“Generally cats play in their litter box because they enjoy a particular type of game and they're struggling to get it elsewhere,” explains Woodnutt. “For instance, a cat might enjoy hiding in the box and pouncing on a passing playmate.
Remember: if your cat occasionally plays in the litter or regularly digs in the litter box, it's perfectly normal, but if the duration of digging and scratching becomes excessive and problematic, reach out to your veterinarian or an applied animal behaviorist.
They might hide in their litter box and pounce on their playmates (or your feet!) as you walk past. Other times, you might see them scratching and digging, which is an important skill for a young cat to master. If your kitten plays in their litter box, chances are, it's normal behaviour and nothing to worry about.
“The smell of feces and urine can attract predators [in the wild], so it would be natural to want to move away from that risk as quickly as possible,” Ferrara says. Zoomies—whether post-litter box or just randomly—are a normal part of being a cat, too. “Cats are predators in every sense,” Ferrara explains.
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.
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. Any medical condition that interferes with a cat's normal urination or defecation behavior can cause litter box problems.
Bathroom Issues
Many cats seem to take a victory lap after using the litter box. Some cats run like crazy after they've had a bowel movement, particularly if it was uncomfortable. "Such discomfort could be caused by infections or inflammatory processes involving the urinary tract, colon or rectum," explains Dr.
Most cats prefer a soft, sandy texture. A cat who scratches in his litter to find the perfect spot to poop and then buries his deposit probably likes the texture of the litter. A cat who perches on the side of the litter box and doesn't bury his poop probably dislikes the texture. The scent of litter is also important.
“Cats will sometimes jump into the litter boxes and often use them while, and right after, their people have scooped them,” says Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behavior consultant. “Cats love clean litter boxes, ones that are freshly scooped and don't smell of excrement.
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.
Just 2-3 inches of litter in the box is the ideal amount for you and your cat. But don't worry, your best bud will most certainly let you know if you're using too much litter. Keep an eye on your feline if you feel they're having a hard time and be sure to to talk to your vet if you have concerns.
Scrub the box every time you change the litter. Use mild dish detergent to clean it, as products with ammonia or citrus oils can turn a cat off, and some cleaning products are toxic to cats.
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.
For the most part, all experts agree…the litter box should be scooped 1-2 times each day. “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,” said By Dr. Stephanie Janeczko in this featured post on Petfinder.
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).
Most cats will pick a finely grained unscented litter much like the sand in a child's sandbox. Also, most prefer litter to be 1.5 inches deep (although kittens and senior cats may prefer shallow litter).
There is also the chance that a choosy cat might prefer one type of litter box (covered/uncovered), a specific litter, or even one placement over another. By providing two litter boxes you can easily identify your cat's preferences and save yourself both from potential discomfort.
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.
Most of the best cat litter brands last around two to three weeks if you're cleaning the tray each day. That applies to non-toxic and low-dust litters designed to absorb high volumes of liquid without releasing odours or creating hygiene problems.
House training
Many cats and kittens will instinctively use a litter box without needing to be taught, because of their instincts to expel bodily waste in dirt or sand.
If she's been covering her poop and suddenly stops, she might have a new health issue. Get her a checkup to make sure she's okay. Remember: if a cat's not covering his poop, he's not trying to be mean or show that he's mad at you. A cat typically doesn't cover his poop because of stress, pain, or litter box problems.
Some cats can make their displeasure at a dirty litter pan quite clear. They might even meow after each time they use it.