Why Does My Cat Not Use Their Litter Box?

One of the biggest pros about having a cat as a pet is you don't have to train them to use a litter box. Usually, you just put out a litter tray somewhere quiet and let nature do its business. But what do you do if your cat refuses to use their litter box? 

It's a surprisingly common problem. The ASPCA estimates 10% of cats have issues using their litter trays, and some refuse to use them together. Here's a look at why cats won't use their litter trays, how to encourage your cat to use their litter, and other frequently asked questions.

A cat's use of a litter box is instinctual. They associate dirt and sand with the best place to go to the bathroom. While you might think mother cats teach kittens to use a litter tray, this isn't the case. Kittens will seek out dirt, sand, and other loose material to eliminate in without being shown how to do so by their mothers. 

However, litter trays are more complex for cats than they first seem. Several environmental factors can put your cat off using their litter tray — sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently. Unfortunately, the more your cat doesn't use a litter tray, the more likely they will continue the behavior pattern. 

Common factors which can affect your cat using their litter tray include:

• The litter tray isn't clean
• Your cat doesn't like the type of litter
• There aren't enough litter trays per cat
• Your cat doesn't like their litter box location
• A recent change in their environment
• The shape of their litter box
• Age-related issues

Age is a factor in cats not using a litter tray. Kittens and young cats who have grown up without a litter tray may need to be trained to use a litter box. Additionally, older cats used to doing their business in the great outdoors will need help adjusting to a litter tray.  

Underlying health problems are another cause of cats refusing to use their litter. Other common signs your cat might be ill or injured include unusual hiding, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, urine spraying, change in appetite, and increased vocalization. 

It's time to make a vet appointment if your cat refuses to use their litter tray and shows other signs of bad health. But if your cat seems in generally good health and has suddenly stopped using their litter, try changing their environment before rushing off to your vet. 

As mentioned, not using a litter box is reasonably common among cats and may be solved with a few subtle changes to their environment.

Environmental reasons are the common cause of cats not using their litter. If any of the following issues don't solve your cat's litter issues, they may require additional training or a trip to the vet.

Dirty litter

First, you'll want to ensure your cat's litter is scooped and cleaned out regularly. Cats are much less likely to use a dirty litter box and are more likely to do their business elsewhere. Aim to scoop poop and clumps from your cat's litter daily and change their litter at least once a week. 

Type of litter

Cats can be picky and sometimes don't like the texture or smell of a type of litter. This could be the issue if you've suddenly changed to a new litter brand. Try swapping your cat onto a new type of litter a couple of times to see if it remedies the situation. 

Lack of litter boxes

Ensure you have extra litter boxes if you have multiple cats in your home. Cats are territorial animals and don't like any unwelcome surprises in their litter tray. As a rule of thumb, you should have one litter tray per cat plus one extra. For example, you should have four litter boxes if you have three cats.

Location of litter box

Location, location, location is all important when placing a litter box. Cats get easily stressed by lots of noise and foot traffic, so put their litter box where they can do their business peacefully. A spare room or the corner of a quiet bathroom are excellent spots for a litter tray. 

Shape and size of litter box

The shape of a litter tray can be off putting for cats. A cat's litter should be at least one or two inches deep. They should also have enough space to stand up and turn around. Some cats value their privacy and prefer covered litter boxes. Litter tray liners can put cats off using their trays. Consider removing any liners to see if this resolves the problem. 

Environmental changes

Recently moving house or bringing a new pet into your home can also adversely affect your cat's bathroom habits. Stress and anxiety can cause cats to eliminate outside of their litter. For some cats, it's just a case of adjusting. Scent diffusers and giving your cat a safe space to nest can help reduce anxiety over environmental changes.

What medical conditions affect cats using their litter tray?

Several minor and life-threatening medical conditions can affect your cat using their litter box. In fact, some medical conditions, like urinary tract infections (UTIs), can be caused by dirty litter trays and may affect your cat's continence. 

Common medical conditions which may cause your cat not to use their litter tray include feline interstitial cystitis, kidney stones, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease. Take your cat to a vet as soon as possible if you're concerned about their health. 

What should I avoid doing to encourage my cat to use their litter?

While being annoyed at your cat eliminating outside of their litter is understandable, you shouldn't use negative reinforcement. 

Scolding or shouting at your cat will cause them to become more stressed and untrusting, which may worsen the problem. You should avoid cleaning up your cat's urine with ammonia-based cleaners. Cat urine contains high ammonia levels and may only encourage your cat to go again in the same spot. 

Can my cat's diet affect them using their litter tray?

Your cat's diet can affect them using their litter tray. Certainly, a lack of high water content in their food can cause medical issues such as kidney stones. A balanced diet means your cat is less likely to develop medical conditions like diabetes or liver disease. Your cat may also have trouble accessing their litter box if they're obese or severely overweight.

Around 1 in 10 cats experience issues with their litter tray during their lifetime. Environmental factors such as the cleanliness of the litter tray, the type of litter, and the placement of the litter are among the most common reasons cats won't use their litter trays. 

Age and health are other common factors affecting a cat's litter tray use. Training may be necessary for cats that have grown up without a litter tray. You should take your cat to the vet if they persist in eliminating outside their litter tray and environmental factors aren't the cause. 

Got more questions about your cat's bathroom habits? Chat with a veterinary professional today to get the lowdown on why your cat won't use their litter tray.