Why is my cat suddenly not using the litter box?

Question

My cat has been finding differant spots around the house instead of the litter box. How can I put a stop to this?

Answer 1

Has anything changed in your house recently?

different food
different litter
different litter box location
different detergent
different fabric softener
new paint
new furniture
new carpet
new pet
missing pet
have you recently had a fellow pet owner over
your cat is not altered and is now marking territory

Something changed. Maybe you don't clean the box enough...or maybe you clean it too often and the cat does not have a quiet moment to go.

Read the pdf file linked below for an intricate, detailed discussion, of why your cat may have decided to no longer frequent the litter box.

Answer 2

I am sure you keep your litter box clean, otherwise this is one reason your cat won't go in the box. Another thing is if it is not easily accessable to your cat, he/she will find another spot to go. If a new pet comes into the house your cat will also do this. Make sure you get the smell out because if you don't your cat will smell the scent and continue to go there. I had the same problem with my cat. Have you changed cat litter? If so, go back to using the original litter before your cat starting messing in the house. Some cats do not like or may be allergic to different types of litter. This is another way a cat will show you. Good luck

Answer 3

My cat was doing this, except she picked a place in a corner of my living room for her duties.
I had the little box in the basement, and she had decided she didn't like it down there. I moved it up to the top of my stairs, starting using the clumping litter so it would be clean all the time..and now she's using it all over again.
And is your cat spayed or neutered? Cats that are fixed aren't as likely to go all over the house.
Also, is there something bothering her at her box? Another cat? A dog? Or did you recently get another animal? Some cats won't share their litter boxes with other cats.

Answer 4

when my cat did this she had a uti and the vet said the cat thinks the litter box is what is making her hurt so she will keep trying 2 find a place where it doesnt hurt 2 pee

Answer 5

Cats pee in different spots if you move there litter box. Or it could just be they dont like where you got it.

Answer 6

If my King Henry or my Princess Grace suddenly stops using their litter box, I have to either;

1 move it
2 clean it
3 check it to see if something strange has fallen in to it
4 get a new kind of litter
5 check their water and food
6 see if one of them isn't feeling well, it's a means of attention getting

I have done all 6 at one time or another and it has worked.

Answer 7

did you change the brand of litter?
were you around another cat lately?has someone else who owns a cat been in your house?

my cat does this when our son visits he has 4 cats..my cats don't know them so they act up when they smell other cats where he sits...
plus change the litter often everyday it is well worth it..

Answer 8

it can be because the litter box is to dirty and needs cleaned or your cat if female could be pregant or might have a blatter infection last two would take to vet to have checked out

Answer 9

change cat litter more often....if it has a lid take it off, he may not like it. try moving it to another spot. Vinegar sprayed in the places you dont want him using may deter him from using it in the future.

Answer 10

Maybe you're not cleaning the litter box often enough.