The Litter Box is Too Small for Your Cat Cats that have the desire to scratch and dig, but due to limited space can't position themselves well to dig at the litter, will scratch and dig “around” it instead. Make sure your cat's litter box is big enough that they can easily move around in a circle.
Using the wrong sized litter box.
If your cat's litter box is too small, they may struggle to carry out their normal litter box behaviours, such as burying their waste. Instead, they may scratch at the side of the lid of the box. This may mean you need to switch up your litter box set-up.
Cats who scratch the floor or wall after using the litter box are usually making a comment about the litter box itself and or the litter that is being used. Often the cat box is too small for the cat or there isn't enough litter or there's too much litter in the cat box.
How Big Should the Litter Box Be? In general, bigger is better and many litter boxes are too small. Litter boxes should be 1 ½ times the length of your cat from the nose to the base of the tail. The litter box needs to be large enough to allow your cat to enter, turn around, scratch, and eliminate.
If your cat frequently enters her litter box and seems to produce only small amounts of urine, she may have a urinary tract infection. See a veterinarian to rule out this possible medical problem. Feline interstitial cystitis is a neurological disease that affects a cat's bladder (“cystitis” means inflamed bladder).
Cats can get very territorial over their litter box space because this is a place where they feel vulnerable. Always have enough litter boxes (one more than the number of cats you have) and put them somewhere where your cat will feel safe.
Cats stop using their litter boxes for a variety of reasons, including issues with the box or litter, dissatisfaction with the placement or number of boxes, changes in the environment inside or outside the house (e.g., a new pet in the house, feral cats prowling around outside), and undiagnosed medical conditions.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
Most cats prefer an open litter box. Most cat owners prefer a covered litter box. Covered litter boxes may trap odors and make the human environment smell better but for those reasons they may not be as desirable for the cat. If boxes are not cleaned regularly, the odor may be aversive to them.
On one hand, too much litter in your cat's litter box can cause overflow and spillage problems all over your bathroom floor. On the other hand, too little litter in the box can create smelly and messy poo problems when your cat isn't able to dig enough litter to hide their solid waste.
Litter depth
Most cats won't use litter that's more than about two inches deep. Some long-haired cats prefer less litter and a smooth, slick surface, such as the bottom of the box.
Litter boxes should be scooped at least once or twice a day, and it's even better if you can get to it as soon as your cat has finished his business. There are self-cleaning litter boxes available that use a sensor to tell when a cat has entered and then left the litter box.
Cats tend to scratch their boxes not only to satisfy the natural urge to scratch, but also to mark their territory (with scent glands located in the paws). Chewing fun – Cardboard is also good for chewing and gnawing on the edges.
Does purring mean your cat is happy? In most cases, cats will purr when they are in a relaxed environment, sending out waves of calmness. This may also occur when you stroke them, and if this is the case, your feline friend is feeling happy or sociable. However, cats purr to communicate other emotions and needs, too.
Basements and laundry rooms are popular choices but not actually recommended. Instead, Geller suggests the bedroom. "Your bedroom is a good location for a cat litter box since it's usually a quiet place," she says.
Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues. Some owners prefer a hooded box, but some cats don't like them.
Whatever litter you use, to avoid spreading Toxoplasma and other dangerous organisms, never dump it outside. Place it in a plastic bag, tie it shut, and put it in your regular garbage. A biodegradable bag will give it a better chance to break down in the dump.
If you can, you should aim to replace cat litter at least once per week. However, if you scoop the litter frequently, it is possible to stretch litter changes to once every two weeks. We find that the easiest way to stay on top of litter changes is to schedule it for the same day every week.
A: I wash and reuse the pellets. My cats don't seem to mind. I soak the pellets for a while, empty the water, and soak them again. I do this several times to make sure that they are clean,then put them in an mesh laundry bag and lay it in the sun.
Why do cats eliminate outside the litter box? Your cat may have litter box trouble for any number of reasons, including medical problems, an aversion to the litter box, or a preference for urinating or defecating in places outside the box.
Male, and more rarely female, cats may demonstrate aggression toward other male cats as they approach social maturity between two and four years of age. The first step in addressing this behavior is to neuter or spay all cats involved, as sexual hormones may play an important role in this type of aggression.
Urine marking is also not the same thing as house soiling, or having litter box issues. Cats who urine mark will typically also use the litter box to pee as well. Here's how to tell the difference: Cats that urine mark will urinate mostly on vertical surfaces, though they sometimes mark horizontal surfaces, too.
More frequently, cats try to protect their pet parents from people they consider to be dangerous. Although cats are fierce predators, humans can seem big and scary to some cats. It's instinctual for a cat to defend their territory and yours.