If your kitten or cat is peeing outside the litter box, you’re not alone. Litter box aversion is one of cat owners’ most common (and frustrating) issues.
If you’re a new kitten owner, dealing with accidents outside the box can be a headache. Even seasoned cat lovers find it challenging. But don’t worry! There’s always a reason behind this behavior. Once you figure it out, you can fix it.
Why Do Kittens and Cats Avoid the Litter Box?
Let’s go over the most common reasons first and work our way down to the less frequent causes.
1. The Litter Box is Dirty
Cats are clean animals, and a dirty litter box is a big turn-off for them. If the box isn’t scooped daily, your cat will look for a cleaner spot to do their business.
Solution:
- Scoop at least once a day (twice is better!).
- Do a deep clean with mild soap and water weekly.
- Avoid strong-smelling cleaning products, as they can be off-putting to cats.
- Research different types of litter boxes
2. Wrong Type of Litter
Not all litters are created equal, and your cat might be picky about the texture or scent. Some cats dislike scented litters, while others find certain textures uncomfortable on their paws.
Solution:
- Try different types of litter (clay, crystal, pine, paper, etc.) to see what your cat prefers.
- Avoid strong fragrances; unscented is often the safest choice.
- If switching litter types, do it gradually by mixing the new litter in with the old. A sudden change in litter doesn’t go over well with cats.
3. Wrong Litter Box Placement
Where you put the litter box matters. Cats prefer a quiet, accessible location where they won’t be disturbed.
Solution:
- Place the box in a low-traffic area.
- Avoid putting it near food and water dishes.
- If your cat is older, make sure the box is easy to access. Also, if your cat is a kitten, make sure there are no high sides or obstacles in the way.
4. The Box is Too Small or Has the Wrong Design
Kittens and large cats might struggle with a box that’s too small or uncomfortable to use. Some cats also dislike covered boxes because they trap odors inside.
Solution:
- Make sure the box is big enough for your cat to turn around comfortably.
- If using a covered box, try removing the lid to see if your cat prefers an open space.
- Consider a lower-entry box for kittens or senior cats with mobility issues.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Cats are sensitive creatures, and stress can cause them to avoid the litter box. Changes like moving to a new home, introducing a new pet, or encountering loud noises can trigger anxiety. The presence of other pets or even rearranging furniture can also cause stress.
Solution:
- Keep your cat’s routine as consistent as possible.
- Provide a quiet space where they feel safe.
- Try using calming pheromone diffusers like Feliway.
- If you’ve recently moved, bring familiar objects (blankets, toys) to help your cat adjust.
6. Medical Issues
If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a health issue could be the cause. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, kidney disease, and arthritis (especially in older cats) can make litter box use painful.
Solution:
- If your cat is straining, crying while urinating, or going in unusual places, visit the vet ASAP.
- Senior cats may need a box with lower sides to make access easier.
7. Multi-Cat Household Issues
In a home with multiple cats, litter box problems can arise due to competition or bullying. Some Maine Coon cats feel unsafe using the box if another cat is nearby.
Solution:
- Have at least one box per cat, plus one extra (for example, 2 cats = 3 litter boxes).
- Place boxes in different areas of the house to prevent territorial issues.
- If one cat is bullying another, give them separate safe spaces for each.
8. Negative Associations with the Litter Box
If your cat had a bad experience, they might associate the litter box with discomfort. Such experiences include getting scared while using the box or having a painful UTI.
Solution:
- Clean the soiled areas with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent.
- Try moving the box to a new location to create a fresh start.
- Make the litter box experience positive by giving treats and praise after use.
How to Figure Out What’s Causing the Problem
If your cat is avoiding the litter box, here’s a step-by-step way to troubleshoot:
- Check cleanliness – Make sure you’re scooping and cleaning the box often.
- Try a different litter – Some cats are picky about scent and texture.
- Experiment with litter boxes – Move the box to a new location. Offer uncovered vs. covered.
- Evaluate stress levels – Have there been any big changes in your home?
- Observe for medical issues – If you notice signs of pain, go to the vet.
- Provide multiple boxes – Especially important for multi-cat households.
Final Thoughts
Litter box aversion is frustrating, but it’s almost always fixable! Figure out what’s causing the issue. Make adjustments to help your cat. They will feel comfortable using their box again. Remember, patience is key—your furry friend isn’t doing this out of spite. They just need a little help getting back on track.
Here are more tips that will help you understand and help your Maine Coon cat.
Have you dealt with litter box issues before? Let us know what worked for you in the comments below!
