Many cat parents ask, “Why is my cat pooping on the floor?”. Because they construct and design litter boxes for their cats all the time.
You also may be wondering what is suddenly driving your cat to defecate outside of its litter box abruptly or on a frequent basis. Cats may defecate on the floor for various reasons. However, cats are notoriously cryptic, so getting to the bottom of the issue will take a lot of observation.
Let’s find out more about the article!
Table of Contents
Cat Pooping on the Floor? Here’s Why
There are a few probable causes for your cat pooping outside the litter box, no matter where it is.
1. A smell from the litter box
The type of litter used in the box is a significant factor to consider. It is best to use trash with an odor. Felines are particularly sensitive to smells. Strong scents and fragrances associated with the box may be sufficient to deter your cat from using it because perfumes and other strong odors are primarily designed for humans, not cats.
Additionally, some cats have preferences concerning litter texture. It’s possible that you’ll have to experiment with a few different litters before finding one that your cat loves.
2. The location of the litter box
For some cats, the position of the litter box might be a problem. Owners frequently place litter boxes in areas easy for people to access. While this is wonderful for humans, it may not be so for our cats. Because some cats also need privacy.
On the other hand, if you put it too far away, your cat may become too stressed and not reach the box in time. So, the cat keeps pooping on the floor. As a result, she attempts to keep the box closed, where she spends most of her time.
In conclusion, difficulties may produce such a vexing problem. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the issue. Only then will you be able to take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
3. The litter box is too dirty
Cats are meticulous animals. Many people detest using a filthy litter box, and also, some cats refuse to use it at all. One time, my cat pooped on floor, and I checked the box to find out it was dirty.
Depending on your cat’s habits, a scooping package will be required at least once a day or more regularly. You need to clean a minimum of once weekly and replace all filthy litter with fresh litter.
4. There Aren’t Enough Litter Boxes
You may not have enough litter boxes for the number of cats you have if you have a multi-cat home. The usual guideline is that for every cat you have, you should have an additional litter box.
That means if you have three cats, you need to have four litter boxes, all of which should be well-spaced, clean, and out of the way of the dog. Because of fear or inaccessibility, cats will not utilize a litter box.
5. Your cats might suffer from stress
Stress might cause your cat to do strange things, such as pooping on the floor. Moving to a new house is stressful enough for your cat to stop using the litter box, at least temporarily.
A new pet in the home may generate bathroom issues for your cat and the rest of the family. Even seemingly insignificant environmental changes might have a significant impact on your cat. Changes in your daily routine, changing furnishings, and even modifying your family’s mealtimes may all be stressful for your cat.
Cats may try to relieve tension by peeing or pooping on the floor when they are agitated. If you believe stress is causing your cat’s potty issues, you have to identify the cause of stress and try to eliminate it.
If a new pet is an issue, for example, you should spend daily time engaging with both your cat and the new pet in the same room until they are comfortable with each other’s presence.
6. You bring home a new cat
Cats are difficult to please. Bringing a new cat into the house might result in unwelcome marking as well as cats pooping in your bed, outside litter box, behind the sofa,… You also can check this post to know the easiest way to introduce a new cat to your primary cat.
All new indoor cat introductions should be gradual, and you should frequently consider your prior cat’s requirements, such as providing a haven for your primary cat. Make sure there are enough litter boxes and a safe area to hide.
Outdoor cats who come at night or below the window may be bothering your long-term pet. Your cat may feel compelled to use smell and excrement to define its territory. Your cat is simply doing what they believe is best, which is not what you desire.
7. Cats mark their territory
Suppose there’s a neighborhood cat on the prowl, a new dog in the house, a new infant, or wildlife prowling in the area. Then, your cat could be trying to mark its territory with the smell of its excrement. Wild animals use this approach all the time, so don’t be shocked if your domesticated cat wants to do the same.
8. Medical Problems
- Constipation:
Constipation can occur in cats, and they cannot sense the pressure in their stomach. As a result, when they have the urge to defecate, they cannot detect the location and subsequently locate the appropriate litter box. As a result, cats crapped all over the place.
