Why Is My Cat Pooping on the Floor? 5 Vet-Approved Reasons

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Veterinarian, BVSc MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Felines are incredibly fastidious when it comes to cleanliness, which is why it can be disconcerting if they suddenly start pooping outside of their litter box. This unwanted behavior will have any cat owner scratching their heads for answers!

Contrary to popular belief, a cat is not going to defecate out of their litter box merely out of spite. That said, if your feline companion’s behavioral or medical needs aren’t being met, improper elimination may be their way of indicating that something is wrong.

In this article, we explore common reasons that your cat may suddenly be using your floor as a litter box and give you tips on how to remedy this upsetting behavior—and restore your home’s fresh smell!

The 5 Reasons Why Your Cat is Pooping on the Floor

1. Health Issues

There may be a medical reason that your cat has suddenly begun relieving themselves on the floor. While some reasons are linked to urinary health issues—such as a urinary tract infection, diabetes, or kidney disease—others are more specifically associated with problems surrounding defecation.

One of the first things to consider when your feline starts pooping outside the tray is the poop itself. It may not be a topic we are particularly fond of discussing, but the color, size and consistency of the stool can tell us a lot about what could be causing the problem, so take note – and photos – in case you need to see your vet.

Common medical conditions that can explain unusual soiling behavior in cats are:

Arthritis: Joint pain caused by feline arthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) can cause cats to avoid their litter box, especially if the sides of the box are high. Senior cats are more likely to suffer from this painful condition. Additionally, if getting into the appropriate “pooping position” is painful for your cat, they may delay going to the tray for as long as possible, and accidents are more likely to occur.
Digestive Tract Problems: Constipation can make defecation more painful for your cat, while diarrhea may increase the urgency to eliminate. These issues affect their control over defecation, causing them to relieve themselves where they shouldn’t.
Cognitive Dysfunction: Diseases that interfere with a cat’s cognitive functions can influence their ability to get to the litter box on time. Cognitive dysfunction occurs most often in cats 10 years of age and older, similar to senile dementia. It can also occur with advanced liver or kidney disease, as waste products build up in the bloodstream and have a toxic effect on brain function. In addition to urinating and defecating out of the litter box, these include wandering away from home and indifference to food and water, among others.

These are just a few of the possible health issues that your cat may suffer from, but there may be others or even a combination of specific medical conditions. Either way, if your cat suddenly stops using their litter box, your first step is to take them to the vet to rule out any possible health issues. If they get a clean bill of health, you can then consider the following possible explanations.

veterinarian is making a check up of a adult maine coon cat — Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock

2. Unclean Litter Box

Your feline companion’s personal “toilet” should be kept as pristine as possible to avoid unpleasant surprises. It’s quite common—and understandable—for cats to choose another place to do their business if their litter box doesn’t meet their cleanliness and odor standards.

3. Type of Litter

The type of litter that you use can affect your kitty’s decision to relieve themselves in the right place. So, that new brand of litter that you just bought might have a heavenly lavender scent, but it may be way too strong for your furry baby’s delicate nose. The litter’s texture can also be unpleasant for your cat’s paws or generate too much dust.

cat litter box cleaning — Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

4. Litter Box Location

The location of the litter box is not a trivial detail. Indeed, if it is located in a busy area of your home, it is likely that your cat will be reluctant to use it. After all, they are also entitled to their privacy! Or could you imagine sitting down for a peaceful poop when suddenly the washing machine starts its noisy cycle? That might be a bit off-putting!

5. Stress or Anxiety

Cats are creatures of habit, so they may temporarily start eliminating outside of their litter box when they feel stressed or upset about something. Changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home, introducing new pets, or having disruptions in their routine, can trigger this behavior. Try to identify potential sources of stress that could be causing your cat to behave in unusual ways. Even the arrival of a new cat in the neighborhood can trigger this sort of response, although inappropriate urination is more common in this sort of scenario.

maine coon on top entry litter box — Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

How to Stop Your Cat From Pooping Outside the Litter Box

Most of the time, litter box problems are temporary. Still, there are a few things that you can do to improve the situation.

Check With Your Vet

The only way to rule out a medical issue is by having a health check. Depending on the severity of the problem, or the appearance of the poop, you might want to do this before trying anything else, or you can try the tips below first:

The Litter Box Commandments

Keep It Clean – Keep the litter box in pristine condition to prevent your tidy cat from deserting it. Remove feces and urine daily, and do a thorough cleaning at least once a week. Discard the old litter entirely, scrub the box with soapy water, and dry it thoroughly before adding a layer of fresh new litter.
Use Good Quality Litter – Choosing a fine (and ideally, odorless) clumping litter is mandatory if you want your cat to use it correctly. You may have to try a few brands before you find the right one, but your efforts will be rewarded with a clean floor and a happy kitty!
Choose the Right Tray – If you have an elderly cat or one with mobility issues, choose a tray that is large and shallow. This will make it easier for cats with joint pain to get inside. Another thing to watch out for is trays with doors – these often make our lives more pleasant, but it traps the urine smell inside, even if there is a ventilation panel. If your cat is avoiding a tray with a door, poke your head inside and see if your eyes water!
Choose the Right Spot – Avoid placing the litter box in tight corners, near noisy appliances, or in high-traffic areas of your home. A quiet, private, easily accessible place will be more inviting to your cat than the noisy family room in the basement! Furthermore, make sure to keep their food and water bowls in a separate room whenever possible.
Follow the 1 + 1 Rule – If you have multiple cats in your household, don’t try to have them share the same box! Have one litter box per feline, plus another box and, if possible, place them in different areas of the home. Some cats, particularly family members or bonded groups, don’t mind sharing, but others will not set foot in a tray used by another cat.

If you’ve followed the commandments and the problem persists or worsens, you should consult your veterinarian. These professionals can provide you with specific advice based on your pet’s individual situation and help you resolve the issue in the best way possible.

young woman cleaning the litter box of her cat — Image Credit: sandyman, Shutterstock

Conclusion

A house-trained kitty that chooses to poop outside of their litter box can be a source of frustration and worry for any cat owner. However, by delving into the possible causes and implementing appropriate solutions, you can create an attractive elimination station and restore normal litter habits.

Remember to consider any potential health issues, assess the litter box setup, and check to see if a change in routine could be causing this unusual behavior. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you should be able to guide your cat back to using their box correctly. Ultimately, this will lead to a happier, cleaner living environment for you and your feline companion.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Tanya Plotnikova, Shutterstock