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Cat Not Using the Litter Box? Causes and Fixes

Grey cat standing beside a clean litter box in a quiet bathroom corner

Short answer: if your cat suddenly starts going outside the litter box, book a vet visit first, because pain, urinary problems, kidney disease, diabetes and other illnesses are common causes. If the vet finds nothing, the fix is usually in the set-up: enough boxes, the right size, a quiet place, unscented litter and frequent cleaning. Never punish the cat.

Rule out a medical cause first

Cornell Feline Health Center lists urinary tract inflammation, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, digestive problems and age-related conditions affecting mobility or cognition among the medical causes of litter box problems. Diseases that increase thirst and urination are common culprits, and as Cornell puts it, cats with medical conditions may not always act sick. Cats Protection (UK) likewise advises a vet visit first when toileting outside the tray starts suddenly.

Straining, frequent trips with little result or blood in the urine are urgent; read our guide to cats straining to pee straight away. For older cats, see also our article on chronic kidney disease.

How many boxes, and where?

  • Number: one box per cat, plus one extra (Cornell and Cats Protection agree). Some cats will not use the same tray for urine and faeces.
  • Spread them out: use different rooms or floors. Cats Protection warns against lining trays up in a row, as the cat may see them as a single tray.
  • Quiet and private: away from washing machines, doorways, corridors and cat flaps (Cats Protection), and away from food, water and beds.
  • Easy to reach: avoid placing the only box up or down stairs for a cat that struggles with steps.

Size, style and litter

  • Size: big enough for the cat to turn around. Large or overweight cats need bigger boxes; kittens and elderly or stiff cats need low sides.
  • Covered or open: Cornell notes that most cats prefer uncovered boxes with a clear view and more than one exit. Cats Protection says nervous cats may like a hood, but the flap should be removed.
  • Litter type: Cornell reports that most cats prefer unscented, finer-textured litter about 1 to 2 inches deep. Cats Protection suggests keeping the litter your cat used as a kitten if you know it, and about 3 cm depth.
  • Changing brand: mix the new litter into the old gradually.
  • Liners: Cats Protection advises against liners, as cats often dislike them.

Keep it clean

Cats Protection recommends removing urine and faeces twice a day, since some cats will not use a dirty tray, and washing the tray weekly with hot soapy water or a cat-safe spray; hooded trays may need cleaning more often because they trap odours. Cornell suggests scooping at least daily and cleaning the box periodically with gentle detergent. Replace boxes that are cracked or hold odour.

For accidents, clean soon with an odour-neutralising product. Cornell warns against ammonia- or vinegar-based cleaners because they smell like urine. Cats Protection suggests a cat-safe cleaner, or a warm 10% biological washing powder solution after a patch test.

Common behaviour causes

  • Dislike of the box, litter or location: try another litter or move the box. Cornell suggests moving it a few inches a day, going back to the last reliable spot if the cat stops using it.
  • Stress: new pets, new people, house moves or a cat outside the window can all trigger spraying or accidents. If you have recently brought home another cat, see how to introduce a new cat to your home.
  • Spraying: Cornell says to have the cat neutered if it is not, remove triggers such as outdoor cats seen through windows, reduce stress and boredom, and separate cats that are feuding. Synthetic pheromones may help.
  • Boredom and low activity: more play and enrichment help; see 7 enrichment activities to keep your Turkish Van happy.

Older cats

Cats Protection recommends low-sided trays, extra trays around the home, a night light near the tray, and checking trays more often because older cats need to go more frequently. If a cat seems to forget its toilet training, it says this can be a sign of dementia and should be checked by a vet. Our guide to caring for a senior cat has more on age-related changes.

What not to do

  • Never punish the cat, hit it or rub its face in waste. Both Cornell and Cats Protection say this is ineffective, and Cornell adds that it can worsen anxiety.
  • Do not use strong-smelling cleaners on or near the box.
  • Do not wait. Cornell advises acting quickly because the habit becomes harder to break the longer it continues.

In stubborn cases, Cornell says a veterinary behaviourist can help, and that medication should only be used alongside environment changes under veterinary monitoring.

Quick checklist

  • Vet check first, especially if it started suddenly.
  • One box per cat plus one, in quiet, separate spots.
  • Big enough, low sides if needed, unscented fine litter.
  • Scoop daily or twice daily; wash weekly.
  • Reduce stress, add play, and never punish.

Keep reading

Sources

Further reading

Reminder: Kittyslovers (The Best Kitty Corner) is an independent blog. Our authors are not veterinarians and this article has not been reviewed by a veterinary professional. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your cat's health, diet, supplements and medication. Found an error? Let us know.