is used to, or adding some baking soda to help absorb any bad smells.

  1. There’s not enough room in the litter box

If the litter box is too small, your cat may find it difficult to squat and poop in there comfortably. Make sure to provide your cat with a litter box that has plenty of space, and if necessary, get a bigger one.

  1. The litter box is in an inconvenient location

If the litter box is in a hard-to-reach or inconvenient location, your cat may not want to bother going there. Try moving the litter box to a more accessible spot.

  1. The litter box is being used for other purposes

If the litter box is being used for something else other than peeing and pooping (like being turned into a food dish), your cat may start using other places around the house as her toilet. Make sure the litter box is always exclusively for your cat’s use and keep it in an easily accessible spot.

Let’s see what the vet says about this:

 

  1. There’s something preventing the cat from using the litter box

There could be a physical reason why your cat is avoiding the litter box and pooping elsewhere. Maybe she’s not able to jump into the litter box because of a height difference, or there’s something blocking her way. If you think this might be the case, take your cat to the veterinarian for a check-up.

  1. The cat is stressed or anxious

If your cat is feeling stressed or anxious, she may start avoiding the litter box altogether. This could be due to changes in the home environment, such as a new baby or pet, or because of traumatic events like being abandoned or re-homed.

If you think your cat may be stressed, try to create a calm and relaxing environment for her, and consult your veterinarian for advice.

  1. Health Problems

Finally, some health problems can cause cats to start pooping outside the litter box. Urinary tract infections, diabetes, and intestinal blockages are just a few of the things that could be causing your cat to have trouble using the litter box. If you think your cat may be unwell, take her to the veterinarian for a check-up.

So those are some of the most common reasons why cats might start pooping outside the litter box. How can I get my cat to stop pooping on the floor? Or what can I do to stop my cat from peeing and pooping on the floor?

 

7 Tips to Stop My Cat From Pooping Outside the Litter Box

Now that you know what might be causing your cat to stray from the litter box, let’s take a look at some tips on how to train her to go back to using it.

  1. Keep the litter box clean and free of any foul odors

As we mentioned earlier, one of the most common reasons why cats start pooping outside the litter box is because it’s dirty or smells bad. Make sure to clean the box regularly and keep it free of any unpleasant odors.

  1. Provide your cat with a litter box that has plenty of room

If the litter box is too small, your cat may find it difficult to squat and poop in there comfortably. Make sure to provide your cat with a litter box that has plenty of space, and if necessary, get a bigger one.

  1. Move the litter box to a more accessible location

If the litter box is in a hard-to-reach or inconvenient location, your cat may not want to bother going there. Try moving the litter box to a more accessible spot.

  1. Keep the litter box exclusively for your cat’s use

If the litter box is being used for something else other than peeing and pooping (like being turned into a food dish), your cat may start using other places around the house as her toilet. Make sure the litter box is always exclusively for your cat’s use and keep it in an easily accessible spot.

For some extra tips, check out this video:

  1. Try to create a calm and relaxing environment for your cat

If your cat is feeling stressed or anxious, she may start avoiding the litter box altogether. This could be due to changes in the home environment, such as a new baby or pet, or because of traumatic events like being abandoned or re-homed.

If you think your cat may be stressed, try to create a calm and relaxing environment for her, and consult your veterinarian for advice.

  1. Use a different type of litter than what your cat is used to

If your cat is used to a certain type of litter, but you start using a different kind, she may not like it and start avoiding the box. Try using the same type of litter that your cat is already used to.

  1. Consult your veterinarian

If you think there may be a physical reason why your cat is avoiding the litter box. There could be a physical reason why your cat is avoiding the litter box and pooping elsewhere.
Maybe she’s not able to jump into the litter box because of a height difference, or there’s something blocking her way. If you think this might be the case, take your cat to the veterinarian for a check-up.

So those are some of the most common ways to keep your cat healthy. If you’re experiencing this problem with your cat, try out some of the tips we’ve provided and see if they help get her back on track. And always remember to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

 

Conclusion

Have you ever had to deal with a cat that poops outside the litter box? It can be a frustrating experience, but thankfully there are ways to train your cat and stop them from doing this.

In this blog post, we have answered some questions like Why is my cat suddenly pooping outside the litter box? And why is my cat suddenly not using a litter box?

We’ve outlined some of the most common reasons cats poop outside the litter box and shared tips on how to correct the behavior. We hope you find these tips helpful! If you have any additional questions or would like help training your cat, please leave us a comment below.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Do cats poop on the floor when they are mad? or Do cats poop themselves when scared?

No, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that cats poop on the floor when they are mad. This behavior is usually due to a physical problem or stress in the home environment. Consult your veterinarian if you think this might be the case.

  1. What smells deter cats from pooping?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the smells that deter cats from pooping will vary depending on the individual cat. However, some of the most common smells that deter cats include citrus, ammonia, and peppermint.

  1. How do you use litter attractant?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the way you use litter attractants will vary depending on the individual cat. However, some tips for using litter attractant include sprinkling it over the top of the litter box and/or mixing it in with the litter. You can also try spraying it around the edge of the box.

  1. Why does my indoor cat have diarrhea?

There are a number of reasons why your indoor cat might have diarrhea, such as changes in the home environment, eating new food, or being exposed to a new virus or bacteria. If you’re concerned, consult your veterinarian.

  1. Why does my cat’s poop smell horrible?

There could be a number of reasons why your cat’s poop smells horrible, such as eating a diet that is high in fiber, having parasites, or being infected with a virus or bacteria. If you’re concerned, consult your veterinarian.

  1. Can I put baking soda in cat litter?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the way you use baking soda in cat litter will vary depending on the individual cat. However, some tips for using baking soda include sprinkling it over the top of the litter box and/or mixing it in with the litter. You can also try spraying it around the edge of the box.

  1. Does wet cat food make poop smell worse?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the way wet cat food affects poop smell will vary depending on the individual cat. However, some cats may have a problem with diarrhea if they eat too much wet cat food. If you’re concerned, consult your veterinarian.

  1. Can smelling cat poop make you sick?

No, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that smelling cat poop can make you sick. However, if you are concerned about the smell, you can try using a litter attractant or spraying the poop with a citrus-scented cleaner.

  1. Can you spray Febreze on cat litter?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the way you use Febreze on cat litter will vary depending on the individual cat. However, some tips for using Febreze include spraying it over the top of the litter box and/or mixing it in with the litter. You can also try spraying it around the edge of the box.

  1. How often should you completely change cat litter?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the way you should change cat litter will vary depending on the individual cat. However, a good rule of thumb is to change the litter every two weeks.