Why does my cat poop outside the litter box even when it's clean?

Hi, most issues with the litter tray are related to having a litter that it is too small or not cleaned as frequently enough. Apart from getting a bigger tray you could try adding some leaves and dirt to make it look more natural, also make sure that it is a place where she feels safe when going and can’t be disturbed when “performing” :-) hope this helps !

I recommend you get her an extra tray - many cats will not reuse a tray once it is wet/dirty. Placing the new tray in the bathroom (or tub) until she accepts it or closing the bathroom door to prevent access should help to create new toilet habits which are more acceptable!

Inappropriate elimination in cats is often a behavioral problem rather than a medical problem, so the first step is to have him seen by your vet to eliminate any kind of illness or condition as a cause for his defecating outside the box. Once medical issues are ruled out, take a look at other explanations. Has there been a lot of activity that wasn't normal? Were you away and your cat was left at home or boarded? Is the litterbox located in a busy area? Has anything happened recently in this area to make him reluctant to use it again? Is there another cat, pet or person that is preventing him from getting to the box? Have you changed it from a hooded to an open box, or vice versa? Have you changed the brand of litter or kind? Is there something about the spot he has chosen to use that is attracting him in some way? Cats dislike disturbances to their routine and may act out to express their dissatisfaction. The litter box may not be big enough. The general rule of thumb is one litter box per cat in the household, plus one. That way each cat can have a place of their own to go in case the box is occupied or another cat has claimed it as territory. They should be scooped daily, if not more often and changed completely weekly washed with soap and water only. You can also offer one kind of litter in one box and another kind in another to see if there is a preference. I don't recommend the crystal kind, it makes a hissing sound when wet that can startle some cats and make them reluctant to use it again. The litter boxes should be located in a quiet, low-traffic area so that the cat can use them in peace. Make sure any other pets or people aren't giving them a hard time around or in the litter box. It may take some investigation and experimentation to find your cat's preference and accommodate him so that everyone is satisfied with the situation. And, when cleaning up pet accidents, don’t use any cleaner containing ammonia. This leaves behind a scent similar to urine

Poor guy. I would first make sure that he does not have a medical problem to speak of. Get his urine tested by your veterinarian to check for urinary crystals or cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). If none of these are present, then you will have to treat Bambi for stress, which is the most likely cause here. Something about your room may be causing Bambi stress. Feliway plug-in diffusers or oral anti-anxiety Zylkene can be purchase at local pet stores or online. If none of that works, then the last resort would be anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your veterinarian. I hope that you are able to get Bambi's litterbox troubles sorted out soon! Best of luck and take care. : )

I'm sorry to hear about this! There are a few possibilities that may be happening. One could be that there is a problem such as pain or discomfort that is causing him to not use the box. If the sides are too tall or too hard to get into it may stop him from being able to climb into the box. However, you may also see urine just outside of the box as well Second, it could be that he is climbing into the box, but is positioning his bottom over the edge on accident, especially if it is right next to the box and he is still urinating in it. Getting a box with taller sides or that is enclosed may help contain his stool and prevent it from falling over the edge. As with any health or behavior issue, a good first step is to schedule a vet visit to rule out any issues that could be causing this as well.

I agree with your doc about an extra litter box or two. I always recommend at least one more than the number of cats. I do not think placing the feces in her box will help at all. It is a good sign that she is urinating in the box. I would be anxious to know what kind of food she is on and the consistency of her feces. Is she constipated or having loose stools, for example. I would start by trying the extra litter boxes and then go from there.

Hello, its always challenging when dogs or cats pee or poop where they should sleep and/or sleep where they should pee or poop. My best recommendation would be to take away the cat box. If you however would prefer if Oliver has a cat box, then maybe you can put his toys, blankets or food inside or near his cat box so that he doesn't associate the cat box as just another litter box. Otherwise, ensure he has at least 2 litter boxes at home at that they are accessible, but have sufficient privacy so that they can go about their business comfortably. Best of luck.