Your cat will have a strong need to release herself if she is constipated. When she feels the pressure for the first time, she may not have time to find the litter box.
On the other hand, if she cannot defecate for an extended time due to a large amount of food in her stomach, she can empty herself at any time and in any location.
An improper diet most commonly causes constipation in cats. Or the cat isn’t getting enough water in her system. However, some of the meals might induce constipation. So, if your cat isn’t acting right, have a look at her feces.
- Diarrhea:
Nonetheless, when your cat has diarrhea, she cannot manage the pressure in her stomach. Cats are susceptible to this illness. Most of the time, it’s a symptom of another condition or the effect of a poor diet.
If your cat has diarrhea, she’ll defecate wherever since she won’t be able to get to the litter box in time. She occasionally loses her sense of self-awareness and realization. If your cat’s diarrhea lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours, you shouldn’t ignore it. You must visit her as quickly as possible at the doctor’s office.
9. Injuries or pain
Are you sure that your cat can use the litter box on her own? She may end up pooping everywhere if she is in discomfort or has an ailment that prevents her from going to the litter box. In this scenario, you must ensure that she is in good health.
Furthermore, you must ascertain that she is in good health. She might be suffering from a fever or another physiological ailment that prevents her from walking comfortably. That’s why she can’t go to the litter box in the first place.
Cats with leg injuries find it difficult to run and stroll comfortably. If things continue to go this way, she will not reach the box and poop in the proper location.
10. Dementia
Remember that older cats often suffer from dementia due to their age and that their brains are becoming older. Dementia is defined as a temporary loss of memory. As a result, this problem may have an impact on their routines and daily activities.
Because of her dementia, your cat may forget where she typically poops in general. You will see that she is suffering from such a condition if you pay close attention. In this situation, you must take her to the veterinarian as quickly as possible when you see your cat suddenly pooping on floor.
How Can I Get My Cat to Poop in the Litter Box
Once your cats poop outside the litter box, it’s tough to break the behavior. You’ll need to take many measures to break this terrible habit, and you’ll need to keep track of your Cat religiously to do so.
- Add a new box: If your Cat has a negative relationship with the old box, you might want to try a new one. Try a shallow box in another section of the basement if your present packages are deep and covered.
- Clean the problem areas thoroughly: Go around your house and find all of your Cat’s previous accidents and clean them up. If your Cat doesn’t detect the last urine or feces there, they may not decide to urinate there again. So use a cleaner specifically designed for pet urine to clean it thoroughly!
- Increase your Cat’s mental stimulation daily: To make your Cat’s environment more rewarding, learn about feline enrichment. To offer your extra cat places to go, consider adding vertical space, such as a cat tree or wall shelves.
When you’re not around, try leaving interactive toys around. As much as possible, play with your Cat. All of these will make her feel less stressed. Remember that stress is a common cause of litter box problems!
- Clean the boxes more: Many cats refuse to use a litter box. Even if your Cat has always been a trooper when it comes to getting her paws filthy, she may be becoming more demanding as she gets older. Scoop the box at least once a day, if not twice. Also, check this guide to know how often you should change cat litter!
- Consider Getting Assistance: Don’t quit if things aren’t getting better and you’ve reached your limit. Request a referral to a veterinary behaviorist or an applied animal behaviorist from your veterinarian. Having an expert opinion will be well worth the money.
Conclusion
Why is my cat pooping on the floor? There are many reasons for it, yet you need to pay close attention. Many cat owners are likewise concerned when they see their cat keep pooping on the floor. Finding the cause and the best treatment takes more time and patience. Hopefully, this post has made the process a little easier for you.
I am Amy Sawy, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate from the University of Kansas. y husband, Dr. Plummer, and I own a veterinary clinic in Phillipsburg, Kansas. In addition to my professional background, I am a devoted pet owner myself, with a household that includes dogs, rodents, and most notably, cats – a total of five felines in my home.
In 2020, I joined an organization as a professional writer, leveraging my experience and collaborating with my team to deliver the most valuable information for your cat’s care.