Solving Litter Box Problems: What Every Cat Owner Needs to Know

July 1st, 2025

Has your feline friend been avoiding the litter box lately or having frequent accidents? At All About Cats Veterinary Hospital, we understand how frustrating litter box problems can be. We have put together some tips and guidance to help you pinpoint what your cat is trying to tell you and find effective solutions. We are here for you and your furry companion every step of the way.

Schedule a Trip to Your Veterinarian

Changes in litter box habits are sometimes your cat’s way of telling you something’s not quite right. Your furry companion may be dealing with discomfort from urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, urinary blockages, kidney disease, arthritis, or other conditions. Schedule a consultation with our veterinary team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital to rule out any medical concerns that may be the cause of your cat’s behavior.

Make Sure You Have the Right Litter Box Setup

Cats can be particular about their litter box setup. They are instinctively clean creatures, so make sure to scoop daily and clean the box regularly. It’s also important to experiment with different types of litter to find the one just right for your feline friend. Choose a litter box that’s large enough for your cat to move around comfortably and place it in a quiet, low-traffic area away from their food and water bowls. Accessibility and privacy are key!

Consider the Type of Litter Box

While size and location are critical for litter box success, the type you choose can also make all the difference. Get to know your cat’s preferences. Does your cat prefer an open litter box, or is a covered one a better option? If your furry companion is older or has mobility issues, opt for a litter box with low sides for easy access. Avoid automatic self-cleaning boxes if your cat is sensitive to noise or movement.

What If You Have Multiple Cats?

If you have multiple cats, make sure you have a litter box per cat plus one extra. Place the boxes in various locations to provide your feline friends with options. Remember, cats tend to be territorial and may feel stressed when competing for litter box access, so create a private space for each cat to set them up for litter box success. If you live in a multi-story home, make sure to place a litter box on every floor to help avoid accidents.

Address Stress and Environmental Changes

Cats are creatures of habit and can be easily stressed by changes in their environment. Consider if there have been recent household changes that may be unsettling your cat, such as a new family member, moving to a new home, changes in your work schedule, a new noisy neighbor, or even new furniture. Identify any potential stressors and try to minimize them, or provide your feline friend with extra comfort and secure hiding spots. Creating a predictable routine can also help reduce anxiety.

Spay or Neuter Your Cat

If your cat is not spayed or neutered, urinating outside the litter box may simply stem from behavioral issues related to marking their territory. Intact cats, particularly males, tend to spray urine to mark their domain. Spaying or neutering your cat can significantly reduce or eliminate this behavior while also providing numerous health benefits.

Clean Accidents Thoroughly

If your kitty has an accident outside the litter box, clean the area thoroughly. Cats are drawn back to areas that smell like urine, even if you can’t detect it. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to neutralize pet odors. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which may have a similar odor to urine and can backfire by attracting your cat back to the spot. If the accident occurred on fabric, you may need to use a wet vac or repeat the cleaning process multiple times to ensure all traces of the odor are gone.

Trusted Feline Care in Kirkland, WA

Solving litter box problems requires patience and quite a bit of detective work. If you need more help getting to the bottom of your cat’s unwanted litter box behavior, our team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is here to help. We are always happy to provide further guidance and behavioral counseling or recommend a veterinary behaviorist if needed. You can always count on our team for exceptional care for your feline friend because, after all, we are all about cats!