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Why manage litter box issues

  • Hygiene and Health

    Unaddressed litter box problems can lead to unsanitary living conditions, increasing the risk of diseases for both you and your cat. Regular litter box management helps maintain a clean and healthy environment

  • Quality of Life

    A cat with consistent litter box habits is likely to be happier and more content, fostering a better relationship between you and your cat

  • Behavioral Concerns

    Litter box problems often signal underlying behavioral or medical issues. Addressing these issues can prevent further behavioral problems and improve your cat's overall well-being

"Litter Box Issues"

Why cats eliminate outside of the litter box

• Health issues. Health issues associated with not using the litter box include bladder stones, diabetes, urinary tract infections, and kidney disease.


• Stress related to a change in their environment or routine.  Cats are very sensitive to change. As a result, even a change in the position of your couch or cat’s feeding time can cause stress and lead to litter box issues.


• The presence of other animals. Spraying can occur if other animals are in your cat’s space. This is because your cat may be feeling threatened or stressed by their presence.


• A negative reaction to the litter. Many cats have strong preferences related to the litter that’s in their litter box. If they don’t like the texture or scent, they won’t use their litter box.


• A dirty litter box. The smell of old urine can trigger a negative response in your cat. When this happens, they’ll often resort to going to the bathroom in another area of your home.


• The litter box is in the wrong location. If your cat is uncomfortable with the location of the litter box, they won’t want to go.


• There aren’t enough litter box options. If your cat doesn’t like their litter box for whatever reason, and they don’t have multiple options, they may choose to go in another area of your home.

How to encourage your cat to use the litter box

Once you have ruled out a medical issue, there are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to use the litter box:


• Use an uncovered litter box and scoop out the litter box daily. Also change the litter out completely every two weeks and clean the litter box with an enzymatic cleanser. If accidents do occur, use an enzymatic cleanser to remove the smell. This way your cat will be less likely to return to that spot in the future.


• Increase the number of available litter boxes. You should have one, plus an extra, for every cat in your home.


• Move your cat’s litter boxes to a low traffic, easily accessible, area in your home. Or, if your cat is going to the bathroom in the same place consistently, consider moving the litter box to that area. If that’s not an option, place your cat’s food and water in that spot as they won’t want to go to the bathroom where they eat.


• Try different types of litter. To do this, grab two litter boxes. Fill one with litter type A and fill the other with litter type B. Place the boxes beside one another and let your cat show you which type of litter they prefer.