Cats are fastidious creatures who typically prefer to use a litter box for their bathroom needs. However, sometimes they may start pooping on the floor, which can be a frustrating and unpleasant issue for pet owners. If you’re wondering why your cat is choosing the floor over their litter box, there could be a variety of reasons.
Some common causes of feline bathroom problems include health issues, changes in the cat’s environment, or litter box aversion. In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons why a cat may start pooping on the floor and provide tips on how to resolve the issue.
Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or have been a cat parent for years, this guide will help you understand why your feline friend is acting out and how to get them back on track.
Where Should Cats Poop?
When it comes to where your cat should be pooping, your cat should be using a litter box for elimination. A litter box provides a designated area for cats to use the bathroom, which helps keep the rest of the house clean and odor-free.
There are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a litter box, and it’s important to consider the size of your cat, their personal preferences, and the amount of space you have available in your home before you decide on which litter box you’re going to buy.
In addition to those basic factors, most cats also prefer a covered litter box, which provides privacy and helps contain odors, and some cats may also prefer a specific type of litter, such as clay or clumping litter. It’s also important to keep the litter box clean, as cats may avoid using a dirty or cluttered box.
Overall, the best place for a cat’s litter box is in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home, where the cat can have easy access to it, while keeping it away from their food and water dishes.
Why Is My Cat Pooping On The Floor?
So whether you’ve invested in a new litter box for your cat, but it is continuing to poop on the floor, or, if your cat has suddenly begun to poop on the floor, then you might be wondering why this might be the case. There are a number of different reasons why your cat might have decided to start pooping on the floor, which includes:
- Health issues: Urinary tract infections, digestive problems, or other health issues can cause a cat to eliminate outside of the litter box. Pain or discomfort while using the litter box may cause them to associate the litter box with a negative experience and choose the floor instead.
- Dirty litter box: If the litter box is not cleaned regularly or if the litter is too dirty, a cat may avoid using it and opt for the floor instead. Cats are clean creatures who prefer a clean environment, so it’s important to keep the litter box clean and fresh.
- Litter box aversion: Some cats may develop a dislike for their litter box due to its location, type of litter, or lack of privacy. For example, if the litter box is in a noisy or high-traffic area, the cat may feel exposed and vulnerable while using it, leading them to eliminate elsewhere.
- Changes in the environment: Moving to a new home, adding a new pet or family member, or other changes to the cat’s environment can cause stress and lead to elimination outside of the litter box. Cats may also become overwhelmed by changes in their routine, such as a new work schedule or changes to their feeding times.
- Litter box size or type: If the litter box is too small, too shallow, or if the cat does not like the type of litter, they may avoid using it. Some cats may prefer a covered litter box, while others may prefer an uncovered box. Experimenting with different types of litter and litter boxes can help you find what works best for your cat.
- Aging or mobility issues: Older cats or cats with mobility problems may have difficulty accessing their litter box and may choose to eliminate on the floor instead. In these cases, it may be necessary to provide a litter box with lower sides or to provide a ramp to help the cat get in and out of the box.
Remember, every cat is different, so there could be any number of different causes for your cat opting to avoid their litter box in favor of the floor, so always consult your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your cat’s behavior.
How To Stop Your Cat Pooping On The Floor?
Need your cat to stop pooping on the floor? Try out some of these solutions:
- Provide a clean litter box: Make sure the litter box is cleaned regularly and filled with fresh, unscented litter. Some cats prefer larger or uncovered boxes, while others prefer smaller or covered boxes. Experiment to see what your cat prefers.
- Watch your cat’s diet: Some cats may have elimination issues if they are eating the wrong type of food or if their food isn’t being digested properly. Consult with your veterinarian about the best type of food for your cat.
- Reduce stress: Cats may start eliminating outside of the litter box if they are stressed or feel threatened in any way. Try to identify and address the source of the stress.
- Provide incentives: You can try to encourage your cat to use the litter box by placing a treat or toy near the box.
- Use positive reinforcement: When you catch your cat using the litter box, be sure to praise and reward them with treats or toys.
Final Words
We hope that this guide has helped, and that your cat stops pooping on the floor soon!
Author
Evelyn Baxter, Writer and Cat Expert
Evelyn is an animal advocate, cat expert, and the proud mom of 4 rescue cats and dogs, Sugar, a beautiful tabby; Beebee, a tiny black, fluffy beauty; Chewy, a Lab crossed with something unknown, and Buster, a big, bouncy Boxer cross. Evelyn has studied animal care with a specialty in felines at her local shelter and now works with her husband on their Portland farm. She loves all animals and wants to share the animal knowledge she has been lucky enough to gain together with knowledge from other experts with cat parents across the world.
