Why do cats sometimes sleep in their litter boxes?

Question

The other night, my cat slept in her litter box the entire night. Why is that? And sometimes she will go in her litter box, but she doesn't have to use the bathroom, she just moves the litter around. Is she just redecorating or what?

I don't think she has a UTI... she drinks a lot of water and pees often. She is a very quirky cat, so I just figured it was her being weird.

I honestly did not think this was a serious problem- I have seen cats sleep in their boxes before. But everyone seems pretty concerned. Maybe I WILL consider taking her to the vet.

Also, she is an indoor only cat.

And she went to the vet about 2 weeks ago for a regular check up and everything was fine- that is not to say that she hasn't come down with something since then.

She is 3 years old and we just adopted her in January from a shelter.

Answer 1

That's not normal.
Maybe it's the litter you're using, maybe she has a urinary tract infection, who knows. I would watch how often she goes and how much she drinks. Is she allowed outside? I have heard of 'inside only' cats going ga-ga over litter collected from outside such as sand, as it 'smells' exciting. Maybe she's pining for outside...
Edit:
You said you recently got her from the kennels? That most likely explains it. It may have been the coolest place to sleep, or the cleanest or even just the fact is was, or she made it, HER little box. Cats love to sleep in baskets or boxes, so it could mean this was the best option to her. She's just settling in, once she finds a suitable alternative she will go sleep elsewhere. Give her an alternative basket or box and initially set it up within the same room. It also explains the moving of the litter, once dirty she doesn't really want to sleep on it.
Good luck, I'm sure she'll bring you lots of joy.

Answer 2

Cat Sleeping In Litter Box

Answer 3

Although it is pretty yucky, I think it is normal. Cats use their waste to not only relieve themselves, but also mark or hide territory. Since it's a fairly young cat, he's probably comfortable in the litter box, feels at home maybe? I would suggest moving the litter box to another spot. Make sure, of course, it knows where. If that doesn't alleviate it, I would change the type of litter you use. It could be that it likes the scent of something in it? Like nostalgia?? Who knows, but I know that with three cats, they tend to bunk up in a certain spot for a week or a few, then they abandon it all together. So, if the cat doesn't stop in a few weeks, maybe try the above suggestions. Good Luck!

Answer 4

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RE:
Why do cats sometimes sleep in their litter boxes?
The other night, my cat slept in her litter box the entire night. Why is that? And sometimes she will go in her litter box, but she doesn't have to use the bathroom, she just moves the litter around. Is she just redecorating or what?

Answer 5

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LOL - cats are weird and that's why I love them. I used to foster kittens and take them on adoption day to a pet store. Some of them got really scared and "hid" in the litter box. Recently, I got a new litter box and put Cat Attract litter in it. Well, it sure worked and one of my cats rolled around in it and lay there for awhile. They probably like the texture, and maybe even the cat smell. Cats are fastidious about cleaning but "clean" may not mean the same thing to them as it does to us. I've noticed that my most insecure cat will sometimes pee or spray on "her" favorite blankets and continue to lie in them after the pee dries and it's just a faint smell (assuming I haven't caught on and washed it). Get a kitty house of some kind - anything enclosed with a nice fleece blanket, put some catnip in it, and see if he responds to it. Is he shy?

Answer 6

She might have a health problem that make sher feel pain during urination so she goes in there, tries, realizes it hurts to much, and gives up. Most cats also won't sleep in their litter box unless something is wrong.

I think you should get her checked out by a vet.

Answer 7

most of the time, (usually happens in petshops which is non air conditioned) the cat sleeps in its litter box because its more cooling. the litter sand are usually made of clay, therefore, it is cooling ...

and if she moves the litter around, probably the litter has been there too long of a time, and i think its time for you to change it..... do remember to put the litter box out under the sun everyday so there wont be any bacteria..

Answer 8

it could mean she is sick, but probably not. Have you ever been to petsmart and seen the cats there? Every single one is asleep in it's litterbox. Granted, there isn't any room in those cages, but they could sleep in the beds they have in there. Some cats just like sleeping in there. Mine doesn't sleep in his own litterbox, but every night, he curls up in my rabbits litter box, he really likes the hay in there.
Sometimes, if a cat feels like the box still smells, she will try to bury it again later. I have 3, and if one doesn't cover it up all the way, and another walks by, he will go and re-bury it.

Answer 9

OK here is the scoop. hah get it scoop. well i foster cats for the last 5 years and i have had many of cats that do this. They go it the litter and just mess around in it. Well it is ok... Dogs like to sleep in their kennels. they think of them as their area of protection. The same thing with cats. Plus sometimes cats like sleeping in smaller area then normal. My 16lbs. cat try to sleep in my purse. Dont ask me why but she does. Dont worry about it. If they things changes and she does not go to the bathroom at all then i would sudjust taking her to the vet.

Answer 10

My cats also get into the litterbox and "redecorate" from time to time. I think they're just checking things out, making sure everything is the way they left it. I think it may have to do with the fact that I have three cats, so there are multiple cat smells in there that they can climb in and sniff around.