Instead of using the litter box, my cat is going right next to it...any ideas on how to stop this?

Question

It doesnt happen all the time but every few days she has a bowel movement right next to the litter box and sometimes she will urinate there too. I always keep the box clean...i have not switched brand of litter...., she is healthy and there have not been any new pets introduced into the family...please help, i dont want to have to get rid of her. Thanks

Answer 1

She MAY have an infection. Sometimes when they develop a UTI they will do that. I would have her checked first.

Do you think that she is actually missing the box? Or just not stepping over into it? One thing to try -I dont use a regular litter box, but one of the tupperware boxes like you get from walmart. One with high sides on it and bigger than an average litter box. The one I use has sides that are about 1 foot high...it also keeps the litter from tracking out of the box too.


**But if she is not even stepping all the way over into the box, it is most likely an infection.**
I think they relate the pain from the burning uti to the box and dont want it to happen again. They think the box is somehow what caused the pain.
A cat may seem perfectly healthy even if they have a urinary infection. Using outside of the box is one of the most obvious signs.

Answer 2

The litter box may be in an area that the cat doesn't like (even if before the cat was fine with it in that space).... some cat really want privacy when using the box so you could try putting it in another room.....
If the litter box is old the cat may not like the smell of the inside of the box as cats are very sensitive to odors.... and in plastic litter box the smells linger and can become very overpowering.....
If you are concerned I would call the vet and see if they have any suggestions .... maybe take the cat in for a check up just to be safe......

Answer 3

Sounds like your cat may have a bladder infection since you clean the litter box regularly and haven't changed anything with the litter brand etc. The cat will pee outside the box when they have an infection because they associate the pain from peeing inside the box so they go elsewhere. I'd get your cat to the vet to rule out an infection. Good luck!

Answer 4

Sounds like my picky creature. What works for me is a litter pan with shallow sides (in case of old age, arthritis, and obesity) and plain unscented clay, and dump the whole thing every 3 days. If I don't do it every 3 days, the 4th day she will pee in front of it instead of in it. Some cats are very finicky about what they consider "clean", and scoopable litters always leave some urine, and therefore some scent, behind after scooping. I've found that the unscented clay is also cheaper, easier than daily scooping, and smells less. It can be a matter of trial and error to see what her preferences are, some cats like the privacy of a covered box, and some hate that a covered box holds the smell in.

Also only clean your litter boxes with mild soap (like Dove dish soap) and water, NEVER use lysol or pine-sol, the disinfectant in those products is toxic to cats, and they hate ammonia too.

Answer 5

Bigger box? Maybe she can't get a comfy enough position for straining, in the box you have. I had a cat that would still pee over the edge of the most gigantic box I could find, just because he was not very bright I guess.

Or you could try putting the box somewhere where there are walls all around it, and she can't get in along the side - like a small closet or a largish cardboard box with the top and front cut off. I put my cat's box in a broom closet and lined the floor around it with a heavy duty large trash bag so I could just pull out the box and mop off the plastic.

Answer 6

I would have another litter box. You should always have 1 more litter box than you have cats( 1 cat- 2 boxes) Sometimes my cats urinate in one and defecate in the other. Have you checked the possibility of a urinary tract infection?

Answer 7

Don't get rid of her!!! Sometimes they just miss - one of mine did that occasionally and I just got a bigger litter box; it may be that simple, or try putting some of those plastic liner mats around it to give her a bigger surface area. But make be certain that she doesn't have minor bowel issue by asking a vet, if you can't afford of vet, sometimes local shelters and even pet supply stores have clinics and very knowledgeable people you can ask for training tips. Also try the Purina website. Good luck

Answer 8

You can buy a thick clear plastic cover at a hardware store. The kind of plastic that covers table cloths to protect the material.
Your cat at least is going in the right spot.
Female cats are very clean.
As much as you are clean, you may be surprise to know, that your cat is actually as clean as you.
Some female cats won't use the litter box if it has poop in it
and more then a few times it has pee'd in it.
Try to keep the litter box as clean as possible and you will see, your cat won't pee outside the box.

Answer 9

Sometimes if you move the box to where she is going and then gradually move it to where you want it....that will help. Gradually means inches a day...

I did this with a cat and it worked wonders.

Answer 10

1. Get a larger litterbox.

2. Move the box so that it blocks the place she voids at.