Why Is My Cat Pooping on the Floor?

If you have a cat that has suddenly started pooping on the floor instead of in its litter box, it can be frustrating and confusing. However, there are some common reasons why a cat may stop using its litter box that you can troubleshoot. By making a few changes and providing enough attention, you can often get your cat back to regularly using its box for pooping and peeing. But why is my cat pooping on the floor? Continue to read and let’s learn more.

Problems with the Litter Box

One of the most common reasons a cat starts pooping outside of its litter box has to do with the box itself. Here are some litter box issues that may cause this behavior:

Box is Too Small: Cats need enough room to turn around and dig in a litter box. If your box is too small, it will feel cramped and uncomfortable when they try to poop. Get a bigger cat litter box so they have enough space. Then you can overcome cat pooping on bed.

Box is Too Dirty: Cats are very fastidious creatures and do not like using a dirty litter box. Scoop waste out of the box daily and do a full change of all the litter every 1-2 weeks.

Location Change: If you have recently moved the cat litter box to a different spot, that may be the culprit. Cats like consistency and can get stressed if their box is somewhere new. Put it back in the old spot if possible.

Covered Box Problems: Some cats do not like covered litter boxes because they trap them in odors. If you use this type, try switching to an open-top box.

Box Liner Issues: Similarly, some cats refuse to poop on certain textures like smooth plastic liners in a box. Remove any liners and fill with litter instead if kitty doesn't seem to like it.

Litter Preferences

Litter itself can also be an issue for some fussy felines. Here's how to get the litter right:

Try Different Litters: Experiment with different textures like clumping, pine pellets, crystal, etc. to see if yours prefers something specific. 

Provide Enough Depth: Make sure there are at least 2-3 inches of litter in the box at all times. Some cats don't like shallow litter.

Scoop Frequently: Cats hate dirty boxes. Be diligent about scooping solid waste at least once daily.

Add Litter Deodorizer: Even when scooped, urine and feces odors can linger. Use a litter deodorizer or charcoal filters to help control smells.

How to Prevent Pooping Outside the Litter Box

If you rule out any litter box or litter issues, there could be a medical, behavioral, or stress-related reason your cat is not using its facilities properly. Here are some tips to help train and prevent inappropriate pooping:

Catch Them in the Act: If you catch your cat pooping where it shouldn't, interrupt with a loud noise or spray bottle of water. Then, quickly place the cat in its litter box to reinforce where it should go. Praise lavishly if kitty finishes pooping there.

Clean All Accidents Thoroughly: Use an enzymatic cleaner rather than ammonia-based products to eliminate odors. Cat urine and poop smells will encourage them to go there again if not cleaned properly.

Restrict Access: If certain areas are recurring targets, block them off using baby gates, furniture, or by closing doors. The less access kitty has, the less likely accidents will happen there.

Add More Litter Boxes: Give your cat extra places to poop by placing boxes on each level of your home. Some cats like to have multiple spots to choose from. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to buy an extra cat little box.

Use Litter Box Attractants: Cat-friendly aromas like lavender, chamomile, and lemon oil can lure a cat back into using its box again. Place these smells in and around the litter box.

Try Cat Calming Aids: Pheromone sprays and diffusers mimic cat facial pheromones to reduce stress. Opt for Feliway or ComfortZone which may relax anxious pooping habits.

See the Vet: Rule out medical causes like infections, parasites, diarrhea disorders, bowel disease, arthritis and other conditions that make it hard for a cat to get in and out of a litter box. Medications or therapy might be needed alongside re-training to poop in litter box.

The Right Prevention Plan

Learning why your cat isn’t pooping in its litter box is key to creating an effective prevention plan. Cats that poop in wrong places aren’t doing so out of spite - there’s always an underlying reason. Be patient, troubleshoot all possibilities, and try different re-training tactics until kitty is consistently using the box again.